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Calendar for the week of Oct. 26

By
Samantha Bravo
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THURS, OCT. 26

COMMUNITY INPUT DURING LVMCOG MEETING

Malibu community members are invited to give their input on the update of the regional Hazard Mitigation Plan at the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (LVMCOG) virtual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. The LVMCOG includes the cities of Malibu, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village. Hazard mitigation plans are typically developed as a regional plan since most hazards cross jurisdictional boundaries. Public involvement is a key requirement, and the goal of the meeting is to get input from the public on ways to reduce the impacts of natural disasters and other hazards in our region. During the meeting, results of a recent Risk Survey will be shared and used as a basis for discussion to review the top hazards that concern residents, what preparedness actions they have taken, and most importantly what additional hazard reduction efforts are needed to better safeguard the community. Meeting ID: 815 7212 5459. Passcode: 284420. Join by phone: (669) 900-6833. For more information, contact Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas at (310) 456-2489, ext. 313 or sduenas@malibucity.org.

THURS, OCT. 26

SHEENA EASTON AT PEPPERDINE

Two-time Grammy Award winner Sheena Easton returns to Smothers Theatre for an evening of music and memories with her hits like “We’ve Got Tonight,” “For Your Eyes Only,” and “Almost Over You” on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. Selling more than 20 million records worldwide, Easton was the first and only artist to have top five records on five major Billboard charts. For more information, visit arts.pepperdine.edu.

THURS, OCT. 26

PEPPERDINE SPEAKER SERIES: RABBI ARI BERMAN 

Join Pepperdine University on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. in Elkins Auditorium for the next installment of the President’s Speaker Series featuring Rabbi Ari Berman, the fifth president of Yeshiva University, as he explores “Challenges and Opportunities of Faith-Based Higher Education Institutions.” For more information, visit engage.pepperdine.edu.

FRI, OCT. 27

GARDENING FOR BIRDS AND BUGS SEMINAR

SMC Malibu is presenting a free seminar, “Gardening for Birds (and Bugs),” with the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This seminar will emphasize how to restore and create bird and insect habitats using native plants suitable for both public and private spaces. Resources will be provided for researching plants, planting tips, maintenance tips, and the appropriate next steps. The seminar is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please visit www.smc.edu/malibu or email malibu@smc.edu for additional information and registration form.

SAT, OCT. 28 & 29

TOPANGA ACTORS COMPANY AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

Join the Topanga Actors Company on Oct. 28 and 29 for Harry Hart-Browne’s adaptation of “The Boy Who Saw True” with Harry. At the Malibu Library at 2 p.m. Free entry. Open seating. Free parking. Appropriate for teens and up. The TAC will also perform at the Topanga Library on Oct. 21 and 22.

SUN, OCT. 29

PUMPKIN CARVING AND HOT COCOA AT THE MALIBU PIER

Stop by The Malibu Pier on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. for pumpkin carving and hot cocoa. While supplies last. 

MON, OCT. 30 

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

Stop by The Malibu Pier for face painting, photo ops, specialty cocktails, and a menu specials on Monday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. for Dia De Los Muertos. 

THURS, NOV. 2

MALIBU FOUNDATION REPLANT LOVE

Join Clarins and Malibu Foundation for their fourth annual RePlant Love on November at Juan Bautista De Anza Park. A new exciting iteration of this iniative, focusing on microforests. This microforest, the second in Los Angeles County and the first in the Santa Monica Mountains will also serve as a seed bank, leading to more microforests being planted all around Los Angeles County. To learn more about the event visit replantlove.com.

THURS, NOV. 2

ALL SOULS DAY MASSES

Join Our Lady of Malibu as they commemorate the Faithful Departed on All Souls Day at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. mass. Candles will be placed on the altar for those who have passed within the year Nov. 2, 2022, to Nov. 2, 2023. Other names may be written on a list and placed on the altar at the 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. masses on Nov. 2. Email vvespe@olmalibu.org before Sunday evening on Oct. 29.

FRI, NOV. 3

PEPPERDINE GUITAR DEPARTMENT AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

The Pepperdine Guitar Department presents a concert featuring musicians studying with world-renowned classical guitar virtuoso Christopher Parkening on Friday Nov. 3, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Malibu Library. A variety of works are presented in both solo and ensemble settings. This event is held in person. LA County Public Health strongly encourages masks and physical distancing indoors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will continue to be available for customers upon request

SAT, NOV. 4

BEACH CLEAN UP WITH MALIBU DEMOCRATIC CLUB

The Malibu Democratic Club will be hosting a Beach Cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 4. The Beach Cleanup begins at 10 a.m. at Dan Blocker Beach, 26000 Pacific Coast Hwy. Then will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at Malibu Seafood, 25653 Pacific Coast Highway. (Each person responsible for their own tab.) You can attend one or both activities. RSVP Required at tiny.cc/mdc110423. More Info: Info@MalibuDemocraticClub.org.

SAT, NOV. 4

WILDLIFE AND PET SAFETY WORKSHOP

Join Teranga Ranch Urban Wildlife Specialist Dana Stangel to discuss the natural history and behaviors of our local native wildlife on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Michael Landon Community Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. Discuss wildlife attractants and deterrents, including humane vs. inhumane backyard wildlife deterrents. Learn about the dangers of using rat poison and potential alternatives and how to implement safe practices for wildlife in your backyard or on your hike. Pre-registration required.

SUN, NOV. 5

NATIONAL RECREATION DAY

The Recreation Alliance will be hosting a day of recreation activities such as hiking, yoga, mediation, wine tasting, and a beach cleanup. 

Enjoy food, drinks, and music to finish the day celebrating National Recreation Day at Calamigos Beach Club. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrate-national-recreation-day-tickets-735804419827?aff=oddtdtcreator.

THURS, NOV. 9

CELEBRATE WORLD KINDNESS DAY AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

Join the Malibu Library on Thursday, Nov. 9 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for World Kindness Day and to learn about the history of the holiday and how we can show kindness in our own community. We will create “positivity pebbles” with kind words for you to keep or share with loved ones. For ages 5-12. This event is held in person. LA County Public Health strongly encourages masks and physical distancing indoors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will continue to be available for customers upon request. 

ONGOING

SEPT. 29 TO OCT. 31

NIGHTS OF THE JACK

LA’s leading immersive event, “Nights of The Jack,” has returned for the sixth year with its legendary mile-long walking trail, immersive scenes, elevated food and beverage experience, and unparalleled lantern art installations. New upgrades this season include interactive AR games, digital video games, AR selfie experiences, and bigger and brighter installations for 30 nights of spooky fun through Halloween. The Halloween experience will run until Oct. 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. For more information visit https://nightsofthejack.com.

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.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION SITTING GROUP

The Malibu Mindfulness Meditation Group meets Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. for a group sit and chat in Point Dume. The group is led by longtime local resident Michael Kory, who has been practicing Mindfulness Meditation for over 12 years and recently graduated a two-year teacher training program. Everyone is welcome, whether you are an experienced meditator or are a complete newbie. There are many benefits to be had both from giving yourself the gift of learning how to quiet the mind, and doing it in a group with the support of others. If you wish to attend, please email mmm@bu-dharma.com for more info.

BALLET SLIM AND TRIM

Develop better posture and improve balance, flexibility, and circulation during this one-hour class. Class is Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Michael Landon Community Center. The instructor will also focus on body awareness, coordination, and stretching techniques. Please wear workout clothes and ballet shoes. No experience is necessary. Sign up at MalibuCity.org/Register to register for the month or pay a $5 drop-in rate, space permitting.

TAP/JAZZ DANCE COMBO

Enter stage right to the Senior Center’s new dance program. The class will consist of jazz warm-ups and stretches, followed by routines. Every dance taught will be straight from a Broadway musical. Instructed by Ann Monahan. The class is Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Civic Theater at Malibu City Hall. No experience is necessary. Register for the month or pay a $5 drop-in rate, space permitting.

CARDIO SALSA AND STRETCH

An energetic Latin dance workout that incorporates salsa, cha-cha, and merengue in an easy-to-follow format. The cooldown will include stretching to relax the body. No dance experience necessary. Instructed by Jackline Daneshrad. The program is held on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. Sign up at MalibuCity.org/Register to register for the month, or pay a $5 drop-in rate, space permitting.

MAT PILATES PLUS

Relax, refresh, and build core strength. Sessions are Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Michael Landon Community Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. Please bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Sign up at MalibuCity.org/Register to register for the month, or pay a $5 drop-in rate, space permitting.

SENIOR STRETCH AND STRENGTH

Class is organized on Mondays from 1 to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants will focus on flexibility, balance, circulation, muscle tone, and breathing techniques. Class will be held outdoors at the Malibu Bluffs Park. Register for the month or pay a $5 drop-in rate. For additional information contact (310) 456-2489, Ext. 357, or visit malibucity.org/SeniorCenter.

MAT YOGA

Learn new poses, increase flexibility, and practice stretching techniques in a calm and relaxing environment. Bring your own yoga mat. Instructed by Daya Chrans. Class is organized on Tuesdays at the Senior Center at Malibu City Hall from 1 to 2 p.m. Sign up at MalibuCity.org/Register to register for the month or pay a $5 drop-in rate, space permitting.

CHAIR YOGA

Yoga is a wonderful way to stretch the body and calm the mind. This class helps you develop a strong and flexible spine, feel ease in your joints, and be steady in your balance. Get fit while you sit! Join this peaceful hour of exercise. Instructed by Daya Chrans. Class is organized on Mondays at the Senior Center at Malibu City Hall from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

RELAX THROUGH COLORING

Did you know that coloring helps relieve stress? Join a free coloring program led by Judy Merrick at the Senior Center at Malibu City Hall on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. RSVP by calling the Malibu Senior Center at (310) 456-2489, Ext. 357.

CHOIR

Join an upbeat choir group and learn the fundamentals of singing and performing different styles of music. Group meets at Malibu City Hall Senior Center on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. This is a great opportunity for socialization, self-expression, and learning through music. All levels are welcome. Instructed by Laura DeMieri Fercano. $5 per class.

KNITTING

Knitting with Sheila Rosenthal is organized every Monday and Friday at the Senior Center at Malibu City Hall from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This is an ongoing drop-in complimentary program. No experience is required. Please bring your own size 8 needles and one skein of yarn.

Fraser Bohm pleads not guilty in deaths of four Pepperdine students

By
The Malibu Times
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Bail is reduced from $8 million to $4 million

Fraser Michael Bohm of Malibu made his first court appearance Wednesday October 25 in connection with the quadruple fatality on Pacific Coast Highway last week that took four lives. Bohm, 22, pled not guilty to all the charges. He was rearrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with four counts of murder in the deaths of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams, all seniors and sorority sisters at Pepperdine. In a Van Nuys courtroom, prosecutors said Bohm was speeding at 104 miles per hour, well above the 45-mph speed limit when he lost control of his car and careened into parked cars and the four students.

Bohm’s attorney, Michael Kraut, claims Bohm is not responsible for the crash. Kraut told reporters Bohm was being chased by a driver in a road rage incident.

LA District Attorney George Gascon said the new stepped-up charges against the Malibu resident stem from Bohm’s “complete disregard for the life of others.” He was initially charged with gross vehicular manslaughter and now faces an additional four counts of murder. Bohm’s bail was reduced from $8 million to $4 million. Thursday morning defense attorneys are set to argue for even lower bail.

BREAKING: Fraser Bohm of Malibu rearrested on charges connected to quadruple fatality on PCH

By
The Malibu Times
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The collision happened at about 8:30 p.m. on the Pacific Coast Highway near Carbon Canyon Road on Tuesday, Oct. 17, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Arrest comes one week after the 22-year-old driver involved in fatal crash was released on own recognizance

Just as The Malibu Times was about to go to press Tuesday evening, the driver accused of the fatal crash that killed four Pepperdine students was rearrested by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

It was October 17 when the car 22-year-old Fraser Bohm was driving lost control on Pacific Coast Highway and careened into parked cars that, led to the deaths of the four sorority sisters and college seniors. Bohm was initially arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, but he was quickly released from custody as law enforcement officers said they needed to investigate charges of speeding and to gather more evidence.

Friends of the victims are seen standing on the corner of Carbon Canyon Road and PCH the night the fatal incident occurred. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Exactly one week to date after the deadly collision, Bohm was rearrested and taken into custody. Authorities now say Bohm will be charged with four counts of murder. His bail has been set at $8 million. The victims, Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, Asha Weir, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, were all outside at a Halloween party when the crash occurred at 8:30 p.m. last Tuesday night on Pacific Coast Highway. Based on the damage to vehicles, loss of life, and a 75-foot debris field, speeding is being investigated as a cause of the collision. At last Monday’s City Council meeting, an angry and frustrated group of citizens called for immediate action to improve safety on PCH, including lowering the speed limit.

Under California law, a murder charge does not require an intent to kill, but can include a “depraved indifference” to human life.

The victims, Asha Weir, 21, Niamh Rolston, 20, Peyton Stewart, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21.

Malibu community demands change in safety on PCH

By
Samantha Bravo
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Malibu residents attended the Malibu City Council meeting on Monday night to express their concerns with speeding and safety on PCH and urged the council to take action. Photo By Samantha Bravo/TMT

City Council meeting adjourned in memory of Pepperdine students killed in Oct. 17 crash 

“Make PCH Safer.” 

The council chamber was filled with anger, grief, and urgency from residents and activists in making Pacific Coast Highway safer. The plea comes after four Pepperdine University students, Niamh Rolston, 20; Peyton Stewart, 21; Asha Weir, 21; and Deslyn Williams; 21, were killed in a crash on Oct. 17. All were seniors at Pepperdine’s Seaver College of Liberal Arts.

Malibu and Pepperdine community members attended Monday night’s meeting expressing their concerns with the dangers of PCH and urging the council to take immediate action. 

Five days earlier, on Oct. 17, 22-year-old Fraser Michael Bohm was speeding westbound on PCH, swerved onto the north shoulder, and slammed into three parked vehicles. Those vehicles then struck the four women, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. Bohm is facing charges of manslaughter for the death of the four women.

LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath was among those who spoke at the meeting, urging the council to work together to prevent another fatality. 

“I join all of you and the Pepperdine community in grieving for these precious lives cut far too short; not only were these young women students in the community, they were engaged in helping to build a better and safer Malibu, working with the Malibu Chamber, and becoming part of the community, as they studied and planned for their future,” Horvath said. “This is truly a time for mourning, but it also a time for action. Safety along the 21-mile stretch of PCH has been a problem for far too long. As your LA County supervisor, I am committed to identifying and implementing solutions in partnership with all of you in the city and with our state agencies who hold authority over our state roadways.”

Speakers at Monday’s City Council meeting, including LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath (shown here), addressed traffic safety on Pacific Coast Highway after last week’s fatal crash. Photo By Samantha Bravo/TMT
Malibu City Council. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Horvath said she has been in communication with Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin.

“We have also been in communication with the governor to be ask that the pilot program, which was just approved, be considered for expansion to include Malibu immediately,” Horvath said. “There’s a collective desire to have all agencies on the same page with real solutions to see a different future for this high volume roadway.”

Horvath said she is working with sheriff’s and highway officials to reduce speed and increase enforcement. 

“All of us are united and committed to working in partnership with you, we will not let the boundaries of government bureaucracy be the reason we do not take action; we will bring everyone together to find and implement real solutions,” Horvath said. “It’s going to take all of us with laser focus and accountability to each other to get this done.”

Sheriff’s Department Capt. Jennifer Seetoo shared her thoughts.

“A couple hours before I came to this meeting, I met with three of the families, and that was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done as a police officer,” Seetoo said. “I don’t ever want to do that again, it was just grueling looking into those parents eyes, so we are going to make a change. My focus is going to be education, enforcement, and engineering.” 

LA County Sheriff’s Capt. Jennifer Seetoo provides an update on the the fatal Oct. 17 traffic incident at the City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 23. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT

Seetoo named a few Malibu residents who will help in bringing awareness on speeding on PCH. She said she spoke to Pepperdine students and encouraged them to watch the film by Michel Shane, “21 Miles in Malibu.”

“Every student should be fortunate to watch ’21 Miles in Malibu,’ so they understand the safety issues of this city,” Seetoo said. “Even [to] get to the grocery store, for the most part, most of the people have to use that state highway in the city where there is a college town.”

While residents have already shared their concerns with the lack of enforcement on PCH, Seetoo said they are still down in sheriff’s deputies by 30 percent. 

Not even a week after the fatal collision, deputies pulled over a driver for going over 109 mph on Pacific Coast Highway. 

The driver was heading westbound, around Civic Center area, just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. The deputy determined she was traveling at 109 mph with a lidar gun, which is more than double the posted 45 mph speed limit.

The woman, who does not have a driver’s license, was arrested on a charge of reckless driving. Her car was impounded for 30 days, according to deputies.

Among the plans discussed at Monday’s meeting were exploring an emergency declaration that could allow the city to implement lower speed limits on PCH, increasing patrols by the Sheriff’s Department and/or California Highway Patrol, and working with state legislators to bring speed cameras to Malibu. The city recently implemented eight Automated License Plate Recognition cameras in certain intersections in Malibu. The cameras will be used by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The locations are: PCH/Lunita Road, PCH/Kanan Dume Road, Malibu Canyon Road/Civic Center Way, PCH/Cross Creek Road, and PCH/South Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

The Malibu Times will follow up with the city and Sheriff’s Department on the progress of those cameras.

Seetoo hopes to implement speed cameras on PCH. 

Malibu/Lost Hills Sgt. James Arens said the incident was still ongoing and was unable to provide any more information. 

California State Senator Ben Allen shared his remarks through Zoom.

“I really hope that we can start a meaningful dialogue together at the county level, in the city, and your representatives at the state level, to think about more fundamental changes to PCH to improve safety,” Allen said. “The situation is untenable, it’s unacceptable. We don’t want any more people [to] die; we don’t want any more families to suffer.”

Malibu Mayor Steve Urhing said he received an estimated two hours of public comment. Residents and families shared their experiences in loss and urged the council to make PCH safer.

A sign stated, “Caltrans District 7 Failed!” was held by a resident at Monday’s City Council meeting.
Malibu residents attended the Malibu City Council meeting on Monday night to express their concerns with speeding and safety on PCH and urged the council to take action. Photo By Samantha Bravo/TMT

Speaker Jane Albrecht thanked the council and officials for speaking but asked them to continue their commitment after this meeting. 

“Stay with it, three months from now, six months from now, a year from now; try to remember the feeling we all had tonight,” Albrecht said. 

Karen Russell, whose son was killed on Mullholland Highway in 2022, spoke at Monday’s City Council meeting about safety on the Pacific Coast Highway. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
ormer Public Works Commissioner Lance Simmens points at the screen showing a redesign of PCH, calling it a boulevard and not a highway, during the City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 23. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT

Albrecht hopes the city will also work together with Pepperdine. 

A representative from Pepperdine did not speak at the meeting, but Director of Development Heidi Bernard attended in person.

Uhring thanked everyone for attending and speaking at the meeting, and the council voted to act on the items as quickly as possible. 

Councilmember Doug Stewart said the city has an additional $3 million to $4 million for sheriff patrols that is unspent this year.

“We should be able to allocate that to the Highway Patrol,” Stewart said. 

The City Council meeting adjourned in memory of the Pepperdine students Rolston, Stewart, Weir, and Williams. The meeting was also adjourned in memory of Walt Keller, Malibu’s first mayor. 

The full article on the rest of the meeting will be published online. To listen to the speakers, visit malibucity.org/virtualmeeting.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13. 

Malibu’s OLM delights in a cello performance by its very own maestro, Arash ‘Joey’ Amini

By
The Malibu Times
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Joey Amini plays the cello for an audience of Our Lady of Malibu students, parents, friends Sunday, Oct. 15. Amini performed a 45-minute concert of solo cello music at OLM, with all of the proceeds from ticket sales going directly to OLM. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

100 percent of the proceeds from the concert raised will be used for arts and music and other programs at the school

By Barbara Burke

Special to The Malibu Times

​An excited audience of attentive children, parents, and friends looked on with interest as Arash “Joey” Amini walked onto the altar at Our Lady of Malibu Church on Oct. 15, smiling and carrying his cello, a gorgeous instrument dating from circa 1860. 

“Please welcome Joey Amini, a renowned professional cellist with many decades of performance experience,” said Richard Nambu, principal of OLM School. “He has played in many venues across the world.” 

Amini, a local realtor, and his wife Eveline have a daughter, Sienna Malibu Amini, 7, who attends OLM. Smiling, Sienna sat with her mom and a friend, watching her daddy on the altar. 

Joey Amini plays the cello for an audience of Our Lady of Malibu students, parents, friends Sunday, Oct. 15. Amini performed a 45-minute concert of solo cello music at OLM, with all of the proceeds from ticket sales going directly to OLM. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

The cellist had the intrigued children at hello. 

“How many of you have ever seen a cello before?” Amini asked the kids. Responding, a few excited children raised their hands. “A live classical music concert is very different from what happens when you attend a pop concert such as Taylor Swift’s, where people are loud and excited. In a classical concert, the audience is silent until you can clap when the parts of a performance are over. Each movement is like a short performance.”

Amini explained that he would perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major for Solo Cello, BWV 1007, in G major (1717) which features six suites. 

“There is a prelude, which is the introduction and establishes the mood and this one is bucolic and pastoral,” he said. “After the prelude, there are five parts: an allemande, which is from Germany; a courante, which is French; a sarabande, which is Spanish; two menuettos and a gigue, a lively dance.” 

Then, Amini lifted his bow, furrowed his brows in deep concentration, and performed one of the most famous cello solos, its flow entrancing young, admiring minds with parents who smiled appreciatively, while babes in arms slept peacefully. When the final chord of the prelude slowly disappeared, the breathless little ones looked around, as if to ask, “What’s next?” only to be swept away by the subtle flows of the preludes and then delighting in the Sixth Gigue’s climax.

Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

After the thunderous clapping and the standing ovation, Amini took the opportunity to tell the entranced children more about the music and its history.

He explained that for 200 years, Bach’s cello solo lingered in anonymity, and it was not played or widely known until Pablo Casals, a master Spanish cellist, practiced the suites for 13 years before performing it publicly. 

“Now, we’re going to speed things up by playing one of Gaspar Cassadó’s suites for solo cello, a piece composed a hundred years later.” Amini said. “Cassadó was a virtuoso cellist and a wonderful composer.”

Continuing, he noted, “The main section is a polka, which includes a lot of castanets, Spanish musical instruments that one puts in his hand and claps together. There’s also a lot of dancing that accompanies the later parts of this exciting, high energy piece.”

Then, he took the children on a magical musical journey, sharing the rhythm of the sardana, a traditional dance from Catalonia. As he performed the master’s brilliant work influenced by Spanish and Oriental folk music, the enlivened children swayed in unison with the rhythm.

“You kids have been a good audience! Your parents must be very proud,” the beaming Amini said after he finished. “My final piece is from the third suite in C Major for Solo Cello by Bach and it begins by establishing a heroic mood and then it goes through six movements.”

There was hardly any movement by the children, only their attentive facial expressions that manifested their intellectual curiosity as they watched Amini’s hands skillfully and quickly move across the instrument’s strings, entertaining the crowd with the piece’s expressive vibrato. 

This time, there was a standing ovation that lasted, and lasted, and lasted. Amini had made a lasting impression on keen young minds.

As the crowd filed into Sheridan Hall for an artist’s reception, many of the children went straight for the piano, their musical inquisitiveness piqued. 

“I loved it!” exclaimed Michelle Mitnick, 8. “It sounded so good and he didn’t make any mistakes. That instrument is very large — it’s half my body size!”

Michelle’s dad, Kyle Mitnick, and other parents appreciated Amini’s concert, with all proceeds going directly to support OLM school.

“Playing here in my own backyard at OLM has been even more special than playing my debut in Lincoln Center,” Amini said. Ever humble, he had brought all of his education and musical experience to open young minds.

Joey Amini plays the cello for an audience of Our Lady of Malibu students, parents, friends Sunday, Oct. 15. Amini performed a 45-minute concert of solo cello music at OLM, with all of the proceeds from ticket sales going directly to OLM. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TM

Amini studied at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School and he has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician throughout the U.S. and internationally. He once toured with Rosanne Cash and composer Mark O’Conner and has graced the stages of some of the world’s most celebrated concert halls, from Carnegie Hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and even the United Nations. Amini graciously selected OLM’s altar, with its beautiful grotto above, as the venue for his first concert since the COVID pandemic.

For music aficionados it is fun to know that Amini has played his large, shining cello since he was 13, and although it is of unknown origin, experts say it likely was crafted from the workshop of the master French luthier, Jean-Baptiste Vuillame. Its bow was crafted by the 20th century Czech-German bowmaker, Rudolf Neudörfer which was gifted to Amini in 1993 by his former teacher. 

“I hope OLM’s children benefit from the proceeds of the concert, 100 percent of which will be used for arts and music and other programs at the school,” Amini said. 

Malibu High Choir members sing ‘Hits From The Decades’

By
Samantha Bravo
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Over 40 Malibu Middle and High School students performed a wide range of songs in "Hits From the Decades," the first concert of the semester. Some even dressed in the style of a particular era. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Student showed off their talents at last week’s concert

Malibu Middle and High School students showed off their talent last week at the first concert of the semester with a “Hits From the Decades.”

Over 40 students sang, twisted, and shouted to music from The Beatles, Stevie Nicks, and Taylor Swift. Some students even stood out by wearing outfits from the different eras. 

Over 40 Malibu Middle and High School students performed a wide range of songs in “Hits From the Decades,” the first concert of the semester. Some even dressed in the style of a particular era. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT

“I’m really glad we got the opportunity to do styles outside of the more classical genres we usually stick to,” MHS Choir President Sophie Regan said. “It made the concert really fun for the performers, as well as the audience.”

The sixth-grade choir sang “Yellow Submarine,” “Shake it Off,” “Riptide,” and “Don’t Stop Believin.”

The seventh- and eighth-grade honors choir sang popular songs such as, “I Want It That Way,” “Footloose,” “Landslide,” and “Electric Love.”

The High School Chorale danced and sang to “Dancing Queen,” and “Blame it on the Boogie.”

The High School Chorale danced and sang to “Dancing Queen,” and “Blame it on the Boogie.” Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Parents sold refreshments and homemade baked goods during intermission. All of the money raised goes right back to the choir programs.

“Thank you to everyone who came to the show and to our amazing parents who brought homemade baked goods for sale at intermission,” Dr. Krysta Sorensen, director of the Choral Program at MM and MHS said. “We love our choir families for their support.”

Students thanked Sorensen and Joellen “Cha Cha” McNaughton for their support.

The concert ended with students clapping and grooving “Singin’ in The Rain,” and “September.”

The program also thanked Neil Cole on Sax, Vince Jurado on trumpet, and Asher Lemley on drums for their generous and talented contributions to their performance. 

The Malibu High School Orchestra is scheduled to have a concert on Nov. 30. To see the calendar of events, visit smmusd.org/calendar.

Input needed at upcoming Las Virgines Malibu-Council of Governments (LVMCOG) meeting on Oct. 26

By
Samantha Bravo
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Contributed photo.

Malibu community members are invited to give their input on the update of the regional Hazard Mitigation Plan at the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (LVMCOG) virtual meeting on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The LVMCOG includes the cities of Malibu, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village. Hazard Mitigation Plans are typically developed as a regional plan since most hazards cross jurisdictional boundaries. Public involvement is a key requirement, and the goal of the meeting is to get input from the public on ways to reduce the impacts of natural disasters and other hazards in our region. During the meeting, results of a recent Risk Survey will be shared and used as a basis for discussion to review the top hazards that concern residents, what preparedness actions they have taken, and most importantly what additional hazard reduction efforts are needed to better safeguard the community. Zoom link to join the meeting. Meeting ID: 815 7212 5459. Passcode: 284420. Join by phone: (669) 900 6833. For more information, contact Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas at (310) 456-2489, ext. 313, or sduenas@malibucity.org.

Malibu residents take action to remind drivers to slow down on PCH following fatal collision

By
Samantha Bravo
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(From left to right) Malibu residents Gina Muscatel, Lance Simmens, and Ted Vaill held a rally on Topanga Canyon and PCH with signs reminding drivers to slow down following the accident that killed four Pepperdine students on Tuesday night. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Three days after four Pepperdine University students were struck and killed by a speeding car, three community members gathered on Topanga Canyon and PCH to protest and demand of safety improvements along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams died Tuesday evening when authorities say a speeding driver hit them on PCH roughly four miles east of the Pepperdine campus.

50 year Malibu resident Ted Vaill organized the last minute protest and had the support from Gina Muscatel from the Malibu Democratic Club and former Public Works Commissioner Lance Simmens. Despite the small turnout, the discussion is anticipated to continue during City Council meeting on Monday night.

“I’ve had several times where I’ve almost been killed here, this is the last straw, you can’t have killings like this go on in our city, and something has to be been done, the City of Malibu has been doing the best that they can, it’s got to be Caltrans, the County and maybe even CHP patrolling the highway, there’s got to be more work done to protect these 21 miles of land,” Vaill said. “It touched me completely where four innocent students—their lives are just beginning and it was taken away from them by some stupid kid who was driving his BMW at too fast of speed. Sorry about that kid, but ‘you live with your mistakes’ and he’s going to lives with his mistakes for the rest of his life.”

The driver was identified as 22-year-old Fraser Michael Bohm who is facing manslaughter charges. The LASD Sheriffs Department said Bohm has been released from custody on Tuesday morning pending further investigation.

Many Malibu residents have begun reaching out to The Malibu Times, offering their condolences to the families and friends impacted and expressed their concerns with what needs to be done to prevent this from happening again.

“The problem, as I see it, and I think as the City of Malibu sees it, is that they have spent almost $40 million to solve the problem, plus $15 million per year for the Sheriff, and the problem must be solved by CalTrans, the County, and possibly bringing in CHP to help stop the speeding, as well as coordinating the traffic lights and speed photos to inhibit speeders,” Vaill said.

Vaill said the city recently released a list of projects, but says this has to go beyond the city.

“Our city is controlled by the state, the county, beaches, and it’s just something that has to be done at a bigger level than the city,” Vaill said. “The city has done everything they can, I don’t blame them for this, I do blame the state, Caltrans and the absence of CHP for not being here and supporting the people and protecting us.”

Former Public Works Commissioner Lance Simmens has years of public safety experience and submitted a redesign package of proposed projects to The Malibu Times a few hours before heading to the protest on Friday and will be presenting it at the City Council meeting on Monday night.

“The key to at least attempting to solve the public safety dilemma is to solve two major issues: one, congestion and limited space, and two the speed factor, make no mistake about it, speed kills,” Simmens said. “Worldwide, congested cities are reorienting their views of transportation projects. Many communities are actively promoting bicycle lanes to encourage safe transportation options rather than using automobiles, both electric and gasoline powered vehicles.”

“We can use this presentation as an initial proposal for discussion, but these discussions are necessary immediately in light of the tragedy of this past week,” he said.

Pepperdine will be honoring the lives of Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams on Sunday, October 22, at 2 p.m. in the Firestone Fieldhouse. The service will be open for the Pepperdine Community.

Malibu City Council will meet on Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers.

Permanent skatepark issues arise during Environmental Review Board meeting

By
Samantha Bravo
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This image shows a permanent skatepark proposal.

Concerns on wildlife, ESHA, and noise complaints were raised during the meeting

Concerns about the environmental impacts of the permanent skatepark was addressed during the Environmental Review Board on Oct. 11. Concerns in regards to wildlife, ESHA, and noise complaints were raised; however during the meeting, the design team involved in the project seemed unprepared to answer questions. 

The project includes the construction of a new 12,500-square-foot permanent skatepark; a two-stall restroom building, 12 feet in height; additional parking areas; two bioretention basins; benches, picnic tables, and sidewalks; landscaping; a crosswalk across winter mesa drive to connect the skatepark parking area to the rest of Malibu Bluffs Park and 3,022 cubic yards of grading. 

This image shows a permanent skatepark proposal.

In 2019, the City Council approved the use of the Crummer/Case property adjacent to Malibu Bluffs Park as the location for a temporary skate park, and authorized staff to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design of a 12,500-square-foot permanent skate park on the same property.

The City Council approved the Final Conceptual Design for the Temporary Skate Park on Feb. 24, 2020.

The Temporary Skate Park opened on July 3, 2020, while the Permanent Skate Park is being designed and built on the east portion of the property.

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the Preliminary Design for the Permanent Skate Park at the regular meeting on Nov. 17, 2020, and the amenities at the special meeting on Jan. 21, 2021. 

On Jan. 3, the Community Services Department submitted a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the proposed Malibu Bluffs Park Permanent Skatepark. There has been no discussion in regards of the process since then.

Senior Planner Tyler Eaton presented the project and said no ESHA is anticipated to be impacted by the proposed development.  

Community and skate enthusiasts continue to advocate for the permanent skatepark, as one speaker said she attended the city meetings four years ago to show support for future skaters. 

“My name is Layla Polito and I was one of six kids who continued to fight for the Malibu skatepark a few years ago, to be an advocate for our piers who all wanted this to come to fruition,” Polito said. “This has been such an ongoing battle for the kids who started the cause, grew up, and moved on. I really wanted to come on and stay involved in the park, and hear any concerns there still may be. I’m just here representing the kids my friends were four years ago when I started giving speeches at my town council, to the kids that are predecessors, and the little skaters I see skating around the temporary park, which my friends helped make happen. I really hope this is an easy vote for you, but if there are any environmental objections, please, please, consider being a part of what makes it happen. This is a huge part of the town’s legacy and culture.”

The day before the meeting, on Oct. 10, Eaton said staff received a letter from resident Robert Gold regarding concerns over visual impacts, noise, and parking. 

Gold spoke during public comment and said he has sent letters to the city in regards to noise. Gold also complained about the noise in a Planning Commission meeting in 2020.

“The skatepark also needs to respect its neighbors, as mandated by the LIP, and to minimize potential impacts consistent with the current EIR,” Gold said. “The proposed skatepark does create a significant impact to this current design.” 

California Skateparks Principal Designer Jaxon Statzell responded to the concerns regarding noise and lighting. 

“We are taking measures to keep the noise at a reasonable and allowable level within park measures,” Statzell said. “The EIR doesn’t see there being any potential for any noise for beyond what is expected to a skatepark or playground and I think our distance to the neighbors and looking to some of the other measures of the trees, should hopefully help that we’re doing everything that we can and that it’s not going to be an impact as far as noise was concerned.”

Eaton responded to concerns with lighting and said this park will be in compliance with the dark sky ordinance.

“There’s not much lighting purposed, other than the restrooms, and that was kind of a late addition, and there’s just a couple lights there, the purpose of the park is to be used during daytime hours, and the lights for the restrooms are only going to be used for maintenance purposes and will be programmed with a timer, so only be actived when someone is near it,” Eaton said. “So this property, for the most part, will be in compliance with the dark sky ordinance but will be completely dark at night.”

Board members asked questions and raised concerns in regards to habitat landscape, vegetation, water drainage, and fences that could potentially trap wildlife. 

“California Wildlife Center gets calls regularly for animals trapped in places, and better to prevent that from happening than to rescue them,” California Wildlife Center Executive Director Jennifer Brent said. 

City staff said they had written notes to provide answers, hopefully in the next meeting. 

According to the city’s website, the City Planning Department and city agencies are reviewing the proposed plans, and once the project is deemed complete and consistent with the city’s Local Coastal Program, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for the CDP application. The city anticipates the Planning Commission hearing will occur sometime this year.

For now, skaters of all ages have been using the Temporary Skate Park, which opened on July 3, 2020, while the Permanent Skate Park is being designed and built on the east portion of the property.

The Temporary Skate Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Helmets are required at all times. City staff monitor the skate park during operating hours.

For immediate assistance related to the Skate Park, call (310) 317-1364.

To learn more about the project visit, https://www.malibucity.org/976/Skate-Park.

Malibu Library to provide free vaccines for children on Monday Oct. 23

By
Samantha Bravo
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0
What federal workers and government vendors need to know about vaccine mandate laws

LA County Department of Public Health is partnering with LA County Library to provide free flu vaccinations for children, the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, and Mpox vaccine, on Monday, Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Malibu Library. Health insurance is not required.

Make an appointment online at your preferred library location to avoid longer wait times. Appointments are available on myturn.ca.gov. Search by zip code.

*Vaccine clinics are open for walk-ins. Vaccines available while supplies last. Vaccine brands are subject to availability, and we are unable to guarantee them at this time.

Mpox vaccine only available to eligible groups. For more details, please visit Mpox info page.

The updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine is available to people aged 12 and older.

LA County Department of Public Health recommends flu vaccinations for all persons 6 months of age and older, including healthy children and adults.

For more info on vaccines, please visit the vaccine info page.

Important information for minors being vaccinated at a site run by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:

  • A consent form is required for all minors ages 6 months through 17 in order to be vaccinated.
  • Youth ages 16 and 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian if possible. If this is not possible, they must bring a consent form signed by their parent or legal guardian.
  • Children ages 6 months through 15 years must be accompanied by their parent, legal guardian, or a responsible adult. If the child is accompanied by a responsible adult, the consent form must name the responsible person and be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
  • Health insurance is not required; however, insurance card information is required if insured
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