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Zuma Beach Triathlon unites community in a celebration of resilience and giving back

By
Hayley Mattson
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Athletes, families, and celebrities united at Zuma Beach to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of Malibu

Against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Zuma Beach Triathlon returned to Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 14, transforming the iconic shoreline into a vibrant hub of athleticism, community spirit, and philanthropy. The event, which drew thousands of athletes, spectators, and volunteers, raised over $150,000 for two impactful organizations — the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which empowers athletes with physical challenges through adaptive sports equipment and opportunities, and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, offering vital after-school programs, mental health services, and long-term support for survivors of the Franklin and Palisades fires. More than a race, the triathlon was a testament to the power of sport to uplift lives and foster unity in a community that has endured significant challenges in recent years.

The weekend kicked off on Saturday with the inaugural Kids’ Triathlon, a sold-out event that saw young athletes aged 9 to 14 take on the challenge with enthusiasm. The younger group, ages 9 to 11, tackled a 100-yard swim, a three-mile bike ride, and a half-mile run, while the 12- to 14-year-olds completed a 200-yard swim, a six-mile bike ride, and a one-mile run. Parents had the option to join their children in a relay format, adding to the family-oriented atmosphere. “It was a great, inspiring event with a ton of young kids and families,” said Austin Ruth Noonan, a representative of the triathlon. “Seeing the kids race individually was very neat.” The event’s success set an uplifting tone for the weekend, with high-resolution photos of the young competitors expected to be available soon, capturing their determination and joy.

Sunday’s main event welcomed athletes of all levels, from first-time triathletes to seasoned competitors, each united by a shared commitment to the causes supported by the race. The triathlon’s spirit was perhaps most vividly embodied by the challenged athletes, whose perseverance inspired participants and spectators alike. “At CAF, we believe sport has the power to transform lives,” said Bob Babbitt, Co-Founder and Board Vice President of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “Today, that belief was brought to life at Zuma Beach as athletes of all abilities raced side by side. The support from this event helps provide adaptive equipment, training, and opportunities that open doors for athletes with physical challenges.”

This year’s triathlon introduced the Corporate Challenge, presented by Pepperdine University, which encouraged local businesses and organizations to form teams and compete while fundraising for CAF. The initiative was a resounding success, raising over $100,000 for the foundation. “Pepperdine was really happy to partner with the Zuma Beach Triathlon,” said Heidi Bernard, Director of Community Engagement at Pepperdine University. “We sponsored the VIP lounge and hosted the post-race brunch, coming alongside the Corporate Challenge to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.” The VIP lounge, catered by Bon Appétit, provided a space for corporate teams, celebrities, and elite athletes to celebrate their achievements, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

Adding star power to the event, celebrities and notable athletes joined the field, drawing attention to the triathlon’s mission. Participants included Rob Riggle (The Daily Show, The Hangover), David Chokachi (Baywatch), Mark Feuerstein (Royal Pains), Paul Lieberstein and David Denman (The Office), Genevieve Morton (Sports Illustrated model), Olympian Colleen Quigley, and professional golfer Kasia Kay. Their involvement amplified the event’s visibility, bringing fans to Zuma Beach to cheer alongside families and community members. Among the challenged athletes, Rob Balucas and Pepperdine alumnus Aaron Jasper participated in relays, exemplifying the inclusive spirit of the race. “It was very in sync with our mission of being involved with the community and serving others,” Bernard noted.

The Zuma Foundation further bolstered the event’s impact with a $50,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, supporting programs that provide mentorship, education, and disaster recovery services. “The Zuma Beach Triathlon has always been about more than crossing the finish line,” said Michael Epstein, founder of the triathlon. “It’s about coming together as a community to uplift others. This year’s event showcased the incredible spirit of our athletes, volunteers, and partners, all rallying to make a difference.”

Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins praised the event’s organization and community impact. “It was a fabulous event,” she said. “The kids’ day on Saturday was very well attended, and a lot of Malibu kids participated. Sunday’s race was well-run, and it was great to see all the athletes back on Zuma Beach.” Despite a turnout slightly lower than historical numbers — likely due to the community’s recent challenges, including the lingering effects of the wildfires — Riggins emphasized the event’s significance. “Having something back that has been historically a fun event was a little bit of coming home,” she said, noting the professionalism of Epstein’s team and the contributions of volunteers and first responders, including Los Angeles Sheriff Malibu Liason Sergeant Chris Soderlund, who competed in the race.

The weather, though overcast, proved ideal for the athletes, keeping temperatures cool during the competition. As the morning progressed, the sun broke through just as medals were awarded and checks were presented, casting a symbolic ray of light on the day’s achievements. “It was like this ray of sunshine coming through just to honor everybody,” Riggins remarked.

The triathlon’s return to Malibu marked a significant moment for a community that has faced adversity in recent years. “The triathlon spirit being back in Malibu is a big deal,” Noonan said. “There’s always been a world-renowned triathlon here, and it stopped for a few years. After everything the community has gone through — COVID, the fires — just having it back and seeing the huge community draw is exciting.” The event not only celebrated athletic achievement but also reinforced Malibu’s resilience and commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members.

Pepperdine’s involvement underscored the university’s dedication to community engagement. “We want Pepperdine to be present in the community,” Bernard explained. “The mission of the Zuma Tri to help the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and the Challenged Athletes Foundation aligns with our values of excellence and service.” The university’s sponsorship of the VIP lounge and post-race brunch fostered connections among participants, from corporate teams to challenged athletes, creating lasting memories of a day defined by unity and purpose.

As the event concluded, the collective sense of pride was palpable. Athletes crossed the finish line, medals were awarded, and the community celebrated raising over $150,000 to fuel programs that empower through sport and mentorship. The Zuma Beach Triathlon was more than a race — it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together. “The real victory was seeing our community unite to celebrate resilience, wellness, and the spirit of giving back,” Epstein said. “We are excited to continue this tradition year after year.”

Malibu sees surge in transient activity amid bus service resumption

By
Hayley Mattson
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Residents raise safety concerns as newcomers and familiar faces travel along the Pacific Coast Highway

Over the past few weeks, Malibu residents have seen a noticeable increase in transient individuals traveling along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), congregating in the Ralphs shopping center, and gathering near Webb Way and Civic Center Drive. The increased presence has sparked concern among locals, particularly regarding safety on the busy PCH corridor. In an interview, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund attributed the recent surge in transient activity to the resumption of public bus services along PCH. “The buses have resumed stopping at all the stops, maybe a month or two ago,” he explained. “Before, they were bypassing stops in the burn area, but now people get on the bus and get off wherever they feel like it.” This change has led to more individuals disembarking in Malibu, particularly at Trancas, a layover spot where bus drivers take breaks, leaving passengers to wander the area. “Some make it back to the bus, and some don’t,” Soderlund noted.

The transient population in Malibu seems to consist of both newcomers and a “core group” of familiar faces, according to Soderlund. While some treat the city like a temporary stop — almost as if they’re on vacation — others raise safety concerns by darting across Pacific Coast Highway. One resident recalled seeing a man sprint across the highway: “I told him to be careful, and he yelled back, ‘I’m gonna live forever.’” When told of the encounter, Soderlund stated, “Sounds like a legend in his own mind.” He stressed the dangers along PCH, particularly in construction zones where the speed limit drops to 25 miles per hour. “It doesn’t feel natural to drive that slow, so people speed through — and it’s not the safest place for pedestrians,” he said.

Despite the visible influx, the City of Malibu’s 2025 Homeless Count, conducted in March, reported a record-low 33 individuals experiencing homelessness, down from 69 in 2024 and a stark contrast to the 161 counted in 2016. The preliminary data, pending final confirmation from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), reflects the success of Malibu’s multifaceted approach to addressing homelessness. “This steady reduction is a testament to Malibu’s commitment to real solutions that balance public safety and quality of life with compassionate services,” said then-Mayor Doug Stewart in a March statement. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team, operated by The People Concern in partnership with the Malibu Task Force on Homelessness, has been instrumental in this progress, placing 72 individuals into housing in 2024 — the highest number since services began in 2017.

The decline in homelessness may be partly attributed to external factors, such as the Palisades and Franklin fires, which disrupted local transportation and displaced individuals. The 2025 count was conducted without community volunteers due to safety concerns and road closures along PCH, potentially affecting the accuracy of the tally. Nevertheless, Malibu’s proactive measures, including encampment cleanups and outreach, have kept the homeless population manageable. In 2024, the city cleared 44 encampments, up from 29 the previous year, with only seven encampment-related fire incidents reported, a critical achievement given the heightened wildfire risks during Red Flag conditions.

Soderlund stressed that while the homeless count remains low, the transient influx creates a perception of increased activity. “It’s manageable because we’re out here every day and know the faces,” he said. “But the newcomers, especially those riding the bus all day, make it seem like there’s more.” He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly when driving through construction zones or high-speed stretches of PCH. “Slow down, be observant, and if someone’s creating a traffic hazard, call us,” he advised. The Sheriff’s Department is also addressing a recent uptick in graffiti on burned-out properties, which Soderlund described as the work of taggers, not gang-related activity. “My special assignment deputies are focusing on catching them,” he said, noting that Malibu’s overall crime rate has dropped 40% year-over-year, partly due to the reduced opportunities for crime in fire-damaged areas.

For residents concerned about safety or transient activity, Soderlund emphasized the importance of direct communication with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he said. “We hear rumors on Nextdoor, but unless someone reports it, we can’t act.” This call to action underscores the community’s role in maintaining Malibu’s safety and quality of life.

The city’s efforts extend beyond enforcement. The Malibu Outreach Team, integrated with The People Concern’s Westside programming, provides critical services, including food, supplies, and housing connections. Their work, combined with partnerships with LA County Sheriff’s Department and community organizations, has driven the downward trend in homelessness. However, the recent increase in transient activity suggests that challenges remain, particularly with regional transportation bringing new faces to Malibu’s streets.

Catching Fires Before They Catch Us

By
The Malibu Times
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Haylynn Conrad

By Haylynn Conrad, Columnist 

Fires that devastate Malibu rarely begin within our city limits, although sometimes they do. Either way, by the time the flames reach us, the Santa Ana winds have already given them speed and strength. Protecting Malibu means looking outward as well as inward.

That’s why installing “eyes” outside Malibu is just as important as protecting our own hills. High-definition cameras like those provided through Dr. Neal Driscoll and UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program, which powers live feeds in the Watch Duty app, can spot smoke in minutes, giving firefighters a head start. More cameras in neighboring areas mean earlier alerts and a greater chance of stopping fires before they roar down the canyons toward the coast.

When residents open the Watch Duty app, they aren’t just looking at a still picture. They see a network of high-definition, pan-tilt-zoom cameras streaming live video from ridgelines, towers, and mountaintops across California. On the same screen, they can also see incident reports written by vetted volunteers, location of smoke or fire, size, direction of spread, wind, evacuation notices, and road closures. If someone reports smoke in a canyon, emergency managers can remotely pivot and zoom the camera to that exact spot. The public feed shows a wide panorama, while agencies see even more detail. This lets first responders verify reports, dispatch resources, and issue alerts minutes or even hours faster than before.

This fourth camera at the top of Escondido Canyon may be the easiest of the dozens of projects I’ve taken on since being elected. Because it was almost entirely privately driven. Dr. Driscoll’s extraordinary nonprofit work, as a generous private property owner, didn’t involve the usual layers of government approvals. This program is donation-driven and a non-profit.

Before I was elected to the City Council I was introduced to this initiative by a dear friend, and he brought in the third Malibu camera that’s on watch duty.

It’s why we need multiple tools in our firefighting toolbox. Cameras are one layer, but they work best alongside prevention, evacuation planning, hydrant capacity, brush clearance, and clear communication systems.

As a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy advisory board, I’ve already begun working with the Conservancy and MRCA. I also want to coordinate closely with our neighboring cities, Calabasas, Los Angeles County Fire, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Moorpark, through our Council of Governments. Together, we can weave a network of detection, communication, and prevention that reflects how fires actually behave.

Malibu may be the last stop on the fire train, but we don’t have to be its next victim. By partnering with scientists like Dr. Driscoll, private property owners, and our regional neighbors, we can protect our community before the first spark ever lands.

Haylynn Conrad serves as a Malibu City Councilmember and is a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Board. She can be reached at hconrad@malibucity.org.

SCE granted rate increase as Malibu schools face disruptions due to outages

By
Judy Abel
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Generators to be installed by month’s end 

Ironically, on the same day western Malibu faced another disruptive power outage, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) granted Southern California Edison a rate increase of 10% starting Oct. 1. On average, your electricity bill will rise by $17 a month or roughly $200 a year. This news comes as a blow to Malibu residents and three public schools that have been dealing with frequent unannounced power outages, and so far, no definitive explanation as to why they are occurring.

Western Malibu recently faced three outages occurring on Aug. 18 and 19, again on Sept. 2, and again on Sept. 18, the very day CPUC approved the rate hike. 

Thursday’s unannounced loss of power caused a late start at Malibu High School and Malibu Middle School. The Santa Monica Malibu School District was able to send notices at 7:15 a.m. to families who were able to receive them. School eventually started at 10:00 a.m. It was another story at Malibu Elementary that last year endured a whopping 24 days without instruction due to SCE outages. After scores of complaints from parents the district said it would install temporary generators so children who have experienced so much loss after recent wildfires could at least attend school with some sense of normalcy without more obstacles caused by lack of electricity. Parents even offered to pay for generators. Temporary generators were supposed to have been installed by now, but according to SMMUSD there was a setback due to a water main break on Grayfox Street near the school. By 12:30, power was restored at Malibu Elementary according to SMMUSD. 

With yet another day disrupted and hours without school instruction, the news did not sit well with Malibu City Councilmember Haylynn Conrad, who addressed the SMMUSD board “as a parent, not as a councilmember.” Conrad said, “My patience has run out … an entire summer has passed and our Malibu schools are still without reliable electricity. These are basic safety needs in 2025. This is negligent and dangerous. This is why Malibu is angry.

“That is not equity. We contribute to this district and we expect fair treatment in return. Year after year, you fail us. Our students deserve to be safe in their schools.”

SMMUSD spokesperson Brandyi Phillips said generators were expected to be installed at the three schools by month’s end, leaving just days to complete the work. In a press release, the district acknowledged the hardships endured by Malibu students. “The 2024-2025 school year was difficult for Malibu, its schools and its students. Malibu schools have experienced up to 24 days of closures due to events such as the Franklin and Palisades fires, road closures, severe weather, and power outages, including Southern California Edison’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. While many of these disruptions are beyond the District’s control, efforts are underway to implement both temporary and long-term alternative power solutions to help keep schools open during outages.”

The district stated it will be installing “quick-connect systems” that will allow campuses to be powered by portable generators. These systems are scheduled to be in place by late September 2025, enabling schools to remain fully operational during PSPS events and other power interruptions. 

“Looking ahead, the district is also investing in permanent alternative energy solutions. Plans include installing solar panels, battery storage systems, and generators to provide reliable, renewable backup power,” Phillips said. “A key component of this effort is the development of a solar farm on the hillside near Malibu Middle and High School. Combined with battery backup and photovoltaic systems on both the new high school and the Malibu Middle School administration/classroom buildings, this project will provide a sustainable source of power to keep schools running during future outages.” There’s no timeline stated on the completion of this sustainable power source however. 

The Malibu Times spoke with a representative from SCE about the cause of the latest outages. So far, Jeff Monford only offered, “Sometimes there is an outage due to the triggering of a sensor. Perhaps a bird or another animal or a bit of debris touched a powerline, that triggers an automatic shut-off, and anytime that happens, we cannot turn the power back on until the crews have seen the entire line. Crews have to inspect the entire line from end to end, and that is one reason why some outages can take longer than we would like. We know every outage is a hardship, and crews work to restore power as quickly as they can do so safely.”

Malibu honors community champions with 2025 Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Awards

By
Hayley Mattson
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(From left) Jake Lingo and Judy Villablanca of the Malibu Parks and Recreation Commission are shown with Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award honorees Suzanne Guldiman, Nick Shergott, Andy Lyon, and son. Photo courtesy of the city of Malibu

Suzanne Guldiman, Andy Lyon, and Nick Shergott recognized for outstanding contributions to parks, recreation, and youth programs, celebrating volunteerism and civic spirit in memory of Deputy Jake Kuredjian

On Sept. 8, the Malibu City Council meeting was filled with pride and gratitude as the Parks and Recreation Commission presented the 2025 Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Awards to three exceptional Malibu residents: Suzanne Guldiman, Andy Lyon, and Nick Shergott. The annual award, named in memory of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Hagop “Jake” Kuredjian, honors individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and resources to enhancing the quality of life in Malibu through parks and recreation initiatives. Judy Villablanca, chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, led the heartfelt ceremony, celebrating the recipients’ contributions to the community.

The Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award was established to commemorate Kuredjian, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. The award recognizes those who embody his spirit of service by improving Malibu’s parks, recreational programs, and community spaces. This year’s recipients were lauded for their tireless efforts in environmental stewardship, youth sports, and recreational development, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s landscape and spirit.

Suzanne Guldiman: A champion for Malibu’s natural beauty
Suzanne Guldiman, a lifelong resident of Point Dume, was the first to be honored. Her seven-year tenure on the Malibu Parks and Recreation Commission (2017–2024) was marked by significant contributions to the city’s recreational and environmental initiatives. Guldiman played a pivotal role in the development of both the temporary and permanent skate parks, advocated for shade structures at Malibu Bluffs Park, and supported the installation of wildlife cameras to showcase the region’s biodiversity. Her efforts in the restoration and planning of Charmlee Wilderness Park were particularly noteworthy, drawing on her deep knowledge of native habitats and protected lands.

Beyond her commission work, Guldiman is an accomplished author and photographer whose books preserve Malibu’s history and capture its natural beauty. Accepting the award, she paid tribute to her late father, John Guldiman, a lifelong advocate for community involvement. “My dad was a great believer in not just living in a community, but participating and volunteering and making a difference,” she said, dedicating her award to his memory.

Andy Lyon: A voice for Malibu’s skateboarding community
Next, Andy Lyon was recognized for his decades-long advocacy for Malibu’s skateboarding community. Lyon’s persistent efforts were instrumental in the development of the city’s permanent skate park, a long-awaited project that will soon serve skaters of all skill levels. His regular attendance at City Council meetings and ability to rally support from residents of all ages ensured that the skate park’s design incorporated both beginner and intermediate elements, making it accessible and inclusive.

However, Lyon’s acceptance speech struck a bittersweet note. He expressed frustration over the recent demolition of the temporary skate park, which he described as a “huge failure” by the city. Lyon highlighted the wastefulness of discarding reusable materials, such as pressure-treated wood, and criticized the lack of transparency in the bidding process for the permanent skate park. “It’s super bad timing for me,” he said, noting the irony of receiving an award on the same day the temporary skate park was destroyed. Despite his concerns, Lyon emphasized the joy the temporary park brought to the community, particularly to his son, and vowed to continue advocating for Malibu’s recreational spaces.

Villablanca acknowledged Lyon’s concerns, expressing hope that the community would come together to celebrate the opening of the permanent skate park. “We certainly are not a perfect community,” she said, “but I think it’s going to be a great facility for our community. I’m very excited to have it.”

Nick Shergott: A leader in youth sports
The final award was presented to Nick Shergott, a steadfast supporter of Malibu’s youth sports programs. Shergott’s decade-long volunteer work with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and his leadership as president of Malibu Little League have left an indelible mark on the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shergott guided Malibu Little League through unprecedented challenges, implementing safety protocols that allowed children to safely return to the field in 2021.

Shergott’s contributions extend beyond organizational leadership. He spearheaded efforts to upgrade the baseball fields at Malibu Bluffs Park, including improvements to dugouts, field maintenance, and plans for a new snack shack. His fundraising initiatives have laid the groundwork for future enhancements to the park. In a personal note, a fellow commissioner shared that Shergott continued to serve as Little League president for two years after his own children had aged out of the program, a testament to his selfless dedication. “It took two of us to replace one of him,” the commissioner said, crediting Shergott with inspiring their own community involvement.

Accepting the award, Shergott expressed gratitude to the City Council and the community. “Thank you guys all for showing up and waiting. I appreciate it. It means a lot to me,” he said, acknowledging the community support, councilmembers, and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

A Legacy of Service: Past Jake Kuredjian Award Recipients
The 2025 recipients join a distinguished group of Malibu residents who have been honored with the Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award for their contributions to the community. Past recipients include: 

  • 2024: Shari Latta and Poison Free Malibu 
  • 2023: Sara Wan 
  • 2022: Richard Lawson and Judy Villablanca 
  • 2021: Sandy Banducci and Rob LeMond 
  • 2020: John Bell and Ellen Reich 
  • 2019: Kasey Earnest and Steve Hotchkiss 
  • 2018: Mike Mulligan and Justine Petretti 
  • 2017: Bob Stallings 
  • 2015: Joan House 
  • 2014: Steve Ciniglio 
  • 2013: Michael Zweig 
  • 2012: Dermot Stoker 
  • 2008: John Paola 
  • 2007: Bruce Young, Mike Doyle, James Whalen, and Steve Rodriguez 
  • 2005: Tim Biglow, Danny Klein, and Nick Tidy 
  • 2004: Jack “Papa Jack” Schultz 
  • 2002: Doug O’Brien, Joel Castro, Jill & Harold Smith, Maud Ann Sunderland, and Ron Bloomfield

The Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Awards ceremony underscored the importance of volunteerism in Malibu, Mayor Marianne Riggins closed the presentation with words of appreciation, stating, “It’s a great honor when this award is given because it really represents the community spirit. People stepping up, stepping in, and we just appreciate all the volunteers that help make our community great, especially in these areas.”

Malibu pushes to ‘uncomplicate’ Fire Rebuild permits amid lingering delays

By
Barbara Burke
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Col. Brian Sawser (right), commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Field Office in Pacific Palisades, speaks with Yolanda Bundy (left), Malibu’s environmental sustainability director, along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, on Feb. 28. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Travis England

Director of Community Planning Yolanda Bundy talks all things rebuilding and permitting in Malibu

The Malibu construction permit process has “been complicated by design to slow development,” according to Abe Roy, the City Council’s liaison for those trying to rebuild in Malibu.  However, speaking to the City Council on Aug. 25, Roy reiterated his central thesis: “We need to ‘uncomplicate’ it for fire rebuilds.” 

We need to do so now, he emphasizes as he supports many residents who are struggling to go through the rebuild permitting process. 

The state of play — crunching the numbers

Malibu lost a total of 720 structures in the Palisades Fire, including 322 coastal homes, Roy notes. Yolanda Bundy, Malibu’s director of community planning, shared details with The Malibu Times regarding the state of play concerning the processing of rebuild permit applications. Bundy stated that there are 128 pending permit applications, with 60 approved as to the plan review part of the approval process. 

After plan review, applicants must go through building and safety reviews. “We have granted two construction permits — one for a beachfront property and another for a home on Big Rock,” she said. “We are working on a third permit in the Big Rock area and are waiting for its final stamps and we hope to grant that permit by the end of September.”

Bundy also discussed decisions made in recent city-sponsored meetings, all with an aim to streamline the permitting process. 

“We invited representatives from the Structural Engineers Association of California, FEMA engineers and others in the building industry and we conducted an extensive technical meeting to assist the  council by establishing geotechnical guidelines,” Bundy explained. “Engineers need to justify that plans will meet minimum safety standards and we are trying to be clear about the city’s standards.” 

Bundy emphasized that the “city is committed to evaluate our plan approval process on an ongoing basis and to make upgrades to our rebuild portal so it is clear to the applicant what processes must be followed.” Elaborating, she said, “We have rolled out several standardized templates for homeowners and their architects to use which should facilitate faster permit checks.” 

With regard to unique challenges faced by those rebuilding on coastal lots, Bundy noted that, “The normal practice is for geotechnical sites to be evaluated by structural engineers who assess whether the existing caissons can be preserved and reinforced or whether it is necessary to construct new caissons.”

Next, Bundy discussed the onboarding of Archistar, an AI plan-checking tool. “Archistar is in beta testing with the city and we hope to begin using that AI tool for processing permits in the planning process,” Bundy said. “Los Angeles County launched using that AI system on Sept. 2 and our staff is busy inputting our municipal code into our use of the system and we hope to roll that out soon.”

Overall, Bundy noted that streamlining the design-build process is a team effort and it is an “ongoing process.”

Impediments to rebuilding plan approvals

According to Roy’s data presented to the City Council on Aug. 25, as of Aug. 22, only 15.5% of those who lost a structure in Malibu in the Palisades Fire have started the permit application process, as opposed to 26.8% in the city of Los Angeles.  

Although some of that delta can be explained by Malibu’s unique coastal topography and level of customization, Roy notes there still is a lot of room to improve the planning and building processes.  

“We need to address the significant lag between step 1 in the review process, plan check, and step 2, building and safety checks.” Roy stated emphatically, opining that many of the impediments in step two are administrative and involve unnecessary red tape. 

When The Malibu Times evaluated the processing of the recent plan approval for a home in Big Rock that received a permit to rebuild a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire, it turned out that the City of Malibu issued 123 comments in plan check. Whereas, according to architects familiar with the matter, on average in Los Angeles, only between 20 to 40 comments are given for constructing a single-family home. 

Those familiar with the matter also note that such plan checks in Malibu are conducted by consulting plan checkers that are contracted with the city may have an incentive to generate more comments because they bill the city of Malibu by the hour for their services. “Certain things and notations made on permit applications in Malibu are not relevant to what happens in the field and to implementing building plans, especially on the geotechnical side,” one source familiar with the Malibu planning approval process noted, adding, as Roy also opines, “That’s what’s holding things up for those wanting to rebuild in Malibu.” 

“We are significantly lagging behind the rate of permit issuance for the Woolsey Fire,” Roy told the City Council on Aug. 25.  “Given the current pipeline and cadence — the goal of the city of Malibu to issue 32 building permits by Jan. 6, 2026, the one-year anniversary of the Palisades Fire — which appears challenging. This is despite faster debris clearance in the Palisades Fire.” 

Roy acknowledges all the steps the city of Malibu has taken to help expedite rebuilding, including establishing the Rebuild Center, hiring extra staff and consultants, updating policy resolutions, providing informational sessions, and appointing him as the rebuilding ambassador, as well as establishing 12 zones involved in rebuilding and appointing zone captains.  He notes those are all excellent steps.

However, he advocates that the city focus on rebuilds versus all other projects, expedite approvals for genuine like-for-like rebuilds, streamline the processes regarding the incremental steps in the rebuild permit approval process, and continue its efforts to assess what roadblocks that those who are rebuilding are encountering by discussing the most commonly recurring corrections.

“The city should reduce its dependency on consultants and should keep plan check engineering capabilities in-house for like-for-like and like-for-like-plus-10-percent rebuilds,” Roy advised. “This will lead to enhanced responsiveness, maintain continuity, and provide consistent quality standards.” 

Further, Roy advocates that the city provide all corrections for a rebuild permit application in one review and he suggests that the city maintain more streamlined time goals to process applications. “A single review process minimizes iterative delays,” Roy noted. “That will enable faster decision-making and implementation.” 

He also suggested that the city invite Los Angeles’ Department of Building Safety to share its approach and that Malibu tailor and customize its best practices to meet Malibu’s specific needs. 

At Roy’s urging, the city established a system of zone captains to represent homeowners in each section of the Franklin and Palisades fires. On Sept. 8, as it does weekly, the city’s rebuild team met with zone captains seeking feedback regarding the rebuild process and providing assistance for those rebuilding. City staff shared information with homeowners about the city’s development portal tools, simplified planning materials and faster review processes.  

Streamlining Malibu’s processing of rebuilding permit applications as much as possible will involve an ongoing narrative, Bundy and Roy both concede. They advise those who are affected to be vocal and involved.

Members of a cleanup crew, led by Col. Brian Sawser (right), commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Field Office in Pacific Palisades, converse along Pacific Coast Highway during a cleanup effort on Feb. 28, almost two months after the Palisades Fire. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Travis England

Residents rally against antenna tower at SMC Campus

By
Hayley Mattson
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City Council to Address Community Concerns Over Health Risks and Zoning Violations at September 29 Meeting

The contentious issue of the communications tower at Santa Monica College’s (SMC) Malibu Campus, located at 23555 Civic Center Way, is expected to be discussed at the Malibu City Council’s next meeting on Sept. 29. The towering structure, often referred to as the “county antenna pole,” has sparked ongoing debates since its construction in 2022, with residents decrying its non-compliance with city zoning codes, its visual impact, and potential health risks. As the city wrestles with retroactively bringing the tower into compliance, Malibu residents are mobilizing to demand transparency, accountability, and action from their elected officials.

The communications tower, erected as part of the SMC Malibu Campus development alongside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Substation, was intended to bolster public safety communications. However, its construction on county-owned land within Malibu’s city limits has created a jurisdictional problem. The tower, which supports critical radio communications for the Sheriff’s Substation, was built without proper city permits, violating Malibu’s stringent zoning and aesthetic regulations. Standing between 86 and 91 feet tall — exceeding its approved height of 75 feet — the structure has been labeled an “eyesore” by residents, visible from Legacy Park and Pacific Coast Highway against the scenic backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Community opposition has been aggressive. Residents argue that the unpainted, unlandscaped tower not only detracts from Malibu’s natural beauty but also poses potential health risks due to electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions. Critics, including the Malibu Township Council (MTC), assert that the tower’s emissions could reach levels 5,000% above what is considered safe, particularly concerning given its proximity to classrooms at the SMC campus, where classes began in January 2023. Furthermore, the tower’s additional function as a microwave relay to the South Bay — a use not disclosed in earlier reviews — has fueled accusations of inadequate transparency during the project’s approval process.

At a June 2024 Malibu Planning Commission hearing, residents and officials voiced their frustrations. Former Planning Commissioner Kraig Hill questioned whether the tower could be made less invasive while maintaining its safety functions, asking, “Can we keep it just as safe and do it in a less invasive way?” Meanwhile, John Mazza, speaking on behalf of the MTC, condemned the tower’s construction, noting that the applicant had violated the approved 75-foot height limit by adding fill material around a raised foundation. “The pole should be painted a beige color that matches the college, and all lights must be removed as the FAA does not require them,” Mazza stated, adding that existing, lower-profile communications towers already serve the same purpose.

Resident Ryan Embree echoed these sentiments, highlighting a pattern of procedural oversights. In a June 2024 statement, Embree expressed dismay that his earlier correspondence, including a May 2023 email calling for a revocation hearing, was allegedly omitted from the city’s records. “How could it possibly be that the City staff excluded my correspondence on this illegal pole when I have addressed the City about it several times?” he asked, implying a lack of accountability in the permitting process.

Proponents of the tower, primarily county officials, argue that it is essential for the Sheriff’s Substation’s radio communications, a critical component of emergency response in wildfire-prone Malibu. However, critics counter that existing infrastructure, such as the Saddle Peak communications site, already supports sheriff, fire, and emergency services. They argue that the tower’s additional EMF emissions would exacerbate already high levels in the Civic Center area, posing unnecessary risks to students and residents.

Moreover, the Sheriff’s Substation itself remains unopened due to staffing shortages, a point raised by Councilmember Doug Stewart in a prior interview last year. “The county has said we cannot open the substation until all outstanding issues are cleared up,” Stewart noted. Critics argue that the lack of immediate need for the substation undermines the urgency of approving a non-compliant tower, especially given the potential health risks to SMC students and nearby residents.

The tower’s history is rooted in the SMC Malibu Campus project, which broke ground in September 2018 but faced delays due to the Woolsey Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the campus opened in 2023, hosting classes and community organizations. However, the tower’s construction without proper permits has fueled distrust between Malibu residents and external entities like Los Angeles County and SMC. This tension is compounded by broader disputes, such as those over Southern California Edison’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs, which have similarly pitted local priorities against regional mandates.

As the Sept. 29 City Council meeting approaches, residents are urged to make their voices heard. The meeting, held in a hybrid format at City Hall and via Zoom, offers opportunities for in-person and virtual participation. Comments can be submitted to citycouncil@malibucity.org, and the latest agenda packet is available at malibucity.org/AgendaCenter. 

Community advocates are unequivocal in their demands: relocate the tower behind the campus, lower its height, and conduct a proper environmental review to assess EMF risks. They also call for greater transparency, pointing to the 2016 SMC Coastal Development Permit staff report that “buried” the tower’s true purpose and scale. “This isn’t about aesthetics,” one resident stated. “It’s about protecting students, families, and residents from preventable harm.”

The Malibu City Council holds the authority to enforce compliance or demand the tower’s removal, but jurisdictional complexities with Los Angeles County complicate the process. City staff have proposed retrofits like camouflage, vegetative screening, or height reduction, but these measures have yet to satisfy community concerns. The MTC has called for outright denial of the county’s after-the-fact permit application, arguing that alternative solutions exist without compromising public safety.

Read full agenda and how to participate in Monday’s meeting here.

Driving Change: The Cost of an Empty Chair

By
Michel Shane
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Michel Shane

By Michel Shane, Columnist  

Thirteen years ago, a reckless driver on Pacific Coast Highway left an empty chair at our family’s dinner table. Our thirteen-year-old daughter, Emily, was gone. That unbearable loss became the catalyst for The Emily Shane Foundation. We channeled our grief into an education-based mission, helping underserved middle schoolers who feel lost or invisible find their path to success.

Now, we are returning to the very issue that created us. Through our new division, Driving Change, we are launching educational programs aimed at making our streets safer for everyone. But this work on street safety is happening against the backdrop of a much larger crisis of preventable death. The violence consuming our country has shattered something fundamental in me.

We talk endlessly about solutions, yet we’re trapped in an endless cycle — as if we’re destined to accept this as our new normal. But here’s what we must face: Gun deaths now exceed motor vehicle deaths in America. Let that reality settle in.

For decades, car crashes were the leading cause of injury-related death in America. Not anymore. In 2022, firearms claimed 48,204 lives — the second-highest total ever recorded. Motor vehicle deaths? 43,273. Gun violence has become the leading cause of death for our children and teens, surpassing car crashes, overdoses, and cancer.

In 2022, gun deaths outpaced motor vehicle deaths in 35 states and DC. In 2010, that grim milestone existed in only 13 states. We’re watching a crisis accelerate in real time.

As someone who grew up in Canada, this reality feels incomprehensible. Yes, Canada faces gun violence, but it’s rare — not the daily drumbeat that defines American life.

Here’s what makes this comparison so damning: We actually solved the car death crisis. It didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t easy. The auto industry fought seat belt mandates for years. Drunk driving was once considered a minor social transgression. But we persisted with mandatory seat belts, airbags, drunk driving laws, improved road design, and vehicle safety standards — comprehensive public health measures that worked. Motor vehicle deaths have plummeted by more than 50% per mile traveled since the 1970s, while we implemented evidence-based safety regulations.

Except when you look at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — even with national improvements in vehicle safety and driver behavior, the unique combination of road design, speed, and high traffic can still create a dangerous environment in our community, with deaths on the rise, not lowering.

With firearms? We’ve chosen paralysis over progress. No comparable federal safety regulations. No unified approach to prevention. No willingness to treat gun violence as the public health crisis it clearly is. Just endless debate while 132 people die from gun violence every single day—and we’ve somehow accepted this as normal. We’ve normalized the abnormal.

But this isn’t just about guns or cars—it’s about our collective disconnection. We’ve forgotten how to disagree without demonizing, how to find common ground when stakes feel existential. We live in separate information bubbles, consuming news that confirms our biases rather than challenges our thinking. Social media algorithms feed us outrage because anger drives engagement, and engagement drives profit. We’ve traded real community for virtual connections that often leave us more isolated than before.

This disconnection breeds the desperation that fuels violence. When people feel invisible, unheard, and hopeless, believing their problems don’t matter to anyone else, some choose destruction. They decide to make their pain visible in the most horrific ways possible.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox hit the nail on the head after the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, a devoted Utah father and community leader. He said, “Log off, take a walk, hug a loved one, and go out and do some good in your community.” This isn’t just naive optimism—it’s the foundation of real change.

Through our “Pass It Forward” campaign, we generated hundreds of thousands of good deeds, proving that our core humanity is to help, comfort, and create.

We’re all on the same side—humanity’s side. Until you’ve sat across an empty chair and felt the weight of a life cut short, it’s easy to forget how precious existence truly is, regardless of our beliefs. You never want to join the “Empty Chair Club.”

The solution isn’t complicated, but it requires each of us to choose connection over convenience, community over comfort. We’ve learned through years of grief work that helping others without expecting anything in return brings the fulfillment that technology and isolation have stolen from us. When we show up for struggling students, when we check on lonely neighbors, when we listen to people whose views challenge our own—that’s when real healing begins.

This isn’t about left versus right, urban versus rural, young versus old. It’s about choosing humanity over ideology. It’s about remembering that behind every statistic is someone’s child, someone’s parent, someone’s irreplaceable person.

Because here’s the truth: We can regulate firearms just as we regulate cars. We can choose community over isolation. We can pass forward kindness instead of anger. We’ve done it before—with drunk driving, with smoking, with seat belts. We can do it again.

The question isn’t whether change is possible. The question is whether we’ll choose it.

Log off. Take a walk. Hug someone you love. Find a way to make a positive difference in your community. That’s how we honor every empty chair and prevent countless others.

Our children’s lives depend on it.

Unique musical instrument registry gives the gift of music to fire-impacted

By
Judy Abel
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Musician Brandon Jay stands amid the remnants of his Altadena house with one of the two instruments (out of more than 200) he was able to save from January’s Eaton Fire.

Nonprofit seeks to help those who lost instruments in January’s fires  

When January’s catastrophic wildfires swept through Southern California, Brandon Jay and his wife, both professional composers and musicians, lost not only their home but also more than 200 instruments housed in their Altadena recording studio. Guitars, keyboards, harmoniums, recording gear — every piece held both practical and emotional value. “It wasn’t just the monetary loss,” Jay recalled. “It was the sentimental value, the stories behind those instruments. That’s what hurt the most.”

Just days following the fire, Jay posted on Facebook about the unique loss musicians feel when their instruments are destroyed. Soon after, his band played a show. To his surprise, friends and strangers arrived with instruments in hand — some nearly identical to the ones he and his wife had lost. “It gave me the idea,” he said. “Why not do this on a larger scale? Why not create a space where musicians who lose their instruments in disasters can be matched with donors who want to give theirs away?”

That thought grew into Altadena Musicians, an initiative that has since blossomed into a lifeline for fire-impacted musicians across California and beyond.

Jay mobilized quickly with the help of his longtime friend, bassist/songwriter De Ivett, who had previously built websites for him and his wife. Within days, Ivett had a website online — AltadenaMusicians.org — where affected musicians could share what they lost and donors could offer what they had to give.

“The stories started pouring in,” Ivett recalled. “We were hearing from people who had lost cherished pianos, violins, or even record collections. And on the other side, donors weren’t just giving instruments — they were sharing the stories behind them.”

This storytelling became central to the mission to their grassroots effort to reunite professional musicians and, also importantly, students and nonprofessionals with the instruments they use to make music and heal souls. Jay explained, “If you go buy a new guitar with an insurance check, it doesn’t carry the history or the soul of the one you lost. But when someone hands you a family instrument and says, ‘This belonged to my uncle who played in a band in the ’70s,’ that gift has meaning. It makes you feel connected, and that connection is healing.”

To manage the growing interest, Ivett used her tech skills to set up an online registry database to track needs and offers. “If someone wrote in saying they had a piano, we search our database and find recipients who need one,” Ivett explained. “We introduce them directly so they could connect, just like a ‘buy nothing’ group.”

Altadena Musicians is not limited to Eaton Fire survivors who lost their musical instruments, the group has always aided Palisades Fire-impacted musicians as well. And now the process to register has been made easier with their app called Instrumental Giving, designed to connect donors and recipients seamlessly. “If there’s a hurricane in Florida or a fire in Northern California, this could be a model to help musicians anywhere,” said founder Jay.

The highly organized Altadena Musicians has already placed 1,200 instruments with over 500 recipients. The group has replaced sheet music, audio gear, and record collections. At pop-up events, registered participants can “shop” crates of donated vinyl, to rebuild their libraries free of charge.

The organization also facilitates access to recording space, lessons, and music mentorship. One of its most exciting developments is the formation of teen bands made up of fire-impacted youth. “We put these kids together — maybe one’s a drummer, another plays guitar — and with help from volunteer mentors, they learn how to play together,” Ivett said. “We’ve already booked them shows, even a paid gig. It’s about giving them a sense of normalcy and letting music stay in their lives.”

Community support has been strong with companies like Yamaha that donated truckloads of instruments. Area music shops have repaired donated saxophones, clarinets, and pianos, while volunteers handle pickups and deliveries. Creative Visions, a Malibu-based nonprofit stepped in early to serve as the group’s fiscal sponsor, making tax-deductible donations possible.

Most recipients of musical instruments and gifts have touching stories after the fire. One young fire survivor dreamed of owning a bass modeled after Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan’s. Not only did Altadena Musicians secure the bass, they arranged for McKagan himself to record a video message for the boy. “It’s about more than replacing what’s lost,” Ivett explained. “It’s about creating new stories of hope.”

After his devastating loss and while still volunteering his time to Altadena Musicians, Jay is currently in New York launching an off-Broadway musical. But his heart is equally invested in ensuring other musicians can recover from their losses. And Ivett, who will serve on the board once nonprofit status is finalized, says Altadena Musicians will be a long-term community resource. “We’re here for the long haul,” she said. “Even if someone isn’t ready for a piano until their home is rebuilt, we’ll be here to help when the time comes.”

Jay concluded, “The music community in Los Angeles is remarkable — so supportive, so generous. Out of something devastating, we’ve been able to build something beautiful.

“Life is a little fuller, a little brighter, when there’s music in it.”

Altadena Musicians accepts both monetary and instrument donations. For more information, visit AltadenaMusicians.org.

Pedestrian hit on PCH at ‘Dead Man’s Curve’

By
Judy Abel
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There are conflicting reports today surrounding a pedestrian struck by a car on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Friday night. The collision happened around 9:44 p.m. on the stretch of PCH known locally as “Dead Man’s Curve.” 

The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department says a man jaywalking between Carbon Canyon and Rambla Vista was hit. That area has no crosswalk. The closest crosswalks nearby are at the La Costa Beach Club or Carbon Canyon Rd. Deputies from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station questioned the male driver, who remained on the scene. That driver has not been charged with speeding or DUI. The crash occurred within the recent burn zone, where the speed is posted at 25 mph. 

Some news outlets reported the male victim died after being transported to a nearby hospital. However, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said this morning the pedestrian remains in critical condition with “severe” injuries. PCH was shut down for several hours while investigators worked the scene, reopening shortly after 1 a.m.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as they become available.

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