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Opinion: Let’s talk about the ‘S’ words: sewer and septic

Opinion

The Malibu Times

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April 8, 2025

Opinion: Let’s talk about the ‘S’ words: sewer and septic

By Haylynn Conrad , Commentary

We learned in my last op-ed that the council doesn’t discuss these matters (unless with only one other member) due to that pesky Brown Act, so I’ll do my communication through this creative medium. Thank you to The Malibu Times — and as a bonus, I’ll engage residents in the city. This is our city.

In Malibu, few words clear a room faster than “sewer,” “developer,” or “septic.” They’re dirty, controversial, and loaded. But they’re also part of how we became a city in 1991 — when residents rose up to fight sewer-driven mega-development. That fight protected our identity. I honor it. I fell in love with it. I’m grateful for it.

But it’s 2025 now. I’m not talking about bringing in hotels or shopping centers — let me be clear. I’m asking if we’re ready to have a real conversation about infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience. Do we want to keep rebuilding the past, or are we willing to imagine a better version of our future? I think it’s time we look for them — together.

Let’s rewind.

After the Palisades Fire with my head spinning, I was sitting at Zinqué, still reeling in confusion on the never-ending problems. I’d just been elected. We’d barely recovered from the Franklin Fire. Will we build the beaches back? Will there be eminent domain? What happens to the coastline?

That’s when a fellow named Rob McLeod passed me a sketch via Malibu Times writer Ben Marcus. At first, it looked like chaos. But then I saw something else: the possibility of a smarter, safer future. I whispered it around town. The feedback was … cautious, curious, occasionally outraged. Now, a few months later, I think I’m ready to ask: Is it time to talk about a sewer?

Because right now, homes are preparing to rebuild — in Big Rock, Las Flores, Rambla Pacifico, Carbon Beach — and all are going back on septic. That means more seawalls, uphill tank maintenance, leaching, and long-term environmental risks.

Those seawalls don’t just protect homes. They protect Pacific Coast Highway — a state-owned road. If we’re being asked to protect it, shouldn’t the state help foot the bill? Not just for seawalls — but possibly for a sewer line, if it’s the smarter investment?

And what about beach ecology? One continuous wall could save a road and lose a coastline. Is that worth it?

So … where would the “you-know-what” go?

Some options:

Expand the Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility (if feasible).
Connect to a regional plant, like Hyperion in Playa del Rey.
Build a new facility — like the Las Virgenes Water District’s Tapia Plant, which I recently visited (yes, I drank the recycled sewer water, and I’m still here).

Look at the Las Virgenes water district as an option

Has anyone spoken with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District? I have.

What about Water District 29? Could we store recycled water for future fire seasons? Could we include this work while undergrounding utilities on PCH — or would it delay reopening? Can it be fast-tracked if the will is there?

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order calls for accelerated replacement of utility infrastructure — including sewer systems — in fire-impacted areas. If the state wants smarter rebuilding, we should be at the table with ideas and funding requests.

But who pays? Who decides? Would it be voluntary or mandatory? Would residents with functioning septics be required to convert? What’s the cost? What’s the timeline?

And let’s be honest — would a sewer open the door to the very kind of development Malibu was founded to resist?

We need your voice. I floated the idea of a citywide survey — not a vote, just a temperature check. If it’s a hard no, I’ll move on. You can tell me to pound sand — I’ll do it with love. But if there’s openness? Then we have to move quickly. Because every day we delay, we lose chances — for state partnerships, grants, and a healthier coastline.

Here’s the trade-off:

The Case for Exploring a Sewer:

Cleaner oceans.
More resilient infrastructure in disaster zones.
Long-term savings vs. maintaining aging septics.
Environmental partnerships and potential climate funding.

The Concerns:

Development fears.
Loss of local control.
Cost, construction, and enforcement logistics.

We’re holding a working session this Thursday at 3 p.m. at City Hall to begin this conversation. I want experts in the room — engineers, Caltrans, Supervisor Horvath, scientists — to walk us through feasibility, cost, timeline, and, yes, where the sh*t goes.

Because ultimately, this is about control. Can we protect our coast without selling out our values? Can we be brave enough to ask hard questions?

If the answer is no — then let’s say so. But if there’s even a “maybe”? Then let’s get to work.

As a wise councilmember put it: It’s time to sh*t or get off the pot.

I work for what’s best for Malibu. I was elected by you. Let’s talk. Let’s listen. Let’s figure it out.

Email me — I want to hear from you. Just be kind.

Hconrad@malibucity.org

Fueling creativity and community through epic rides

Barbara Burke

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April 7, 2025

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Fueling creativity and community through epic rides

Fireball Tim Lawrence is a visionary artist, filmmaker, automotive expert, and community leader

He’s a very cool guy — the affable, personable kind who warmly engages a person in conversation, listens attentively, and shares interesting and memorable stories and ideas. Fireball Tim Lawrence wears many hats and he wears them all very well. Ask anyone who has worked with him and they praise him highly and comment about his creativity, tireless work ethic and leadership.

Fireball’s unwavering passion and dedication to Malibu

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Lawrence is the executive producer of Michel Shane’s documentary “21 Miles in Malibu,” a passion project honoring Michel and Ellen Shane’s daughter, Emily, 13, who was senselessly killed on Pacific Coast Highway by an irresponsible criminal. The movie challenges policymakers and their constituents to focus on improving safety on PCH and other highly dangerous roads nationwide and worldwide.

“I’ve known Fireball since the inception of my documentary, where he became an integral part of the story,” Shane shared. “His unwavering passion and dedication shine through in everything he undertakes. Over the years, he has become a trusted friend and confidant. His authenticity and commitment to excellence has left an indelible mark on everything he does, including my life.”

Lawrence is the consummate car lover. He helped John Zambetti with Malibu’s Woody Parade for 14 years. He notes the event is “really more of a cruise than a parade,” and that it has become a beloved Malibu holiday tradition. For 10 years, Lawrence ran Wheels & Waves, a car show that provided opportunities for car aficionados and interested attendees to mix and mingle as they learned about interesting vehicles owned by ordinary citizens as well as by the likes of Jay Leno, Keanu Reeves, and Kevin Hart. After that endeavor, he coordinated the popular Malibu Cars & Coffee at Trancas Country Mart for 10 years, which he says, “was very successful because we did it the right way, showing primarily vintage cars.”

Community-oriented and always striving to create novel and impactful ways to share the arts in Malibu and beyond, Lawrence has spearheaded efforts to curate art exhibits at Malibu City Gallery at City Hall.

“I cannot say enough good things about Fireball Tim,” said Paul Grisanti, former Malibu mayor and city councilmember.“I am so proud to have appointed him to the Malibu Arts Commission, and he has made it into a very productive commission — he’s responsible for all the activity at the Malibu City Gallery and had unlimited energy to promote having a separate, standalone gallery. He has always been eager to volunteer for anything that he thinks might be helpful or that will make art shows better.”

Reflecting on the various exhibits he has helped to curate, Lawrence noted that the City Gallery affords a specialopportunity to encourage young and unknown artists.

“The City Gallery is literally the only gallery in the U.S. that doesn’t have to make money, which gave us free rein to create awareness for artists and allowed us to expand art within the community,” he noted. “The city was tremendously supportive of our efforts and we showcased art by Malibuites Dick Van Dyke and Jane Seymour as well as little-known artists.” Lawrence also humbly emphasized that former Malibu Arts

Commissioner Julia Holland’s assistance and creative inputs were highly instrumental in curating the exhibits at City Hall.

The Malibu Art Association has been greatly blessed by Lawrence’s contributions and his enthusiasm for sharing art in the community. He collaborated with the late Derek Schimming to offer art events at MaliBungalows that provided artists another outlet of showcasing their works locally and gave attendees wonderful viewing experiences.

As Sean, Lawrence’s stepson, was growing up in Malibu during the 1990s and early 2000s, Lawrence coached the youngster’s AYSO soccer team for seven years, taking the perspective that those experiences were not just about winning,but also about learning life skills such as working collaboratively, supporting one another, and ensuring that one has fun in competitive environments.

“Some of the kids I coached still call me to this day and some of them are very successful,” Lawrence shared. “I feel I had a little part in contributing to their development as good people.”

Although plans for establishing public exhibit spaces in Malibu may have to abide the post-fire rebuilding efforts, Lawrence noted that he advocates establishing a public space where locals and visitors can learn more about the history of Malibu, dating back to Chumash times.

“It would be great to have a Malibu Historical Society that offers insights into Malibu from its inception,” he suggested.“One appreciates his town much more when he understands what it’s experienced throughout its history.”

How it all began

Lawrence was born in Hollywood and was seemingly destined to be involved in the movie industry — his dad, writer Anthony Lawrence, had a record 3,500 published pieces go to the screen, including scripts for episodes of “Bonanza,” “Outer Limits,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Mod Squad.”

After graduating from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Lawrence enjoyed career stints at Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Studios. He has served as a Hollywood concept artist for cars in film and television over the past few decades, garnering more than 400 movie credits, including “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Jurassic Park,” “GI Joe,” and“Knight Rider.” He even designed the Batmobile for the 1989 “Batman” movie. He’s also created vehicles for more than a thousand commercials. Lawrence also acts and some of his most enjoyable gigs include appearing in Nintendo’s “Super Mario,” for which he costumed up as Yoshi and swam in the ocean as Super Mario, experiences he notes “were lots of fun!”

“At my core, I’m a concept artist in film and I create key frames for studios,” Lawrence explained. “I create vehicles, weapons, sets, and props — those are exercises in world-building. I created designs for Director David Twohy for the original ‘Pitch Black’ with Vin Diesel, and designed all the illustrations for ‘Jurassic Park.’”

A natural emcee, Lawrence is also known for hosting some of the biggest automotive shows for Discovery, TLC, and Speed. Ask him for details and he exuberantly responds, “The Mini Pursuit on Speed Channel’s ‘Street Tuner Challenge,’ Episode 1, enjoyed a billion views!”

How cool is that? It’s really cool, as are the more than 2,000 episodes of his “BEST OF SHOW,” on YouTube and the Auto Channel.

He’s the consummate artistic entrepreneur and has served as the design director for the now-shuttered Murphy Auto Museum. Most recently, both classic and custom car lovers have thoroughly enjoyed the Wheels and Waves events at the Channel Island Maritime Museum in Ventura every first Sunday of the month to closely inspect all the cool rides on show.

The Ventura show has been very well received.

“Fireball has been a catalyst for Wheels and Waves, a fun and unique experience at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum which brings the community together,” said Doug Riffenburgh, executive director of the museum.” He is a valued partner of the museum.”

The hotbed for automotive culture is in Orange County and from Huntington Beach north to San Luis Obispo and itsparticular focus is from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara, Lawrence explains. “Ours is an art-based car show, in which ordinary people spend years curating a one-off custom car,” he said. “People immersed in car culture thoroughly enjoy those cars. Importantly, such shows offer the best of everything. One can enjoy his interests and meet and mingle.”

When he’s not designing vehicles for films and commercials or curating car show gatherings, Lawrence, a gifted cartoonist, is creating entertaining coloring books. Check them out online at fireballtim.com or peruse them at Barnes & Noble, where one discovers his coloring books that focus on such interesting topics as classic cars, monster trucks, Camaros and Mustangs, Autopop TV cars, and even this writer’s personal favorite, the Hollywood Movie coloring book. Lawrence’s book titles also include “Vehicles of Syd Mead, Gene Winfield and Tony Dow.”

Enjoying the ride

Waxing philosophical for a moment, Lawrence opined, “In life, you can either sit on the side of the river, only wade in a little to get a feel for the vibe, but not really become part of it, or you can jump in and enjoy the ride.”

These days, he also focuses on his Automotive Pop Culture Art. Check those offerings out at fireballtimgarage.art, where you’ll find all sorts of merchandise from comic books to T-shirts to automotive pop art collectibles. His blog at fireballtim.com is also entertaining and informative.

Soon, readers can also enjoy Lawrence’s forthcoming “Best of Show” columns in Calabasas Style Magazine.

Off-campus Pepperdine student housing winding down at Calamigos Ranch

Judy Abel

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April 7, 2025

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Off-campus Pepperdine student housing winding down at Calamigos Ranch

Roughly 65 Pepperdine University students who were living off-campus at Calamigos Ranch are seeking new accommodations for the next academic year. Their housing, known as Calamigos Living, is about to undergo “needed” renovations after ten years, according to management.

The handful of private houses and cottages on the Calamigos property have been strictly used for Pepperdine students for the last decade. The partnership between the university and Calamigos began last decade when a housing crunch began on campus, and more residential units were needed. Dr. Brian Dawson, a former Pepperdine dean who runs the program, informed resident students last month that housing on the ranch property was to be phased out and leases non-renewed, but indicated a handful of students asked to stay through May 2026 in order to finish their last academic year at the university.

The rest of the students are in the process of finding other housing in the area, which has been pinched since the Palisades Fire destroyed as many as 700 homes in Malibu, making competition for rentals strong. Some of the bungalow units at Calamigos Living housed up to 12 students each in a rural mini-community with a few resident advisors. It’s still unclear whether the owners of Calamigos Ranch with absorb the renovated units to be added to their resort rentals. The property’s owner, Glen Gerson, said, “The Pepperdine kids have been exceptional.”

Gutted Kanye West house sells again

Real Estate

The Malibu Times

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April 6, 2025

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Less than a week after hitting the market, the Malibu Road concrete bunker once owned by Kanye West is in contract for more than $30 million. The buyer is an investor group led by Andrew Mazzella, a Montana-based luxury home developer, who plans to restore the 4,000-square-foot Tadao Ando-designed property to its original state before relisting it for $55 million to $65 million.

The seller, Belwood Investments, purchased the beachfront home for $21 million last year after West — who bought it in 2021 for $57.3 million — gutted and abandoned the structure. Belwood, led by Steven “Bo” Belmont, began an $8.5 million investor-funded restoration project in January but opted to test the selling market before completion and before expensive design elements were installed. Belmont said the contract price, between $30 million and $34 million, would yield a roughly 20% return for investors in just five months.

Mazzella, a former commercial fisherman turned developer, sees the acquisition as his entry into the elite Los Angeles area luxury market. A longtime admirer of Ando’s work, he has followed the property for months and is relocating to Malibu to oversee its restoration. The sale is set to close on May 1. The listing was handled by The Oppenheim Group and The Agency, with Amanda Lynn representing Mazzella in the deal.

Topanga Canyon closures may extend into summer due to severe damage

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The Malibu Times

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April 6, 2025

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Topanga Canyon closures may extend into summer due to severe damage

Residents and commuters may have to wait months before Topanga Canyon Boulevard fully reopens, as Caltrans officials reveal the extent of the damage caused by recent storms.

According to Caltrans spokeswoman Lauren Wonder, the lower two miles of the roadway are in poor condition, but the situation worsens significantly beyond that point.

“We have about nine different places where there are slides and three different locations that require retaining walls,” Wonder said. “Our goal over the next two and a half to three months is to clear the slides and restore two-way traffic control up to the point where the road has actually slipped out.”

The most severe damage begins approximately two miles north of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), where sections of the roadway have been significantly compromised. “The guardrail is exposed, water is flowing beneath the road, and we need to build those retaining walls to provide support,” Wonder explained. “We aim to establish one-way traffic control through that section within the next few months to allow limited passage.”

Caltrans has managed to create a rough one-lane road through the worst-hit area. Essential travel is being prioritized, with school buses receiving escorted access to ensure Topanga Canyon students can reach Paul Revere Middle School and the temporary Palisades High School campus.

As repair efforts continue, officials urge residents and commuters to remain patient and follow traffic advisories. While crews are working as quickly as possible, Topanga Canyon Boulevard may not see full restoration until summer. Caltrans will provide updates as work progresses.

Southern California Edison has also begun the process of undergrounding utility lines (youtu.be/-f9eNIdb3QI). The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works will be re-routing a water main connection that was exposed when the road washed away.

First Dirt Spread on Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

The Malibu Times

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April 6, 2025

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First Dirt Spread on Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing

The first dirt has officially been spread across the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway on Monday, March 31, marking a major step forward in the effort to reconnect crucial habitats for Southern California wildlife.

Heavy equipment rolled into position early in the morning, placing a specially formulated mix of sandy loam and lightweight volcanic aggregate across the overpass that spans 10 busy lanes of traffic in Agoura Hills. This unique soil blend will support 6,000 cubic yards of earth — enough to cover a football field with over two feet of soil — creating a deep, nutrient-rich foundation for native vegetation.

Once the soil placement is complete, a variety of native plants including coastal sage, buckwheat, wild grape, wildflowers, and milkweed will be transplanted. These plantings will provide a vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Adjacent to the bridge, an additional 12 acres will be enhanced with oak trees and native vegetation to further restore the natural environment and support wildlife movement.

The $92-million crossing, spearheaded by the National Wildlife Federation and made possible in large part by a generous donation from the Annenberg Foundation, is designed to reconnect critical habitats for mountain lions, deer, bobcats, and other native species. The 200-foot-long, 165-foot-wide structure, standing nearly 22 feet above the freeway, will allow animals to safely travel between the Simi Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains — regions long divided by the heavily trafficked freeway.

For decades, the 101 has been a deadly barrier for wildlife, isolating small populations of mountain lions and other species. Genetic bottlenecks and increasing signs of inbreeding-related birth defects underscored the urgent need for such a crossing. Although the bridge comes too late for L.A.’s iconic mountain lion P-22, whose tragic story helped rally support for the project, it promises a safer, more connected future for other wildlife.

“I imagine a future for all the wildlife in our area where it’s possible to survive and thrive,” said philanthropist Wallis Annenberg in a statement. “This extraordinary structure will serve not only animals — it will reconnect an entire ecosystem and protect this global biodiversity hotspot.”

Originally conceived more than 30 years ago, construction of the wildlife bridge began in 2022 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

“This moment is symbolic of California’s broader commitment to biodiversity,” said Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. “We’re recognizing that protecting nature also means reconnecting nature.”

As work continues, local residents and travelers are encouraged to follow project updates and witness history in the making — as the world’s largest urban wildlife crossing takes shape over one of Southern California’s busiest freeways.

Future Shock: Part Three, Catching the AI wave tsunAmI

Benjamin Marcus

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April 6, 2025

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Future Shock: Part Three, Catching the AI wave tsunAmI

Kevin Keegan on making Malibu modern, man!

AI is a technological wave that Malibu can ride to its advantage during the rebuilding effort, according to Kevin Keegan. In this three-part series, Kevin has proposed investing available library funds in a Malibu Technology Library, launching a PCH Access App, starting a Malibu App contest, adopting EPIC-LA, embedding a city staff member with Col. Sawser’s team, and adopting a technology mindset to kickstart Malibu’s technology foundation. In this third and final part of the series, Kevin addresses public-private rebuild solutions, the need for systems change, and our Camera Registry Program.

A lot going on these days. Hard to keep up with all of it. City Council meetings, town halls about this-and-that.Something in Santa Monica about the repaving of PCH and Friday, March 28, Rick Caruso came to town? So, what’s all that then? Did you participate?

A neighbor emailed me: “…Rick (Caruso) and (the) Steadfast team are meeting today with the Malibu Mayor and City Council to tour around the city. It’ll get Rick and the team focused on (neighborhood) priorities.” From that visit I learned the “Caruso team (is) getting ready to reach out (to the Malibu) Planning Dept to push (their) AI Permit Expediting software and processes.” I expect we’ll learn more next week.

“Developer” is anathema to many Malibu residents, maybe the majority. An issue with Steadfast LA (https://www.steadfastla.com/) for Malibu is that it is developer-driven. Alternatively, it may make more sense for Malibu to launch a similar nonprofit with more Malibu-specific goals that align with the city’s vision and mission. The concept is similar to innovative public-private partnerships some Malibu locals have proposed the past few months.

Yes, where most cities are “Go! Go! Go!” Malibu is “No! No! No!” when it comes to development. What is Steadfast LA?

We’ve learned “Steadfast LA is a civic nonprofit” attempting to address the scale of the Palisades Fire. The nonprofit has a preliminary $30 million investment goal to fund “building homes in a factory [to] help with one of the biggest challenges the region faces: With some 16,000 structures destroyed,” the construction industry’s capacity is an issue. Their off-site model addresses potential labor shortages and supply chain problems. For example, in the off-site factory“as the (housing) structure is assembled, wiring, plumbing, and insulation are added. When the homes are shipped to a site, they essentially just need to be placed on a foundation and connected to utilities.”

I know a few people who are considering prefab homes — either temporary or permanently. Anything to get them back on their property, and enjoy the view and the peace and quiet.

Another large-scale private sector initiative backed by the state is LA Rises, which “will marshal … resources …augmenting and amplifying local and state resources, to rebuild Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and all impacted communities.” According to Gov. Newsom’s announcement, “city and county leaders are crafting recovery plans for their communities. The state is mobilizing its resources and scale, coordinating with the federal government, and removing red tape.”

Malibu can demand a seat at that table.

Haylynn Conrad met with Newsom one day, Caruso the next. I expect she charmed them.

What’s important is that our councilmembers have direct lines of communication with these leaders and can help shape Malibu-centric solutions to address our large-scale needs, like infrastructure repair, PCH investments, utility modernization, supply chain challenges, insurance support, etc.

As has been said before: This is opportunity from disaster. A golden opportunity to fix what needs fixing: Make PCH safer and saner by keeping it at 25 mph. Less septic, more scenic, underground a sewage system, take 300 houses off septic, underground water, gas, power, communications, and put a bike path over the top of it.

Bu Back Better.

Is the City of Malibu technologically sophisticated in any way? Seems to me this place should be a shining example of elegant technological progress considering our relatively low population density, prosperity, and population of eggheads?

A general distrust in AI may be a reason we are slow to adopt. For example, according to a Gallup Poll (April 29 to May 6, 2024), “77% of Americans say they do not trust businesses to use AI responsibly.” That aligns with what the Malibu AI Study Committee learned when we surveyed over 200 parents, teachers, and students in 2024: 86% of our parents, teachers, and students believe Malibu schools should have regulations, policies, and guidelines in place for the use of AI in schools and classrooms, suggesting a lack of trust in AI.

Well, kids in school need to learn to use their Gullivers and not let computers do their thinking for them, so that makes sense. But for the city …

When all hell is breaking loose in a firestorm with 70-plus MPH winds, citizens will stay behind and risk their lives and fight the fires, because if they win, they are heading off a very expensive, time-consuming, hair-pulling nightmare.

Our systems have failed us. Step back for a moment and consider major disruptions over the past two or three decades: 9/11? Intel system failure. 2008? Financial system failure. COVID-19 pandemic? Health system failure.

Put simply, a system is a combination of coordinated or interrelated individual parts that contribute to the whole. Obviously, in Malibu, we are not going to change those national or global systems, but we can do a better job improving our state and local systems.

One way is to redesign our systems to give Malibu residents more local control. PCH is the glaring example.

Ostensibly, Caltrans is in charge. However, today, as Mayor Stewart said on March 28, the “U.S. Army Corps of Engineers appears to be the pivot point.” Furthermore, we’ve learned, the County of L.A. and the City of L.A. have decision-making power as it relates to PCH in Malibu. City leaders can and do participate in every meeting and make every phone call, but Malibu is on the sidelines regarding PCH and has little-to-no local control.

Another way to redesign our systems is to give Malibu residents more efficient processes. The streamlining of the planning phase for property owner rebuilds is a sign of hope, but it’s temporary due to Gov. Newsom’s February ordinance. Real change would be using this opportunity to integrate technology enhancements, including AI, into all phases of the rebuild process, including Building and Safety.

Woolsey is a cautionary tale because minor changes were made when major changes were desired.

“Don’t let an emergency go to waste,” is advice often heard in halls of power. For Malibu, the City Council is right (in my opinion) to prioritize residents who are recovering and locals who are struggling and to focus on accelerating the rebuild process. The question remains, how can Malibu leverage this emergency for the community’s long-term benefit?

Answer: Use this emergency to change our systems.

Come to think of it, I wonder if AI could be used to call the shots for firefighting. Do the math and scramble firefighters when the wind is blowing, and a fire breaks out. According to my friends who are LA County and Cal Fire firefighters, LA City screwed the pooch on the Palisades Fire. They had maybe a 10- to 15-minute window to get on top of that fire at Skull Rock Trailhead, and they didn’t, and it went out of control. You have to wonder, would a computer program have called Broken Arrow and sent everyone?

That’s the mindset I am advocating for — ask if AI could be applied to address a problem like that. The term “innovation” is rarely used in our city meetings.

Luis Tena deserves credit for taking the bull by the horns and not only unveiling his planning software solution NewArchat a City Council meeting, but offering to pilot test it for Malibu residents.

Luis is the next interview after you. One question I asked him is: “Trump is making noises about abolishing the Coastal Commission and Newsom appears to be appeasing. Do you think that’s a good idea?” What do you think?

I believe this is a bipartisan idea and, for example, Ezra Klein in his new book “Abundance” hints at diminishing their role. My opinion is the Coastal Commission is a part of our local systems and, consequently, any reform could benefit Malibu.

I’m pretty sure AI is being used to solve more complicated problems than civic planning, permitting, and approving.

Over the past few weeks, I have spoken with construction company CEOs, experienced architects, and more. All agree now is the time to experiment with AI solutions. Most of them see new “vertical” opportunities that will save time and money. From generating floor plans to forecasting energy consumption, from optimizing construction schedules to pairing sensors with data analysis, and from accelerating inspections to more accurately forecasting and tracking procurement materials, each Malibu property owner’s workflow could be enhanced.

3D printing is an expensive solution and it is not ‘The Answer’ for the rebuild effort, but an opportunity for a Malibu resident to be the first to build a 3D printed house. According to local design pros, the California Building Code rules and minimum standards may be an impediment, but this solution has already been implemented nearby in the desert. Who will be the first in Malibu?

Scale, along with speed, seems to be a rebuilding issue.

Supply chain may become an issue over the next 12 to 18 months. In terms of a private sector company like Amazon’s involvement to help get ahead of a supply chain issue, the City of Malibu could ask Amazon to do a macro supply chain analysis on estimated material needs for 700 house rebuilds over the next 12 to 18 months within the context of over 10,000 structures county-wide, plus a surge in demand nationwide, and ask for recommendations on bulk material purchases and strategic shipping. Amazon may have the technology and expertise to do that type of analysis.

Amazon could go into the prefab housing business, like Sears did a hundred years ago. Those houses were rock solid and are considered collector’s items now. Oh, Amazon is already in the prefab home business: As low as $10,000 and as much as $25,000. Quick fix?

That does not strike me as a Malibu-esque solution. The key will be encouraging conversations and debate with the community. We can learn from our Camera Registry Program experience.

Recently, Malibu began adopting what might be considered a smart technology solution, which is the Camera Registry Program, but, in my opinion, the program was rolled out haphazardly and without strategic direction.

The program’s driver was law enforcement and I commend Capt. Seetoo and the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department for how they implemented their preferred solution, but, in my judgment, the city and our residents were short-changed by the lack of technology leadership and the absence of a strategic vision.

Concurrently, we had the Speed Camera Bill initiative, which is a PCH Safety priority that I support, but, based on the public debate and comments from city officials, again, it lacks technology leadership.

Unless I am wrong, it took a year to approve the speed cameras and another year to install them? Really? Where are we? Kafiristan?

What the Camera Registry Program portends, potentially, whether or not it is intended as a program objective, is a mass surveillance system. I have not seen the details of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Camera Registry Program, but my guess is that AI technology is part of the program’s solution and capabilities and/or will become part of the program’s solution. One reason this is important for Malibu residents to understand and for our city manager and other leaders to help lead public awareness and debates around is the impact on fundamental human rights, such as the Right to Privacy.

To be clear, this is an argument for an informed public conversation about how we are proposing and implementing “Smart City” technology solutions (not against the Camera Registry Program per se) especially when AI is involved or human rights are affected.

It’s all math and AI thinks a lot faster than humans. Computers can land fighter jets on aircraft carriers now. I’ve seen that done in person and it’s tricky. Very. Sheesh.

To simplify how to envision these big changes, imagine a surfer sitting on their board in the ocean looking for a set of waves on the horizon. The competent surfer can see the waves that are coming. In that moment bobbing atop of the ocean water, they begin to prepare and make decisions on what swell they are going to ride based on how they assess those waves.

For us as Malibu residents, it’s the same idea with technology. We can see these waves of technological change coming our way.

A lot of those waves of technological change are being produced by citizens of Malibu.

AI is The Big One. The Malibu Way is to prepare ourselves to ride that wave! The alternative is to ignore this massive AI wave and miss the opportunities it offers our beloved city.

What will be our choice?

Opinion: Are our kids breathing safe air at OLM and Webster?

Letter to the Editor

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April 6, 2025

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Opinion: Are our kids breathing safe air at OLM and Webster?

By Marni Kamins

“Superman’s not coming. We’ve been taught to believe that someone else is going to fix it — the EPA, the government, the officials. And we’ve been waiting and waiting. But they’re not. You have to fix it. You have to take action.” — “Erin Brockovich”

Growing up in Malibu, I remember hearing that kids in the Valley often weren’t allowed to play outside because the air quality was too poor — smog would settle in low-lying areas, and schools would call “bad air” days. That never happened to me here. Malibu’s clean air and open hills were part of what made it special.

But now I look at Webster Elementary and Our Lady of Malibu, both tucked at the bottom of a canyon, and I wonder: Are we safe?

Right now, 100 debris trucks are expected to pass through Malibu Canyon daily, en route to the dump. Many of these trucks use the LA Public Works parking lot — located just 25 feet from Webster and 30 feet from the Boys & Girls Club — and they do so during school hours. They idle on Winter Canyon Road, waiting to enter the lot, especially around 2:40 to 3 p.m. — pickup time at both schools. Parents sit in their cars, mostly unaware. But the children see it. They run past the trucks, pulling their collars over their faces to block the exhaust. Others are still outside playing when the trucks arrive.

These are heavy-duty diesel construction trucks, many carrying post-fire debris — ash, drywall, broken concrete, burnt plastics, possible asbestos, and heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Even with tarps, they kick up dust and invisible particulate. Is it settling in the air, the playground, the soil? Is it safe to breathe? Is it safe to play in? Does it settle into the grass and dirt on our field?

This isn’t a one-time occurrence. This will be ongoing — potentially for months or years. Our children are essentially at the bottom of a bowl, encircled by debris trucks day after day.

If this were a construction site, OSHA would require testing for silica, diesel particulate, asbestos, and more. But this is a school — filled with preschoolers and kindergartners. Where is the oversight? Where is the testing?

After the Franklin Fire, Webster was closed for six weeks. It partially burned. I remember walking into classrooms afterward and still seeing artificial Christmas trees, stuffed animals, and soft goods — the very items that should be discarded after smoke exposure. I know because my own home had smoke damage, and we were told to throw away anything porous. Why didn’t the same standard apply to the school? I was informed that they did throw these away, but then I saw them still in the classrooms with my own eyes.

Two staff members at Webster privately told me they believed the post-fire cleanup was insufficient. Both said they developed rashes after returning to work. I personally know over a dozen children who experienced the same. A local doctor at Malibu Urgent Care told us it was likely dermatitis from ash exposure.

Why am I bringing this up? Because I’ve seen this story play out before. Our district covered up PCB contamination at Malibu High for years, ignoring parent and teacher concerns until three staff members were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Only after pressure from the community did they finally test. Years later, many graduates were diagnosed with thyroid, lung (in non-smokers), and colon cancer — in their early 30s. Testing came too late for them.

I don’t want to repeat that history. I’m writing this as a parent, a neighbor, and someone deeply worried about what our kids are breathing every day.

At the very least, Webster and OLM deserve weekly, site-specific air and soil testing after this unprecedented disaster. We should be power washing the campus daily. We should be rerouting trucks during school hours. We should be demanding better — because the district will not act unless we, the people of Malibu, insist.

If this concerns you too, please speak up. Talk to other parents. Email the city. Attend the school board meeting. Join me in asking for the basic right to know that our children are not being slowly poisoned.

Let’s protect them — now, not later.

Marni Kamins has been appointed to the Malibu City Planning Commission by Council member Bruce Silverstein and will be sworn-in, in April.

LA County Approves Emergency Motion to Clear Fire Debris on Private Malibu Properties

The Malibu Times

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April 6, 2025

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LA County Approves Emergency Motion to Clear Fire Debris on Private Malibu Properties

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved an emergency motion that will allow the government to enter private properties and remove fire debris left uncleared after the Palisades Fire.

The measure, spearheaded by Board Chair Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, gives the County the authority to forge an agreement with the City of Malibu, enabling crews — including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — to begin debris removal along the coastline where dozens of homeowners have failed to take action.

“Every property left uncleared is a threat to safety, the environment, and our ability to recover,” said Supervisor Horvath in a written statement. “We’re moving swiftly to protect our communities, our coastline, and ensure the region is on track for a safe and sustainable recovery.”

The motion specifically targets fire-damaged beachfront properties in Malibu, where dangerous debris continues to wash into the ocean with every high tide. While many homeowners have already opted into the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program or hired private crews, approximately 10 percent of affected landowners across the county — including a patchwork of homes along Malibu’s coast — have failed to respond.

Chair Barger acknowledged property owners’ rights to choose their own path to recovery but emphasized the urgency of the situation.

“While they have the right to make their own plans, we need those decisions now,” Barger said. “It’s not just about individual properties anymore — it’s about public safety and the environmental consequences of inaction.”

The Army Corps of Engineers, which has already begun clearing some homes, reports difficulty completing work due to a checkerboard pattern of unresponsive owners. In many cases, crews require access across adjacent lots to safely and efficiently remove hazardous materials.

To expedite action, the County is launching a targeted outreach campaign aimed at displaced owners and absentee landlords, urging them to submit Right of Entry (ROE) forms or proof of private contractor agreements before the extended April 15 deadline.

The Board has also ordered a comprehensive report to be delivered within seven days, outlining a countywide strategy to clear all remaining debris. The report will include a timeline, abatement procedures, and enforcement measures for properties that remain uncleared.

Once the agreement with Malibu is finalized, LA County crews will begin clearing every eligible coastal lot where public health, structural integrity, and ocean pollution remain a threat.

This unprecedented step underscores the County’s commitment to ensuring full recovery efforts move forward — even in the face of complex property ownership and post-disaster challenges.

To learn more about fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles County or to submit your ROE form, visit recovery.lacounty.gov.

ROE forms extended to April 15

The Malibu Times

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April 6, 2025

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As part of a broader state-federal partnership, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Newsom’s request to expand wildfire cleanup efforts. This approval, granted within 24 hours of the state’s request, includes additional facility types such as owner-occupied condominiums, multi-family units, and certain commercial properties.

“Our federal partners continue to deliver for California. Together, we will rebuild Los Angeles in record time while supporting all those impacted,” Newsom stated.

FEMA has also extended the deadline for property owners to submit Right of Entry (ROE) forms to April 15, allowing newly eligible groups to participate in the cleanup program. Typically, commercial property owners are responsible for their own debris removal, but FEMA’s expanded scope now allows for case-by-case reviews based on public health threats, economic impact, and insurance status.