The $29 million project will also include removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation of the historic blue pier sign

On Oct. 31, the City of Santa Monica announced the completion of the design phase of a project to replace the 85-year-old Santa Monica Pier pedestrian bridge, a 17-span reinforced concrete bridge constructed in 1939 that connects Ocean Avenue with the Santa Monica Pier. After obtaining the necessary permits, the city intends to issue a request for bids for the project in the spring of 2025, seeking bids from experienced bridge contractors and proposals from construction management firms.

“Flanked by the famous blue archway at its entrance, the Pier Bridge is a crucial link from Palisades Park and Colorado Avenue and has welcomed millions of residents and visitors to the world-famous Santa Monica Pier.” The announcement said. “The new bridge will include seismic safety upgrades, increased functionality and accessibility, and will feature expanded walkways, new lighting and railing.” Further, the new bridge will have at least a 75-year service life, city officials stated.

Elaborating, the announcement informed that the $29 million project will also include the removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation of the historic blue pier sign, under the supervision of an architectural historian and neon conservator anda smaller replica pier sign will be installed on the Pier during the course of the construction.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2025. Addressing logistics surrounding the construction project, the city informs that a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed prior to the demolition of the existing bridge to ensure the public has uninterrupted access to the Pier and its amenities and the Pier will remain open for business and will be accessible to visitors throughout the construction period. 

Addressing the timing of the project, the city informed that the project is anticipated to be completed before the 2028 Summer Olympic Games so that the anticipated hundreds of thousands of additional visitors to the region can enjoy the pier. For information about the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, visit the project webpage at santamonica.gov/santa-monica-pier-bridge-replacement-project.

The effect the bridge project will have on Malibuites’ traffic experiences

When contemplating what effect deconstruction of the current Santa Monica Pier pedestrian bridge and construction of a temporary bridge and later, of the new bridge will possibly add to Malibuites’ traffic congestion woes, one should not simply attempt to address the issue in isolation, City Councilmember Paul Grisanti opined.

“One has to consider Caltrans’ proposed construction at Topanga.” Grisanti said, referring to the five-year-long project Caltrans proposes which is currently in the procurement process. “That project, in addition to the proposed construction at Will Rogers, could also contribute to traffic congestion.” 

Elaborating, he dubiously noted, “The Topanga bridge project involves deconstructing a 45-foot bridge and replacing it with a large, 275-foot bridge and Caltrans is telling citizens that despite the size of that project, there will still be four lanes of traffic on that part of Pacific Coast Highway.” 

Grisanti discussed other Caltrans projects so as to provide some possible insights into how the reconstruction of the pier bridge would affect resident and visitor commutes. 

“Both the current Trancas and Corral Canyon projects are taking a lot longer than projected and the Trancas project is smaller than the one proposed at Topanga.” 

With regard to whether the Santa Monica pedestrian bridge and the other proposed projects can all be completed in time for the July 2028 Olympics, Grisanti remains dubious.

Annual Open House event held at King Gillette Ranch to thank their partners and community members 

By Benjamin Hanson 

Special to The Malibu Times

Members of the Malibu, Calabasas and Agoura Hills communities attended a Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing open house at King Gillette Ranch on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Residents received updates, had their questions and concerns answered, and enjoyed complimentary food.

Construction of the wildlife crossing — the largest of its kind — began in mid-2022 and is expected to be finished by late 2025 or early 2026. 

Regional Executive Director of the National Wildlife Foundation Beth Pratt said this informational event is heldannually. 

“We have this big project going on in this community,” Pratt said. “We want people to meet all of the major partners and be able to ask questions about what does the construction mean, what does the National Park Service research show, and things like that. But it’s also a ‘thank you’ event because this is the community that made it happen.”

Agoura Hills Mayor Illece Buckley Weber and Mayor Pro Tem Penny Sylvester issued a proclamation, declaring this week “Urban Wildlife Week.”

“The city is so proud to be the home of the world’s largest wildlife crossing,” Buckley Weber said. “We’ve enjoyed every step of the way and it’s been a pleasure working with the other partners.”

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund (SMMF), an official partner of the National Park Service, was on hand to teach guests about wildlife, safely trapping rats, and how wildlife cameras work. 

SMMF Executive Director Deanna Armbruster said that the SMMF plays two major roles in the wildlife crossing. 

“We helped to support and fund the research for the wildlife crossing to provide the case that the animals needed a place to cross, and we’ll continue to fund that research well into the future,” she said. “Additionally, we staff and grow the plants at a nursery that is specifically dedicated to the wildlife crossing.” 

Armbruster said that the plants will be placed on top of the wildlife crossing and will provide the habitat to attract the animals and encourage them to reuse the crossing.

Author Sherry Mangel-Ferber attended the event in her P-22 costume. Mangel-Ferber has co-authored two children’sbooks about the Hollywood Cat.

Mangel-Ferber said she was one of Pratt’s first volunteers when the project began over a decade ago. 

“I’m a former classroom teacher and my students were all involved in a research project about the Wildlife Crossing and all the native wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains,” Mangel-Ferber said. “They were at the first rally at the Wildlife Crossing site and a year later they were able to come back to that site as well. And now they’re all in college.”

Pratt thanked the community and the partners for coming to the open house and for helping the crossing come to life.

“This really was a public movement where we all came together and said ‘we want wildlife to have a future here,’” Pratt said.

MSAR deputies tell amazing stories of local rescue operations

Last week, Malibu Scouts Pack 224 had a first-hand demonstration by the community’s very own Malibu Search and Rescue, the volunteer nonprofit organization. The scouts were given a tour of the equipment used during rescues, such as a pulley and portable beds, at Our Lady of Malibu.

“Malibu Scouts meeting with Malibu Search and Rescue was truly amazing,” Anna Gorby, committee chair of the Malibu Scouts said. “The deputies gave participants a ride on the pulley machine, and kids were yelling with excitement, asking to swing on the rescue bed.”

The search and rescue team was represented by Reserve Sheriff’s Deputies Nick Razum and Neal Thornhill, andCivilian Volunteer Specialist James Grasso.

There were plenty of things to explore. Two trucks had lots of features that were filled with equipment available to police and fire departments only. Kids were amazed by the number of keys the deputies carry and even the handcuffs. 

There were plenty of things to explore. Two trucks had lots of features that were filled with equipment available to police and fire departments only. Kids were amazed by the number of keys the deputies carry and even the handcuffs. 

“Malibu Search and Rescue deputies and volunteers told us amazing stories of local rescue operations,” Gorby said.”The theme of the Scout meeting was ‘Loyal’ and it was fun to hear about various forms of loyalty. We even discussed the loyal dogs who serve at the Malibu Search and Rescue.”

Gorby said at the end of the tour, the children were taught how to tie a lasso knot.

Gorby said it was a true calling for people like Thornhill.

“I chose to do Search and Rescue because I wanted to do something that challenges me mentally, physically, emotionally — something that made me be the best person I could be,” he said. “I get to go and help people when they are having a really bad day.”

Gorby said it was a pleasant surprise to hear that Razum was also a Boy Scout. He shared what loyalty in a team meant to him. 

Grasso shared that they are the second referred busiest search and rescue team in the state: “This year, we had 120 callouts so far. We get a call two, three days per week.”

Malibu Scouts say a big “Thank you for the Malibu Search and Rescue” for a great and fun learning opportunity. 

Founded in 1977, the Malibu Search & Rescue Team is an all-volunteer organization comprised of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputy sheriffs, and civilian volunteer specialists. The members comprise one of the busiest teams in the state and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in all weather conditions. They primarily cover 187 square miles of the Santa Monica Mountains from the Los Angeles/Ventura County line to Pacific Palisades and also respond to mutual aid requests from other search and rescue teams. MSAR responds to lost hikers, injured hikers, missing persons, vehicles over the side, aircraft accidents, wildfires, animal rescues, and mass casualty incidents. To learn more, visit R22@malibusar.org 

Malibu Scouts is a place to teach respect and values, get fun authentic experiences, make new friends, and get off screens. The organization provides “skills beyond screens”, “social without the media”, and “search without screens.”

The new Malibu Scouts Cub Pack 224 was organized by Gorby, a longtime Malibu resident, after COVID closures have been lifted in 2022. Every year, the Cub Pack grows by 20 percent due to efforts in designing educational children’s programs and engaging fun activities. Their annual Pinewood Car Derby Race is an unrivaled and unique event for children that draws the entire community. Camps and hikes offer unique activities not available elsewhere: archery, slingshot, woodwork, candle making, leatherwork, kayaking, etc.  

Each year, the Malibu Scouts designs programs that children will cherish for the rest of their lives. Their programs are for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade who reside in or near Malibu. Malibu Scouts offers affordable hands oneducation for kids ages 5 through 10. Camping, hiking, and marine science programs are also available. In 2022, The Malibu Scouts had great success with the launch of the marine science program featuring a whale-watching activity. A commercial fishing boat launching out of Marina Del Rey took the kids out to encounter a large school of dolphins. They provide that experience annually with the help of Malibu City funding. 

Malibu Scouts Pack 224 is part of the Optimist Club of Malibu, sponsored by the BSA Troop 224, and has served students in Malibu since 1961. The Malibu Scouts committee members organize, fund, and staff numerous annual events,  such as the Pinewood Car Derby Race, Raingutter Regatta, year-round camping trips, local field trips such as Malibu City Hall, Malibu Search and Rescue, and a fire station. They participate in community charity events such as Operation Christmas Box and Labor Exchange, among many other events. In addition to organizing these events, the Malibu Scouts raises funds for the BSA and the Cub Pack 224, and many other services. Malibu Scouts Pack 224 brings one-of-a-kind experience every child should have. For more information, visit Instagram @MalibuPack224Scouts or call (310) 804-3267.

On Oct. 25, the City of Malibu announced its decision to move forward independently with its school district separation petition following a unanimous City Council vote. This decision follows the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SM-MUSD) Board’s failure to meet its own deadlines to finalize a recommended separation agreement.

The City of Malibu’s petition to separate from SM-MUSD and establish an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) will be reviewed by the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization during public hearings scheduled for November 8 and 13. Community members are encouraged to participate by attending, watching, and submitting public comments in support of the City’s separation effort. Viewing and commenting instructions are posted on the County Committee website.

Public Hearing Schedule:

• Friday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m.
• SMMUSD District Office Board Room, 1717 4th Street, Santa Monica
• Remote participation available
• Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6 p.m.
• Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Dr, Malibu
• Remote participation available

Community members are also invited to submit letters in support of Malibu’s petition, which will be presented to the County Committee at the hearings. Letters can be uploaded through the form on the MUSD webpage. For any questions, contact Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown at ABrown@MalibuCity.org.

These hearings mark a significant step in Malibu’s ongoing efforts to separate from SM-MUSD and create an independent public school district. The City remains dedicated to ensuring the best possible educational outcomes for students in bothMalibu and Santa Monica and is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process.

Malibu will submit an updated feasibility study to the County Committee, supplementing its original 2017 petition. Unlike previous efforts, this updated study omits financial concessions initially offered to SM-MUSD, underscoring Malibu’s commitment to proceed independently. For further information on Malibu’s school district separation efforts, visit the Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) webpage.