Flight of peace along the pacific coast in Malibu at sunset. Photo by Ron Underwood
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Abe Roy settles into Malibu’s rebuild ambassador role
Residents feel listened to as Roy intercedes on their behalf with city officials
“We need solutions — not delays,” said Jo Drummond, a Big Rock resident whose home burned down in the Palisades Fire. “A rebuilding ambassador will help identify bottlenecks and help us find solutions.”
The City Council unanimously appointed Abe Roy, a contractor who lives on Big Rock, to serve as a rebuild ambassador who will be an intermediary between owners, their design-build teams and city staff in the planning and public safety department. “Very broadly, my position creates a formal way to create and facilitate collaborative interaction between those who seek rebuilding permits and the City Council, city manager, and city staff as well as fire department officials who will ultimately approve a property’s turn arounds for fire engines and access areas for emergency responders,” Roy said.
“The root of the problems involving permit application processing delays is the sheer number of ‘discretionary elements,’ in the city’s processes — those leave too much for interpretation and allow for the goalposts to change over time within the city staff,” Roy continued.
Because of past delays experienced by rebuilding fire victims after the Woolsey Fire, Roy seeks to expeditiously solve any problems or misunderstandings that cause permit processing delays and impediments.
“We need to define the elements involved in processing permits with granularity so there is no ambiguity and so that everyone is literally working off the same page — and accomplishing those goals is very doable!” he said. “Significant improvement can be achieved by applying best practices and implementing practical, common-sense solutions — there is a vast, untapped talent pool within the community and private sectors that we must actively engage. By doing that, we can not just be better than we were during the Woolsey permit processing, but an order of magnitude better, which is in Malibu’s best interests.”
Furthermore, Roy opined, “Those who burned out in Big Rock have details concerning their rebuilding that differ markedly from the challenges faced by coastal owners and, in turn, by those in Carbon Mesa and Carbon Canyon who are grappling with how to meet the fire department’s access mandates and District 29’s water flow and availability requirements. For every permit applicant, there are property-specific challenges and nuances that could create delays unless those in the city, owner, and their contractors approach problems from a team-building perspective.”
Clear communication early on is pivotal
“When rebuilding one-third of Malibu, it’s imperative that owners and city officials can clearly communicate and that owners and fire department officials, who will ultimately approve each property’s turn arounds for fire engines and access for emergency responders, effectively discuss details and solutions,” Roy advocated.
Discussing her perspective concerning the role of the ambassador, City Councilmember Haylynnn Conrad stated, “Abe’s role must be built on partnership, not power.”
Drummond isn’t the only resident facing the daunting rebuilding process who advocated for, and sees great value in, having Roy serve as ambassador.
From coastal lot owner Carl Randall’s point of view, having Roy as rebuilding ambassador can help move things along as those with coastal lots and the city address whether to install a sewer system or, alternatively, the city decides to require fire victims to install upgraded onsite wastewater systems with leach fields and supportive sea walls. Randall notes that those rebuilding on coastal lots also need government authorities to address whether property owners or Caltrans is responsible for building retaining walls damaged by the fire and located on coastal lots adjacent to the Pacific Coast Highway.
Randall, whose home on Dog Beach burned down, notes that before he commits to rebuilding, he needs answers regarding whether the sewer system will be installed. Further, as he did at the very first post-fire community meeting held at Malibu High School a few days after the Palisades Fire, Randall advocates for the Army Corps of Engineers to build a continuous seawall, as doing that would enormously help those rebuilding on coastal lots.
“One step at a time — one permit at a time,” is the only way to rebuild Malibu, Roy notes, as he points out that coordination between those rebuilding will help economies of scale and that sharing relevant data with all fire victims through a designated rebuilding website will help to track rebuilding metrics and progress.
“We need to analyze why some homes on the coast did not burn, while others were lost. After doing so, we need to rebuild taking those factors into account,” Roy said, noting that many of the coastal lots that survived the fire have one thing in common. Showing an image of one such cluster of still-standing coastal homes, he said, “The 7-foot block wall at the foot of the hill on the land side was all that was needed to prevent the remaining homes from burning along the PCH — we need to take that into account as we rebuild!”
Roy helps establish a Zone Captains Core Team for the Malibu Rebuild Task Force
“The Malibu Rebuild Task Force is launching the Zone Captains Core Team to streamline rebuilding efforts,” Roy stated. “We’re organizing homeowners into zones of 25 to 30 homes based on location, with each zone led by a zone captain who will coordinate text/email groups, escalate permit issues, share city updates, track local contractors, negotiate better pricing, and input data into a website to monitor progress.”
Roy predicts all those actions will “boost communication, centralize information, and enhance efficiency through localized collaboration and resource sharing, including sharing relevant data within the zone and the broader task force.”
Simply stated, Roy views rebuilding as a collaboration between the public sector and the residents, and he urges all Malibuites to learn lessons from the past while collaboratively rebuilding Malibu and defining the contours of its future.
Driving Change: The deadly gamble of PCH’s premature reopening — and why the blue highway is our lifeline
By Michel Shane, Columnist
It has been a devastating week. I met with several businesses who explained how they’ve suffered these last five-plus months — some will not make it. Just like businesses, our foundation is suffering too. My initiative, Malibu Rising, could not find its draw, we will pivot — the community needs this. So many have stepped up like The Malibu Project, a concerned group of locals who care, raising funds, making donations, shopping at local stores, and donating purchases. Why? Because they care and can. That’s how you save a community.
The issues of PCH have not gone away. Yes, there were no deaths because the road was closed, but now it’s open with two lanes, and tragedy is just standing in the wings — plus now, with danger created by the fires, it’s just a matter of time.
The deadly truth we’re living with
Someone reminded me this week that with a strong voice comes responsibility. So let me use that voice to tell you the brutal truth: PCH’s reopening was rushed, and we all know it. But what was the alternative? Watch our community die economically while we wait for perfect conditions that might never come?
Here’s what infuriates me: we didn’t have to choose between economic survival and rolling the dice with lives. But that’s precisely what we did.
Currently, PCH serves full public traffic while environmental remediation remains incomplete — many properties have until June 30th to remove hazardous materials. During the rush to reopen, nearly 1,300 truckloads of toxic fire debris traveled this route daily, and cleanup operations continue alongside families going to soccer practice. Ocean contamination persists from chemicals with no established safety standards. When fire ash mixes with seawater, it creates caustic lye that fundamentally alters our marine ecosystem.
Yes, we have two lanes now. But we’re still driving a highway that has claimed 61 lives in 15 years, including four beautiful Pepperdine students whose deaths should have shattered our complacency forever. The infrastructure improvements everyone celebrates? Band-aids on a system that treats our community’s main street like a highway built for speed, not safety. The proposed bike lane for PCH — remember the word “highway” is in the name — that’s a painted line on a highway. Are you kidding me? We’re asking cyclists to trust their lives to paint while cars barrel past at highway speeds on a road that’s already proven deadly.
We deserve better
Here’s what fills me with rage and hope: we don’t have to accept this choice between safety and survival. While we navigate today’s compromised reality, we can build tomorrow’s solution.
The Malibu Coastal Waterway Transit System — The Blue Highway — represents everything PCH cannot be: safe, reliable, environmentally conscious, and operational during emergencies. Zero-emission vessels carry passengers between coastal stops in 15 minutes, often faster than current road speeds and infinitely safer than toxic debris zones.
During the Palisades Fire, while PCH sat closed for months and our community bled economically, The Blue Highway would have remained operational, transporting thousands daily, providing emergency evacuation routes, maintaining the economic lifeline our businesses desperately needed. The ocean doesn’t experience mudslides, doesn’t close during fires, and doesn’t expose passengers to carcinogenic runoff.
This is about who we are
This isn’t just about transportation — it’s about refusing to accept that preventable tragedies are the price of living in paradise. Groups like The Malibu Project prove that when we care, we act. When we see a problem, we don’t wait for someone else — we step up, raise funds, and make change happen.
We can’t control Caltrans’ timeline for PCH improvements— that’s state-controlled infrastructure. But we can demand innovation and refuse to accept that our children will face the same deadly gamble.
The call that matters
Every day we delay the Blue Highway feasibility study is another day we’re gambling with our lives. Contact your state representatives. Reach out to Caltrans directly. Demand they fast-track The Blue Highway environmental and feasibility studies. Push for Olympic transportation funding that creates permanent safety infrastructure.
We have the technology. We have the ocean. We have successful models. What we need is collective will to choose innovation over resignation.
If I can do this, what can you do?
Let me tell you something that should shake everyone: I’ve already done the work. I’ve sat down, figured out how to fund The Blue Highway, and created a three-year timeline for operation. The comprehensive plan is prepared and ready to share with anyone serious about making this happen.
If I, one person driven by grief and determination, can map out the path from concept to reality, what can people with power, resources, and understanding accomplish? If I can identify the funding sources, implementation phases, and partnerships needed, what stops those with actual authority from acting?
This isn’t about capability — it’s about will. It’s about whether we’re going to keep accepting preventable deaths as the cost of bureaucratic inertia, or whether we’re finally going to match our outrage with action.
I’ve done my part. The blueprint exists, the timeline is ready, and the funding strategy is mapped out. Now, it’s time for everyone else to do theirs.
This is our Emily Shane moment
The next tragedy on PCH isn’t a question of if — it’s when. We can accept that reality, or we can change it. This is our chance to transform grief into innovation, necessity into action, and Malibu into a forward-thinking community that refuses to accept tragic normalcy.
The Blue Highway isn’t just an alternative to PCH — it’s proof that Malibu refuses to accept preventable death as the cost of paradise.
The ocean has always been our greatest asset. It’s time to make it our pathway to safety.
Recognizing student Board Members for their leadership and service
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District proudly recognizes student board members Haley Castanaza of Santa Monica High School and Ella Stabile of Malibu High School for their outstanding leadership and dedicated service during the 2023–2024 school year.
The Board shared in a social media “Through their thoughtful contributions, Haley and Ella helped strengthen the connection between the Board of Education and the student body, playing a vital role in elevating student voice across the district. Their commitment to representing their peers and fostering meaningful dialogue between students and district leadership has made a lasting impact. SMMUSD is grateful for their service and proud to celebrate the example they have set for future student leaders.”
Tensions flare in Los Angeles as Federal Law Enforcement presence sparks protest, National Guard deployed
A protest erupted Saturday morning in the city of Paramount as federal law enforcement officers staged operations near a Home Depot on Paramount Boulevard. The scene quickly escalated, prompting a robust response from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and raising tensions across the county as news broke that President Donald Trump signed a memo federalizing 2,000 National Guard troops to be deployed in Los Angeles.
The protest, which began around 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, erupted after reports emerged that federal agents were mobilizing in office spaces adjacent to a nearby home improvement store. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed that federal law enforcement was operating in the area, though LASD itself was not involved in the federal operations, stating their role was limited to traffic management and crowd control.
However, what began as a peaceful demonstration quickly devolved into chaos. Witnesses and law enforcement officials reported objects being thrown at deputies and federal agents. Videos circulating on news broadcasts and social media showed looting, vehicles on fire, and tear gas filling the air as authorities responded with less-than-lethal munitions to disperse the crowd.
Sheriff Luna addressed the situation in a press conference. “We will protect your right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or destruction of property,” he said. “I urge the community to approach the situation peacefully, as we do not want anyone to be harmed.”
The Sheriff’s Department later clarified that the protest was declared an unlawful assembly after incidents of violence escalated. Luna emphasized that law enforcement officers “should not be expected to withstand assaults involving rocks and bottles.”
By Saturday evening, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division declared another unlawful assembly downtown at 9:05 p.m., warning demonstrators that failure to disperse could result in arrest. Officers gave stragglers five minutes to leave the area.
Saturday’s unrest followed closely on the heels of a highly controversial decision by President Trump to federalize 2,000 National Guard troops for immediate deployment to Los Angeles. The memo, signed late Saturday, framed the move as a necessary step to combat “lawlessness that has been allowed to fester” in Los Angeles. The order came despite strong objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“The federal government is taking over the California National Guard and deploying 2,000 soldiers in Los Angeles — not because there is a shortage of law enforcement, but because they want a spectacle,” Governor Newsom said in a public statement. “Don’t give them one. Never use violence. Speak out peacefully.”
Tom Homan, the president’s appointed border czar and former acting ICE director, defended the federal deployment, warning that leaders who interfere with federal enforcement efforts could face legal consequences. “Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass need to understand they cannot obstruct lawful federal action,” Homan said.
The incident unfolded in the wake of a series of federal immigration enforcement actions on Friday, when ICE officers executed search warrants at several locations, including outside a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that the operation was prompted by a judge’s determination that the employer had likely used fictitious documents for some employees.
As word of the raids spread, tensions escalated. A crowd formed outside the warehouse, attempting to prevent federal agents from leaving. At the same time, protests swelled in downtown Los Angeles, where demonstrators gathered outside a federal building amid unconfirmed reports that detainees were being held in the basement.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons issued a statement following Friday’s clashes downtown, blaming city leadership for delays in law enforcement response and accusing local officials of enabling what he called “chaos and lawlessness.”
“Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered, as over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building,” Lyons said. “ICE will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and arrest criminal illegal aliens. Sanctuary politicians would do well to remember that impeding our efforts only endangers their communities.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed the city in a statement at 8 p.m, Saturday, acknowledging the deep unease felt by many following the recent wave of federal immigration enforcement.
“This is a difficult time for our city,” Bass said. “As we recover from an unprecedented natural disaster, many in our community are feeling fear following recent federal immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles County.”
She added that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, “violence and destruction are unacceptable, and those responsible will be held accountable.”
The events in Paramount mark the latest flashpoint in a series of clashes stemming from heightened immigration enforcement activities across Los Angeles County. While federal officials say they are targeting “criminal illegal aliens,”local leaders have pushed back, saying the actions threaten to destabilize communities already recovering from recent wildfires and displacement.
At approximately 9 p.m. this evening, Governor Newsom took to social media to condemn the escalating federal response, stating, “The Secretary of Defense is now threatening to deploy active-duty Marines on American soil against its own citizens. This is deranged behavior.”
As the National Guard begins to arrive, residents remain on edge, unsure of what the coming days will bring. City officials urge the public to stay informed, remain peaceful, and avoid areas where law enforcement operations are underway.
This is a developing situation, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Malibuites say goodbye: Remembering Randy ‘Crawdaddy’ Miod
Family, friends, and surfers gather at First Point to honor the life, laughter, and legacy of one of Malibu’s most beloved sons
Laughter, joviality and joy infused a litany of loving tributes honoring Randy L. Miod as a group of surfers, Malibuites, his family, and friends shared what Miod meant to them and to the community as they gathered on the beach near First Point on May 31.
Miod, 55, one of Malibu’s favorite sons, and his cat tragically perished in his eastern Malibu home during the Palisades fire on Jan. 7. For many in town, losing Crawdaddy, as his friends affectionately called him, hurts deeply because he was not just a friend, a co-worker, and a well-known surfer. Rather, he embodied the very essence of old-school Malibu.
Stories were shared, many eliciting giggles that revealed that those who were listening thought, “Yep — that’s Crawdaddy!” as they heard about some of his fun-loving antics, his sharing and genuine caring for friends and strangers alike, his strong work ethic as he managed Zooma Sushi and the Coral Beach Cantina — and before that, as he worked at the Pier View Restaurant — and his fierce loyalty to Malibu and to living a carefree surfer’s life.
There’s something heartachingly genuine and deeply spiritual shared by a group of friends and family as they paddle out to celebrate one of their tribe’s sweet release into Mother Ocean. As Crawdaddy was given final loving embraces by those who loved him most, the surfers found healing solace in the reality that to be at one with the sea is the best eternal rest.
Tony Streicher, aka “Ton Loc,” commented about sending off one of his best friends. “The paddle out was a bittersweet tribute — a chance to honor Randy’s spirit and the legacy he left behind in the very place where he spent so much of his life, touching so many lives. It was a beautiful, heartbreaking moment for all of us — made even harder by the painful truth that his loss didn’t have to happen.”
Streicher shared how much Crawdaddy meant to him.
“Our friendship began in junior high, back in 1983,” Streaker said. “Randy was outgoing, with a big smile and had a magnetic personality that drew people in. Like so many others, I was welcomed into his world — surfing Malibu, building a close-knit circle of friends, and eventually rooming together in the Shack, which wasn’t just a place to live, it was a home with an open-door policy because that was Randy — he was a man with a heart of gold who shared his love and generosity with everyone around him.”
“Randy is resting in the ocean that he loved,” said Carol A. Smith, his loving mother who lost her only child. “He would have wanted it that way.”
Photos by Emily Scher/TMT
Craw truly enjoyed the ride
As an eclectic crowd gathered at Dreamland after the paddle out to further celebrate Miod’s life, a screen sharing a montage of memories of his life mesmerized attendees. They paused and enjoyed images depicting him as a small child — he was a bundle of energy as he rode dirt bikes, developed his lifelong love of playing the drums and posed for a Little League photo. The young Miod, as an adorable tow-headed youngster, exuberantly smiled and warmly embraced attendees. Soon, images on the screen flashed his still smiling face during times when he lived in Malibu for decades: images of him working and surfing hard and living an old-school Malibu life.
Many attendees commented how apropos it was to gather at Dreamland to honor Crawdaddy.
“Dreamland is for our Malibu community to celebrate music, life, and our incredible coastline,” said Kelly Furano, manager of the establishment. “It’s a gathering place for legends — Randy was most definitely a legend who we honor today and always.”
Furano’s take is spot on, according to many sharing memories about Crawdaddy — they noted that he was a legend among Malibuites and, as friends and family chatted about him, it was fitting that they did so under the message painted on one of Dreamland’s walls that suggests that we all “Enjoy the ride.” Those who knew Crawdaddy best all agreed that he lived life to its fullest and he certainly enjoyed the ride.
“The Craw was unlike any other person — he was the guy who brought the inner child out in every person he ever came across!” said Chris Wizner, one of Crawdaddy’s friends who roomed with him for more than a year at the Crab Shack, the iconic red house on PCH owned by Crawdaddy — a house where he spent more than 30 of his 55 years. That house was where many surfers, friends and the occasional movie star and wanna-be movie star crashed — a house that hosted many a party and exemplified an iconic surf shack and the surfing life. “He truly lived the endless summer — he was authentic every day!” Wizner added.
Nodding in agreement, Mike Scherzer, one of Crawdaddy’s childhood friends and neighbors, shared, “To me, he kept that spirit of play and wonder that most people lose as they get older.”
Lawrence Miod, Crawdaddy’s father, noted that his son “made a big impression on a lot of people and loved a party.” Through tears, he said that his son and only child “gave a lot of love to a lot of people.” The elder Miod then shared,“Randy personally hand wrote a copy of ‘Attitude,’ by Charles Swindell and kept that on his fridge — that was basically a synopsis of his life’s philosophy.” Simply stated, Swindell’s admonition focuses on encouraging everyone to embrace a positive attitude no matter what cards he or she is dealt in life. And so, those who knew and loved Crawdaddy the most will carry on embracing his memory and his fun-loving, giving, kind outlook on life, a notion that provides those grieving some comfort.
“Randy was full of generosity and love of life and he had a great stroke for surfing in aloha,” said longtime friend Mike Marcellino. “He always had a table for us at Zooma Sushi and Corral Mexican Restaurant, and he always had a smile and a story — he worked his ass off and he played his ass off and he lived life to the fullest — he will definitely be missed in Malibu.”
Wizner happily shared that Crawdaddy soon will be posthumously honored by the Malibu City Council as Malibu’s first ever “Surf legend of the year.” For those who knew and loved him and for many with whom he only had chance encounters over the years, he always will be a legend in Malibu.
Photos by Emily Scher/TMT
Traffic Advisory: Overnight lane reductions on PCH at Corral Canyon Road
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) at Corral Canyon Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction during overnight hours beginning Sunday, June 8 through Thursday, June 12.
Lane closures will be in effect nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. as crews perform utility work in the area. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes or allow extra travel time.
The City of Malibu advises drivers to exercise caution and follow posted signs and instructions from traffic control personnel.
Malibu in transition: Summer crowds, fire recovery, and the road ahead
As tourist season returns in full force, local businesses navigate grants and rebuilding efforts, while the community grapples with infrastructure challenges
Summer is here, and not a moment too soon. Central Malibu on weekends is as touristy and trafficky as ever, but you have to wonder what first-timers think when they drive PCH from east to west and see that suddenly scenic mess for the first time.
The Anonymous Nobu Busser claimed Nobu is back to hectic, can’t get a table.
Congrats to Ollo and team who were one of 20 fire-affected restaurants awarded $10,000 grants from the DoorDash-funded Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund.
May 31 was the deadline for the Malibu Rebuilds Small Business Micro Grant Stabilization Program. According to the website, “The City of Malibu has established the Small Business Micro Grant Stabilization Program to directly assist local small businesses affected by the recent fires, severe storms, and prolonged Pacific Coast Highway closures. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 are available to help businesses with economic recovery and to retain jobs within the community. The program is funded by City of Malibu resources and administered under the City’s General Fund Grant Program framework.”
Darren Graves agreed to be interviewed about his property on Big Rock — an interview you will find on page B2 of this issue. He is keenly aware of the evolution of the clearing and reconstruction of Malibu — as a homeowner and a builder — and he laid these numbers down on his Instagram (Numbers which were updated a bit to June 2 by Melanie Peterson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers).
The opening of PCH in eastern Malibu last weekend appears to have been a resounding success for the communities of Santa Monica, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades, as thousands of beachgoers flocked to sunny Malibu beaches all weekend long.
However, the USACE debris cleanup has slowed a bit; understandably so, since there are now four lanes of traffic opened up alongside the beachfront homes that are being cleared. In spite of the barrage of traffic, the USACE cleanup effort is still so impressive. By the numbers:
330 beachfront homes in Malibu burned in the Palisades Fire.
Of those 330, 227 have filed ROE forms with the USACE. Since the USACE can only touch the properties for which they have ROEs, their subcontractors can only clear debris from 69% of the beachfront parcels.
223 are cleared — 68% of total homes, 98% of USACE parcels
32 are in process — 9% of total homes, 14% of USACE parcels
77 are being cleared by private contractors — 22% of total homes
33 have not filed ROEs and are not being worked on by private contractors — 10% of total beachfront homes.
And speaking of Malibu Rebuilds, their weekly newsletter states (updated by Melanie Peterson):
In the Big Rock neighborhood, 76% of opt-in properties are cleared, and 57% have received final sign-off from LA County. In Las Flores Canyon, 72% of opt-in properties are cleared, and 36% have received final sign-off from LA County.
Big Rock still has infrastructure problems, according to The OmnAIpotent OrAIcle:
The Big Rock neighborhood in Malibu has been dealing with significant recovery efforts following the Palisades Fire. One major infrastructure project involves replacing a drainage pipe that was destroyed during the fire. This emergency work has led to weekday closures on northbound Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) just north of Big Rock Drive, with repairs expected to be completed by early June.
Additionally, residents in areas like Carbon Mesa and Carbon Canyon have been struggling with water line capacity and storage issues, which are preventing them from rebuilding their homes. The Los Angeles County Fire Department requires adequate water supply for fire protection before issuing occupancy permits, but the existing water infrastructure — some of which dates back to the 1940s and 1950s — is in desperate need of upgrades.
Debris by the Numbers as of June 3: Part 12
6/1: By June 1, property owners who either opted out or failed to submit a Right of Entry form must obtain a Fire Debris Removal permit and hire a licensed contractor.
6/30: By June 30, all fire debris for opt-out properties must be removed. What happens to the properties that haven’t been cleared? We will find that out soon.
267: Initial visits to the Malibu Rebuilds Center as of May 27.
183: Follow-up visits.
10: Days is the average processing time for a first response.
25: Days is the average time for a planning decision.
31: Projects that have been submitted to Planning and are currently being reviewed.
20: Total applications approved by planning — all of them like for like or + 10%.
2: Building plan checks submitted.
0: Building plan checks approved
305: According to long-time Malibu real estate broker Doug Carroll — quoting from the MLS listings — there are 305 single-family homes and condos currently listed in Malibu.
24: Number of burn-out lots currently listed.
16: Number of houses for sale on Malibu Road.
5: Number of burn-out lots currently in escrow.
5: Number of burn-out lots sold.
5: Homes for sale in Serra Retreat. Three since the fire.
When Carroll was asked if he had ever seen this many “For Sale” signs or people leaving town, he said, “Definitely not and it’s my concern that it’s going to get worse. Before the fires most owners weren’t ready to sell due in large part to high interest rates. They didn’t want to lose their low-interest mortgages and have to buy with high interest rates.
Now they don’t seem to care about the interest rate issue.
I think it’s a combination of a number of factors. Many of these properties are second and third homes so they may not be as emotionally attached as if they were their primary homes.
I also believe people are just tired of all the issues in Malibu from fires to constant power outages to the PCH. It’s very psychological in my opinion.
It will take time for the market to absorb all the listings and for the rebuilding to start in earnest. Malibu has always come back, and when it does it comes back even stronger.”
4,295: As of June 2, according to USACE PAO Melanie Peterson — EFO-Palisades has received 4,295 rights of entry applications from the county, cleared debris at 3,373 properties and completed and submitted final sign off to the county for 2,930 parcels. USACE has cleared debris from approximately 78% of the parcels in the Palisades it received rights of entry to and turned about 68% of those back over to the county.
$6,000: Weekly salary for heavy-equipment operators contracted by the USACE.
1,008,746/2,107,492,000: Tons/Pounds of debris sorted and recycled when appropriate, of fire debris, concrete and metal.
Two Malibu teens hailed as heroes
Boys receive commendations for quick action while extinguishing a house fire
Two local teens received plaques and commendations from Malibu City Council and the Los Angeles Sheriff’sDepartment for their quick action and bravery after putting out a potentially devastating fire and narrowly averting disaster in a quiet Malibu neighborhood.
Fifteen-year-old Oscar W. Johnson and his friend Patrick Steele, 13, were riding their bikes near Bailard Road on April 5 when they smelled smoke. Moments later, they spotted dark smoke rising from a nearby house. Without hesitation, they sprang into action — an act of courage that is earning them praise and thanks from their community that has been devastated by fire.
The boys soon discovered a trash can and outdoor table fully engulfed in flames with fire licking up the home’s wooden garage door. Recognizing the serious threat to the home and surrounding properties, they quickly split up to respond. Patrick, a seventh-grader at Malibu Middle School, raced home to retrieve a fire extinguisher while Oscar, a ninth-grader at Malibu High, found large water jugs at the side of the house and began dousing the growing blaze. They called 911, and soon a neighbor arrived to help slow the fire’s spread. When Patrick returned with the extinguisher, the two friends managed to knock down the remaining flames before they could cause further damage. Emergency services soon arrived to fully extinguish the blaze.
Their quick and effective response was more than luck — it was the result of presence of mind, courage, and, in Oscar’scase, preparation. At just 15 years old, Oscar is a member of the Malibu Fire Brigade and has received training in fire safety. “I think my training helped me know what to look for and how to react,” he explained. “But honestly, we just saw the fire and knew we had to do something. There wasn’t time to think — just time to act.”
Patrick had no formal training, but his instincts and determination proved equally important. “My house burned down a few years ago, so I know what that kind of loss feels like,” he shared. “I just knew we had to try to stop it.” Despite not having any previous firefighting experience, he quickly located the extinguisher at his home and returned to the scene, playing a crucial role in controlling the blaze.
For their actions, both teens were honored at the May 27 Malibu City Council meeting. A formal resolution recognized their “heroism, civic spirit, and exemplary conduct,” emphasizing that their swift response “prevented what could have become a far more devastating situation.” Plaques to the boys recognizing their bravery and heroism were presented by Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Soderlund who told the boys, “You’re a fine example of young men and a shining example of what a good citizen looks like,” then stated, “Their actions serve as an important reminder, that regardless of age, you can have a profound impact in your community.”
In presenting commendations, Mayor Marianne Riggins stated, “Be it resolved, the City Council formally commends Oscar Johnson and Patrick Steele for their heroism, civic spirit, and exemplary conduct. Their actions reflect the best of our community and embody the resilient spirit of Malibu.”
Public safety leader and VOP Guy Blake praised the boys for their actions. “You guys are a shining example of what it means to be a good neighbor and a responsible citizen,” he said. “This community has been through a lot with fire, and it means so much to know there are young people stepping up to help protect it.”
Of course, the boys’ mothers were especially proud of their sons. “Patrick has a caring nature and a strong sense of responsibility beyond his years,” Ashley Steele commented. “We’re beyond proud of his quick thinking and grateful he and Oscar acted without hesitation.”
Kate Novalany Johnson wrote, “Oscar. There is no one like him. I am constantly in awe of his independent thinking and wise and thoughtful actions — much more a better person than I. I admire him and though I get to guide him as his mother, he teaches me every day how to be the better version of myself.”
Reflecting on the experience, Patrick humbly said, “We were just happy we were there to help and change the outcome of what could have happened.” Oscar added, “I hope more people, especially teens, realize they can step up too. If there’s a fire brigade in your neighborhood, join it. Be ready to help.”
Honoring a legacy of service
Malibu’s Mark Russo receives inaugural Mike Treinen Public Safety award
A heartfelt tribute was paid to a late beloved deputy at City Council May 27 as an inaugural award bearing his name was presented to local resident Mark Russo.
Russo, who moved to Malibu 15 years ago, quickly immersed himself in service to his community. For the past 13 years, he has served as a member of the Volunteers on Patrol (VOP) program through the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. VOPs are a vital part of Malibu’s public safety network, and for 12 of those years, Russo has served as the team’s leader, building the VOPs into one of the most respected and effective volunteer units in the region. Under his leadership, the program has evolved from a small, inexperienced group into a professional, well-trained unit that plays a critical role in Malibu’s daily operations and emergency responses.
The VOP team, under Russo’s guidance, performs traffic control, responds to vehicle collisions, assists with parking enforcement, and provides crucial support during disasters. One of the most poignant examples of this was during the tragic 2023 incident that claimed the lives of four Pepperdine students. Russo and his team worked through the night and well into the next day, maintaining road closures and assisting deputies during one of Malibu’s darkest hours. It is this kind of dedication that makes the VOP team not just a support system but a force multiplier for the Sheriff’s Department.
Russo’s tireless service, quiet leadership, and deep commitment to community safety was recognized as he was presentedwith the first Mike Treinen Award. The award honors the legacy of the late Deputy Treinen, who left an indelible mark on the city and is remembered for his compassionate work as a homeless outreach coordinator and for his acts of valor throughout his career with the LASD. Treinen’s legacy of service, compassion, and bravery that Russo exemplifies is admired by city leaders and VOPs including longtime VOP Guy Blake who summed it up saying, “Some individuals stand out for their great qualities and leadership, and Mark is one of those unique individuals. Not only is he well respected within the community and the LASD for his intelligence, work ethic, and leadership, Mark has become the ‘go-to’ person for all things public safety.
“When Mark joined the VOP program, the Malibu VOP team was a small unit with little experience or training. With the support of the City of Malibu and the Malibu/Lost Hills Station, Mark took on the role of training officer and launched an initiative to emphasize safety, training, and communication. He sought out training opportunities and encouraged VOP members to participate. Mark personally took the initiative to secure LASD radios (both in-car and portable units) and made sure each member was trained on the proper use of these critical pieces of equipment. With Mark’s training and leadership, the Malibu VOP team has become a unique unit in the LASD. The team has evolved from merely acting as eyes and ears to a force multiplier, allowing deputies to be freed up to respond to more critical matters. The team has assisted deputies and firefighters at hundreds of traffic collisions; provided fire watch patrols during Red Flag conditions; conducted traffic control and assisted with evacuations during wildfires; provided parking enforcement throughout the City of Malibu; and generally represented the LASD and the City of Malibu as friendly, professional, and approachable uniformed ambassadors to the residents and the millions of people who visit the City of Malibu. Given the success of Mark’s initiatives, he has even been asked to train other VOP teams from other cities serviced by LHS Station (e.g., Agoura, Calabasas, Westlake).”
Fellow VOP member Bill Melcher echoed that sentiment. “He is reliable and someone that can always be counted on to solve a problem, no matter its complexity.”
VOP Andrea Pasquetin credited Russo’s leadership as the reason Malibu’s program has become as robust and appreciated as it is today. “He is the glue that keeps the team together and the engine that moves it forward,” she said. “Without Mark, the program in Malibu would be very different.”
Accepting the award, Russo spoke with humility and deep appreciation. “When we first moved here, I was reallyimpressed by the sense of community. I think it’s incumbent on all of us to figure out ways to help out. Public safety was the way I felt I could give back.”
Reflecting on Deputy Treinen’s legacy, Russo recalled a plaque at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station that calls Treinen a “legendary lawman.” He added, “He didn’t just come here to work. He came to be part of the community. That’s what it’s all about.”