A Malibu resident and member of a popular local band died Sunday afternoon in a fatal car accident.

Chris Williams, 31, was a member of Backbone, a band that played frequently at local establishments.

Williams was a passenger in car driven by Travis Bennett, 20, when a deputy on motorcycle on Pacific Coast Highway near Latigo Canyon Road, according to sheriff’s officials, stopped them.

The sheriff’s report said that Bennett had been acting “weird” and seemed to be under the influence of alcohol, possibly also a drug. Bennett became angry and agitated and as the deputy attempted to restrain him, Bennett yelled to Williams to “go.”

Williams pulled into traffic in a green 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse, “almost got hit” and then turned up the canyon, said Det. Robert Evans of the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff’s Station.

Responding deputies later found the wrecked car that apparently tumbled off Latigo Canyon Road and ended up on another part of the road. Williams had been ejected from the car. Mountain Rescue Team members found the severely injured Williams on the side of a hill. He was transported to UCLA Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. Deputies said that a couple of witnesses coming down Latigo Canyon said a car almost ran them off the road.

Det. Evans said at press time that Bennett has still refused to talk to deputies about the events, even declining to name Williams.

Bennett is being charged with driving under the influence and resisting arrest.

Sheriff’s deputies are asking anyone who witnessed the car crash to please call the station at 310.456.5507.

The Lily’s Cafe Malibu Steering Committee nearly drove the $15 million land acquisition bond measure off the November ballot at the City Council meeting Monday night.

The council had approved the ballot measure unanimously on July 9. But the weighty opposition of former Malibu mayor John Harlow prompted Councilmember Tom Hasse to call for postponing the bond measure until the general election in April 2002. Harlow is a key member of the opposition group formed by activists over morning coffee klatches at Lily’s Cafe in Point Dume Plaza.

Hasse wanted more time to rewrite the ballot proposal to include the concerns of Harlow and the Lily’s Cafe group. Their main concern is that the wording of the bond measure is too vague and all encompassing in what it proposes to do with the money. The Lily’s Cafe group wants the land purchased by the bond money to be used for baseball and other sports fields first, followed by recreational centers and open spaces.

As written, the bond measure requires most of the $15 million to be spent on buying land, with only 15 percent of the money designated for construction of recreational facilities. It also lists several possible uses for the land–from parks and playing grounds to preservation of wild life habitats and limiting traffic congestion.

Members of the Bond Advisory Committee established by the City Council to develop the ballot proposal spoke out against delaying the measure. The committee has already begun raising money and planning a campaign to get the measure passed. “We need to keep the momentum going,” said committee member Laura Rosenthal. “Let’s go forward while we have this dedicated group.”

The council voted 3-1 (Councilmember Sharon Barovsky was absent) against Hasse’s postponement motion.

Local Coastal Plan review

A response to a letter from California Coastal Commission Senior Deputy Director Chuck Damm regarding inadequacies in the Local Coastal Plan (LCP) was submitted by the city to the Coastal Commission last month. Among other things, the letter cited lack of documentation, including “speakers’ slips” and “copies of any notices of local hearings” to show that necessary public hearings were held and that review drafts of the LCP had been submitted as required to other county, state and federal agencies that may be affected by the plan.

“They were basically asking for our mailing lists,” said City Attorney Christi Hogin. She said the city would have no problem complying with the commission’s demands. The letter from Damm indicated that although the submittal was not complete, the commission would “review what was submitted and will incorporate those provisions that are deemed appropriate for inclusion” in a separate LCP the commission is writing for the city, as mandated by state law AB988. That was good news to Hogin, who told the council that “the city should be able to eliminate any further delay in having the (city’s) draft reviewed.” A main objective of the council is to ensure that the city’s preferences are taken into account by the Coastal Commission’s LCP.

Drub rehab facilities

Regarding the proliferation of drug rehabilitation facilities in Malibu, some residents want to find ways to limit their number. But under the state’s Health and Safety Code, rehab facilities are listed as “group homes,” along with family shelters, day care facilities, homes for the mentally and physically disabled, and many others. State code encourages communities to accept these facilities with few restrictions. The council agreed to seek help from Sacramento to impose a limit of one rehab facility per 6,000 residents in Malibu. That would mean only two such facilities in Malibu, where there are now seven.

Parking on Malibu Road

Residents on Malibu Road would like to limit the number of RVs that camp out on the north side of the road in the summer, some for weeks at a time, essentially setting up beach houses. Also, people often camp out overnight in their cars, causing “a serious security risk,” in the words of one resident. The Public Safety Commission suggested such possible actions as: No parking between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., no parking of oversized vehicles, and no camping or sleeping on a public street. Permits would exempt residents.

But councilmembers noted that parking restrictions on Malibu Road would only shift the problem to another part of the city. “I predict their next move will be to Broad Beach,” mused Councilmember Hasse. City staff was ordered to draft an ordinance to restrict overnight parking that includes a system for other neighborhoods to apply for the same parking protection.

Filming on Sundays

An unidentified Malibu resident complained by letter to Mayor Joan House that a film crew had disrupted the “peace and tranquility” of his beachfront home by filming on a Sunday.

The council deliberated the possibility of banning filming on Sundays. But when Councilmember Jeff Jennings asked how many such complaints had been filed over the past five years, the answer was two–both from the same person. The council agreed to meet with the resident to discuss the problem, but took no other action.

Munching on a delectable Tuna Carpaccio or Peekytoe Crabcakes is only part of the alchemy that is Granita. Years ago, its celebrated owners, Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff, significantly raised the bar in fine-dining standards, achieving a culinary reputation people swarmed to. And still do.

One decade to the day after Granita first opened its doors, the restaurant is anticipating some 250 friends and well-wishers to make some noise and celebrate its 10th anniversary on Monday, at its original location in the Malibu Colony Plaza, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Created and designed by Lazaroff, a woman described by many as “driving and perfectionist” and “the woman behind the man,” Granita offers a brilliant visual feast that manages to integrate diverse, often pioneering works from world-class artisans into a unified experience.

“Of all the restaurants, Granita was the most difficult to build,” said Lazaroff, who peppers her dialogue with birthing metaphors to describe the intensity of launching a restaurant that includes the collaborative efforts of 120 American artisans–all with healthy egos–many of whom wanted center stage.

“[A restaurant] is like a child, it has to be well-rounded and develop and change with the times,” added Lazaroff, acknowledging that Granita took four years to build from concept to completion, to the tune of 3.1 million–which was reportedly fodder for discussion in many restaurant circles. “Now it would cost about 8 million,” she said.

“The restaurant is a great mix of craftsmanship and artistry,” said Puck, who confessed he has a picture of Lazaroff laying tile outside the restaurant, the hallmark of her work ethic.

Yet Lazaroff’s reputation in forging new inroads in architectural design has brought her both industry praise and scorn.

“When Granita first opened, there was a lot of criticism,” said Lazaroff. “The European magazines loved it, but American food critics said it looked like ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Throughout the years, I’ve been criticized for what I wore or how I applied my makeup. You get to a point where you can laugh about it.”

Preferring to credit others for Granita’s decade-long success, she said, “It’s a validation of the commitment of the staff and the community. It’s a testament to what we have overcome.”

Still, for those who know her, Lazaroff’s hands-on, meticulous dedication to detail is almost mythic among the restaurant’s staff and Granita’s long-time customers. Laura Gillis, Granita general manager and Ron Garcia run the restaurant with velvet precision.

“Like other pet projects–Chinois and Spago–Barbara would go literally without sleep for days,” said Gillis. “She would just design and stay during the night and make sure tile was being laid properly and that the lighting was coming in. She aimed high.”

Perhaps Lazaroff answered her critics upon winning the coveted “Platinum Circle Award” for design in 1991 for her collective body of work, but also largely for her design of Granita wherein she demonstrated her keen support of American artisans.

Jannis Swerman, communications director for Wolfgang Puck’s companies and former general manager of Granita, commented on other obstacles Lazaroff dealt with. “Barbara met the challenge of building a beach restaurant in a shopping center without a view, that gives the abstract feeling of being under water. Every texture you see is really all about movement.”

As to Granita’s longevity, Lazaroff, Puck and virtually all those interviewed repeatedly emphasized the aspect of staying connected to the community’s pulse and serving Malibu’s needs.

“If you want the community to be interested in you, you have to be interested in the community,” said Lazaroff. “You have to get involved in people’s lives.”

While few would argue that Granita’s stellar design helps make it “a destination restaurant,” the quality of food and renowned service is what many say keep bringing them back for more.

Said Puck, “Wherever we are, we cater to the locals. It’s very important because you have the same people coming in. So many [restaurants] come and go, especially the upscale restaurants, so you have to be much more competent. No matter where we are, we cater to the locals.”

Granita’s executive chef, Jennifer Naylor, who has worked with Puck and Lazaroff since 1990 and whose patrons say she “gives her food a delicacy and soul,” makes annual jaunts to Europe to work with some of the world’s top chefs, incorporating new inspiration into Granita’s menu. As to what the 10-year mark represents for her, Naylor said, “It’s a sense of accomplishment on all our parts, largely due to our great staff. It’s a celebration of all of the farmers, customers, vendors and locals who have supported us so much.”

Granita is a refuge for many local residents, visitors and celebrities to dine out without a scene. It’s not uncommon to see Annette Benning and Warren Beatty in attendance with their family, or John Cusack dining quietly with friends. Still, many locals say they feel Granita caters equally to them.

“Granita has been a lifesaver for me,” said Joanne Suydam, a Malibu resident who hails from Connecticut. “Someone told me that single folks could come sit in the bar and have dinner–it’s uncomfortable as a single woman to go out to a restaurant and sit at a table by yourself. So I started coming in and I met Ted.” (Ted Woody, wine director) “We became good friends. The food is fabulous and the people are great.”

Waiter Geno O’Neil, who has worked at Granita since the beginning, is clear as to why he remains. “Wolfgang doesn’t stay stagnant–he is as passionate about the business now as when I first met him. That’s very rare, especially for someone who gets that big. He still has a joy of cooking and making people happy. He caters to every whim.”

As to Pucks’ secret, if any, in sustaining pinnacle success, he offered, “You know, if you have the passion, it’s very easy to work hard and have dedication. Part of it is talent, part of it is tenacity. They all play a little part.”

Perhaps there’s no mystery as to the achievements of the Puck/Lazaroff team. Both convey a burning sense of commitment to out-do their personal best. On the future of Granita, Lazaroff said, “Our main focus has always been to satiate and court the Malibu community, giving them what they want and remaining flexible.” Puck summed up his passion in a way that will come as little surprise to most: “Restaurants are my life. I’d much rather do that than anything else. It’s who I am.”

The Malibu Planning Commission turned down, in a 3 to 2 vote, a request by singer/actor Cher to increase the height of two walls surrounding her property on Pacific Coast Highway at Monday night’s meeting.

The walls surround a portion of the singer’s property that has a tennis court. Cher’s representative, Alan Block, asked for a variance or a grandfathering designation to increase the height of two walls on the north and east sides of the residence to provide safe sports court fencing for the previously approved tennis court.

“We could not make the necessary findings for granting a variance,” said Ed Lipnick, commission chair, in a later interview. “She didn’t show this would not constitute a special privilege.”

The property already has higher walls than normally allowed. The entertainer was permitted high walls by the county and “now she wants even higher walls,” said Lipnick.

As an alternative, she could put up some kind of temporary netting for when the tennis courts are used, said Lipnick in response to concerns that tennis balls may fly onto Pacific Coast Highway and cause accidents.

But not all commissioners agreed. Commissioners David Fox and Ted Vaill voted in favor of the height, despite reservations.

“I voted to approve it with the condition that landscaping would screen the wall on the PCH side and on the east side,” said Vaill, who is concerned that the application was a vested right from county days.

“After cityhood came into play, requiring the garage to be under the tennis court, it pushed the courts up by 18 inches,” explained Vaill in a later interview.

Some commissioners questioned the reasoning behind the request for higher walls, because this is the second time the issue has come before the commission, but with a different reason. A year ago, Cher’s representatives said she needed bigger walls to protect her privacy. Now they say she needs walls that would follow the regulation height for tennis courts, which is 12 feet high.

Though the wall on the north side is 10 feet on the inside, on the outside a berm was put up so it does not appear that high on the PCH side. However, the east side presents a huge looming wall.

“We do not want to have wall fortresses around properties in Malibu,” said Vaill, who still thought that in this case, Block had plausible explanations despite the after-the-fact variance request.

• In other matters, the commission approved, 4 to 1, a new 4,000 square foot house on Zumirez Drive. The project has repeatedly come before the commission for the past year.

Roof height, floor elevation, incorrect story pole placements and back-and-fourth debates between neighbors and property owner representatives culminated in two-hour testimonies to help the commission reluctantly finalize its decision on the matter.

The owner, Agnes Itzahki, and her representative, Marny Randall, came in force with an architect, surveyor, civil engineer and others, to answer the commission’s questions.

They presented an alternate plan that eliminated the need for minor modifications, which were previously requested, thereby hoping to simplify the decision-making process for the commission.

One primary concern was that a neighbor’s view was affected by the project. However, the section of the home blocking the view was not over 18 feet and the commission decided that, despite these valid concerns, they could not turn down the proposal based on that matter.

The homeowner met the objections by eliminating the minor modifications.

The commission found that legitimate attempts were made by the property owner to reduce the floor elevation of the house and she made other efforts to minimize the view impact on the neighbor.

• The commission also approved a project on Porterdale Road despite initial concerns about illegal grading.

They approved an after-the-fact variance because the pad, though illegally graded, and the house built on it, would have been approved if it had been presented as proposed in the first place.

Commissioner Carrigan said the way it was done was not intelligent, but the results were.

At the last planning meeting, the property owner, David Traub, initially offered to donate 2 acres to the city and $25,000 in an effort to make amends to the city for the illegal activities on the property.

On Monday night, this proposal had changed to solely a monetary contribution instead, because the 2-acre property Traub intended to donate was located off a private road and neighbors would have been impacted negatively.

The $25,000 to be donated by Traub, pending the City Council’s approval, would be available to the city for beautification projects. But the commission said they would not take the donation into consideration, only the project as presented.