Dear Fellow Malibu Parents:

Do you know where your children are? And do you know what they are doing? This week our children have had the scare of one child who brought a gun to school with just one bullet in the chamber for his intended victim — and today, the threat of a bomb being planted in the school.

Do you know where your guns are and have you taught your children about their safety and their potential devastation? Do you know when your chidden go to a party if there are adults chaperoning? Is there going to be alcohol there? Have you taught them the effects of alcohol and diminished capacity? Have you taught them to handle their anger or how to channel it? Have you taught them that one mistake can follow them the rest of their life — and that some events are just not worth sweating over?

Our schools are doing their best to provide a pleasant environment, good and up-to-date materials and challenging curriculum in which our children can learn in an already competitive world. Our duty as parents is to send them to school fed, rested and with their homework complete from the day before. And, in mid process of building and nurturing character within them with which they may attempt to tackle the tasks ahead and face the bumps that life has in store for all of us.

Character building is part of their education, but the part that we should be instilling in them and not expecting the schools or anyone else to do it. Don’t expect the government to fix it afterward when they become entrenched in the criminal system.

Raising children is a long, diligent and often difficult job, but the most rewarding job we can ever do. Our parents did it for us and our grandparents before than. A positive attitude is the only tool with which we can arm them against the trials of life. Let’s all take the time to teach our children character and attitude — it could be just what will save ourselves — from ourselves.

Avesta Carrara

I’m writing to job Mr. Hasse’s memory and correct the record for the public. In his recent letter, he states that I originally supported “negotiations over a potential development agreement with the Malibu Bay Company to determine the future use of its 93 undeveloped acres throughout Malibu” but “changed my position at a subsequent City Council meeting.” Not so. I have always and continue to support open, public negotiations with the Bay Company and held many public meetings with them as a member of the Council Land Use Committee. What I opposed at that “subsequent council meeting” and continue to oppose is holding negotiations in private, out of the public eye.

Mr. Hasse further states that “Mr. Keller and Ms. Van Horn themselves negotiated a proposed development agreement with the Malibu Bay Company, which was rejected by the City Council.” The Feb. 22, 1999 council agenda indicates the Land Use Subcommittee recommended to the council that they consider accepting approximately six acres of Bay Company Point Dume property with improvements, in return for a guarantee that buildable portions of those six acres would be included in determining the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for their remaining Point Dume land. As should be clear — this was a recommendation to consider — hardly a negotiated development agreement.

The recommendation was ignored by a majority of council members, Hasse, House and Barovsky, and instead they voted to appoint Hasse and House to negotiate in private with the Bay Company on all their property. The reason I made the motion on just the Point Dume property was that after a year of public discussion with Bay Company representatives, it was the only concrete proposal that did not give the Bay Company more than they were already legally entitled to, and appeared at all beneficial to the community.

The community should be aware that receiving land from a developer in return for a development agreement is not a “freebie.” Developers expect something in return, usually higher building density than otherwise would be allowed.

I wonder if Mark Twain ever said anything about the errors of omission?

Walt Keller

Can anyone tell me the logic of Caltrans current work on the shoulders along Pacific Coast Highway?

In addition to their periodic spraying of herbicides, they have recently undertaken some kind of mowing program that completely strips away all vegetation for about six feet up the road bank.

Perhaps this is a plan to use nature’s rainfall, picking up the now exposed raw dirt, to dilute the runoff from the previously applied chemicals.

In any event just exactly what is wrong with the vegetation coming down to the edge of the pavement, other than it looks a helluva lot better, which we all know is not allowed — that is, any aesthetic consideration.

Harry Wolf

Once upon a midday sunny, while he pondered raising money,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of Biblical lore, —

While he plodded, nearly snacking, Rev. Larry Peacock’s mind was racking,–

Who would judge the 10th annual Pie Fest? Soon he found himself rapping, –rapping at the Chamber (of Commerce) door, —

Bev Hammond said t’would be no chore.

To raise funds for after-school research, — at Malibu United Methodist Church,

The volunteers, they made suggestions, — silent auctions, face painting, apple bobbing, pie-eating contests and more, —

Music, it would be the role of Joellen Friedkin, Melvin Eddy and Steve Cole,

The pie judging was to be in categories, — based on ages and types gustatories, —

With sips of water to clear the palates, the judges would be able to cast their ballots.

Quoth Rev. Peacock, “Let’s explore.”

The Pie Fest plans were full of heart, Saturday at the Country Mart.

Came the day, City Council members, civic leaders, stars and eaters, —

Filled the grounds to judge the winners, eat too much and feel like sinners.

Candace Bowen seemed ecstatic, Mike and Ryan Matthews looked photographic,

Walt Keller said he’d judge with balance, Ken Kearsley said he’ll soon “announce.”

Quoth Rev. Peacock, “Eat some more.”

Judges who tasted all the pies found themselves nodding, nearly napping,

Weak and weary, except Tom Hasse, — who, after tasting piles of meringue, said quite sweetly, “I am flying,” —

Phil Cott found the pies “quite buttery,” Harry Barovsky termed the day “good community.”

Came the time, the judges noted, tasted, evaluated and voted,

Meanwhile, Malibu Art Assn. held a contest, of whom they thought could color bestest.

Quoth Rev. Peacock, “What’s the score?”

Winners in categories were declared, bakers offered tips on their pies prepared, —

Helen Loy Hicks said, “Don’t overcook,” — Lori Bender said of crust, “Don’t overlook,” —

Katie Zarpas thought her pie too melted, — Kids at the beanbag toss got pelted, —

This reporter liked the pecans shaven on the pallid crust of crackers.

Now for all those bulging bellies that lie bloated on the floor,

Quoth the dieters, “Nevermore.”

Pie Fest Results*

Fruit Pies

1st — tie:

Jack Shoulder — Pear Tatin

Meredith Casey & Lori Bender — Apple

2nd — Yvonne Hymann — Apple Blueberry

3rd — Bill Miller — Peach Crumble

Creme/Meringue

1st — Kay Gabbard — Black Bottom Banana

2nd — Jennifer Downes — Bavarian Chocolate Cream

3rd — Maryanne Angliongto — Pumpkin

Cheesecake

1st — Vinny Petrosino — Chocolate

2nd Malvina Chala — Cheesecake

3rd — Kathy Wilstein — Mango

Chocolate/Nut Pie

1st Kelly McShane — Pecan

2nd — John Loy — Pecan

3rd — Katie Zarpas — Chocolate Cream

Children 9 & Under

1st — tie:

Ryan Matthews — Cherry with Stars

Charlotte Van Ireland — Painted Peach

2nd — Alissa Wilstein — Cheesecake

3rd — Alexandra Connors — Unknown

Children 10–14

1st Rose Stutsman — Lemon Tart

2nd Lucy Loy Hicks — Pecan

3rd — Oliver & Sam Sholder — Apple Upside Down

Professional

1st — Granita — Apple Crumb

Coloring Contest

Ages 5 and under

Julia Wisnicki

Ages 6–7

Skyler Davis

Ages 8–10

Rebecca Green

11 and over

Brittany Segrones

*for our beloved readers who think newspapers should print just the facts.

On Sept. 29, around 5:30 p.m., I went to the skateboard park with my 10-month-old daughter to sign a waiver for my son. The person that was working there told me I could sign it without him but we both needed to have the same last name. I told him I may have some old ID in my wallet which happened to be in the car. So, I went to get it. Within 2 minutes of my return, I was struck in the back of my leg by a large skateboard while holding my baby. Needless to say, it brought tears to my eyes. The fellow working there told me that I could sit in the chair to fill out the waiver. After I was finished completing the waiver, he asked me if I needed medical attention and I told him I hope not. I hobbled back to the car while carrying my baby. I didn’t realize how bad it hurt until I tried to drive home. My husband took me to the hospital and I was told that I had an Achilles tendon contusion. They put my leg in a splint and sent me home on crutches. I haven’t been able to care for my baby because of this. She’s been staying with my inlaws nearby.

The very next day I called the Parks and Recreation Deptartment and spoke to Paul Adams. I explained to him what happened and he told me that I was probably struck by one of the guys from the Van’s pro skate team while they were warming up. He also told me that he didn’t expect such a turnout and that they didn’t decide to put the sign-in table there until the day of the opening. I asked him to evaluate the entrance so that this doesn’t happen again.

I went to the doctor today and had the splint removed. I now have to wear an ace bandage and yes, I’m still using those crutches. I’m hoping my baby can come home soon.

Suzanne Sundher

Writing as a private citizen and not as artistic director of Malibu Stage, I would like to correct a false impression created by your report on the company’s appearance at a recent council meeting. Referring to a statement made by David Weintraub, it was reported that there were “plans to ask Marowitz and his wife to resign from the board.” The fact is, at an Executive Board meeting held sometime in August, I voluntarily agreed to become an ex-officio member of the board as soon as plans for the replenishment and expansion of the board were put into motion. Since that has now been agreed, I have no qualms whatsoever about becoming “ex-officio” and, in fact, have voluntarily done so. Jane Windsor, due to a heavily increased work schedule, expressed her desire to resign from the board over a year ago but, in the interests of the theater, agreed to serve until the new board was in place.

Every newspaper, whether local or national, has a touch of the National Enquirer about it these days, and we know this feeds the appetite of those readers who prefer entertainment to hard news stories. Disagreements about priorities and practices are de rigeuer when five or more persons get together to formulate policy. (I refer you to our own City Council which, since cityhood, has been the scene of more carnage than ever attended the American Civil War). I am not one of those people who is horrified by differences of opinion. In the pursuit of worthwhile endeavors, I embrace conflicts which come from the heart. If people didn’t care deeply, they wouldn’t shout loudly.

Charles Marowitz

Mark Twain once said that a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes. In that vein, I wish to reply to a letter published last week. It was signed by Norma Levy-Stern, the mobilehome rent stabilization commissioner appointed by Carolyn Van Horn, the wife of planning commissioner Andy Stern and a member of the Malibu Coastal Land Conservancy. This is the third such letter Ms. Levy-Stern has sent in attacking me.

As a relative newcomer to Malibu, Ms. Levy-Stern is probably unaware of my long support of a two-term limit on Malibu city councilmembers. My position was clearly stated in my 1994 election campaign brochure and newspaper op-ed pieces, and I repeated it in 1998 at numerous coffees and forums. Both Ms. Van Horn and Mr. Keller had themselves voted for a two-term City Council limit in 1992. I had no idea both would change their minds on the issue, as they did last month when they voted against placing a two-term limit measure on next April’s ballot.

As to Ms. Levy-Stern’s allegation that term limits is a “Republican” issue, it clearly is not. Term limits have passed by wide margins in such overwhelmingly Democratic cities as San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York. Most citizens, regardless of party registration, have had enough of professional politicians who desperately try to cling to power all in the name of “experience.” There are many qualified people to run for public office.

As to Ms. Levy-Stern’s charge that I’m no longer slow-growth, I publicly would like to hear her evidence. I have been slow-growth on land use issues in Malibu for nine years spanning two campaigns for City Council, five years as a city mobilehome rent stabilization commissioner, three years as a planning commissioner and a year-and-a-half as a city councilmember. My voting record speaks for itself. I have voted differently from Mr. Keller and Ms. Van Horn 10 times on land use planning issues since my election to council last year. Those 10 differences include negotiations over a potential development agreement with the Malibu Bay Company to determine the future use of its 93 undeveloped acres throughout Malibu. Ms. Levy-Stern should note that both Mr. Keller and Ms. Van Horn originally supported such negotiations, then changed their position at a subsequent City Council meeting. In fact, Mr. Keller and Ms. Van Horn themselves negotiated a proposed development agreement with the Malibu Bay Company, which was rejected by the City Council. I do not recall reading Ms. Levy-Stern objecting to that proposed development agreement or hearing her or other members of the Malibu Coastal Land Conservancy alleging that Mr. Keller or Ms. Van Horn were “traitors.”

Thus, with no factual evidence, I’m afraid Ms. Levy-Stern’s allegations are reduced to nothing more than political rhetoric. That’s a shame. I will chalk it up to being merely a coincidence that this follows so closely on the dust-up between Ms. Van Horn and my former mobilehome rent commissioner Sherman Baylin, who refused to support Ms. Levy-Stern’s attempt to replace the chair of that commission. Political ambition motivated by revenge may taste sweet, but it will only leave a sour taste in the mouths of Malibu voters next April. The community deserves better.

Tom Hasse

city councilmember

Often we are caught up in the excitement and fun of the special events put on by our community and do not realize the effort and support that goes into such an event. In this instance, I am referring to the Chili Cook-off and Carnival put on by the Kiwanis Club of Malibu. The members of our community may or may not be aware of how hard the members of the club work for months to put on this three-day event. Believe me, they do, as do many of their family members! I thank all the members of the Kiwanis Club of Malibu and their families for their hard work and time.

This event is not just an effort to raise money for the youth programs, project and many other things we support but it is a coming together of our community to enjoy each other and recognize the many valuable things that go on in Malibu daily. Without the involvement and support of the community, we would not succeed. To that end, I would like to recognize and thank the individuals and groups who gave of their time and professional experience to assist in this great weekend.

I wish to extend special thanks to the Malibu Association of Contractors (MAC): Mark Armfield, Scott Hailey, Steve Stobaugh (Terry Lumber), Roger Trivette, Frank Braggiotti, Kevin Peterson, Martha Galisky, Gary Wannacott, Gerald Lemonier (Malibu Glass), Bill Kane, Linda Yannetty (Landscape), Russ McFadden (Pacific West Electric), Richard Sherman (Topanga Underground), Malibu Lumber, Jeffrey Hronek and their children. Your professional and personal help was a blessing.

A big thank you also goes to the following groups who worked to raise money for their programs and the youth who came not only to have fun but to earn community service hours and support our event. An additional thank you goes to the many individuals and agencies who made me look good: The Explorer Scouts, the Malibu High School Cheerleaders, Boy Scouts (leader Mr. Tarek), Pepperdine Volunteers, D.J. & Tampa Fobert & family, Judy & Bill Hatch & family, Malibu Little League, Malibu Pony Baseball, the Girl Scouts (Cherie Larson and Point Dume), the Malibu Rotary Club, School on Wheels (Agnes, Nick, et al.), Foundation for the Junior Blind (Debra and the gang), Pacific Bell Pioneers, Malibu Presbyterian Church, Our Lady of Malibu, Point Dume Marine Science School PTA, Don Kowalewsky, Malibu High School Athletic Booster Club, Arson Watch, the L.A. County Sheriff’s Posse, Craig Ewing (City of Malibu planning director, and planner Meredith Elguira and Rick Morgan of Public Works), Arnie Fielding (L.A. County Mountain & Rural Sanitation), Los Angeles County Sheriff (Thom Bradstock), L.A. County Fire Prevention Bureau, Stations 88 & 125, city of Malibu staff, Judge Lawrence Mira & staff, Malibu Bay Co. & staff, Adale and the guys and special lady Jordan at Malibu Tow, Lyle Michaelson and all of our security team, Malibu Chamber of Commerce (for fielding all the calls and giving out info), Mr. Dalbey (Caltrans), Mark Olson (Edison), Tony Meripol and the crew at GTE, Roy Bros., Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky and ISD, Malibu Feed Bin, Bank of America (David Byron, VP Malibu), Brian Hepburn (Bank of America), L.A. County Lifeguards (medical services).

Thank you Wolf for all your hard work and the $14.95 ties. A loving thank you to John Grams (1999 chili chairman) for spending all those work hours setting up the site and working the car.

The support of corporate sponsors is important as well. Thank you GTE, Malibu Travelstore, Budweiser, Zuma Jay, Malibu Tow, Bank of America and Pepsi. Your generosity and help is appreciated.

To the community: No successful event is done by one person. Credit and praise must be given to many. I personally thank all of you for all you have done. Because of the efforts put forth at the cook-off, the Kiwanis Club was able to fund over $30,0000 for programs in the week immediately following the cook-off. Support the efforts of the Kiwanis Club and other service clubs in our community for they provide much to our children and town. Have your children participate in the programs we support and volunteer to help. It feels terrific. When you see these individuals around town say “thanks” for helping the children and other special programs and for assisting in helping the Kiwanis Club of Malibu hold a successful event.

Marissa Coughlan

president

Kiwanis Club of Malibu