Today, we stand at a moral and legal crossroads. A convicted criminal, a man who took the life of Emily Shane with his vehicle, now seeks release. But we must ask ourselves the following important questions. Has justice truly been served? Has the weight of
his crime diminished with time? Have Michael Shane and Ellen Shane, year-old Emily’s parents, forgotten that horrible night?
Let us be clear, this was not a mere accident. This was a reckless act that robbed a family of their child, a community of its safety, and a 13-year-old girl of her future. Her laughter, her dreams, her potential, all cut short in an instant. The anguish of her family is not temporary; It is a searing lifelong pain.
Releasing this murderer undermines the very foundation of justice. What message do we send when the consequences of such a horrific and permanent act can be erased with 15 miniscule years? That a life lost is worth only minimal years behind bars? Does accountability expire?
There is no parole for the pain of the parents who wake up every morning to silence where their daughter’s voice once was. There is no early release from the grief that haunts them. So why should the man responsible for this tragedy be granted freedom?
We must not let sympathy for the convicted outweigh justice for the victim. We must uphold the law, protect our communities, and ensure that those who take lives do not walk free.
Justice demands that we say no. No to diminished accountability. No to forgetting the innocent life that was stolen.
At Veritas Yoga in Cross Creek, choreographer Jacoby “Coby” Musby leads an uplifting dance class
Sporting a colorful T-shirt inscribed with an inspirational admonishment — “Make the world a better place!” —choreographer Jacoby “Coby” Musby leads a group of focused and smiling dancers through various hip-hop dance routines at Veritas Yoga in Cross Creek.
All smiles, participants giggle and grin as they move through their steps.
“Let’s put on different music and go faster!” Musby exclaims. “1! 2! Slide to the right! Forward! Hop! Clap! Yes! You’ve got it!”
Dancers of all sizes and capabilities are most welcome to join in one of the three classes offered weekly, explains Mary Tsai Faherty, who helps organize the group.
Dance is amazing!
As dancers took a short break, The Malibu Times caught up with some of the participants and inquired why they lovethe class so much.
“I have been dancing since elementary school and I have really enjoyed getting back into it for about six months now,” Lauren Tarantino Buckman said, noting that she and Theresa Marie, a former professional dancer, have thoroughly enjoyed the classes. “It’s invigorating!”
Agreeing wholeheartedly, Marie elaborated about how dance makes a person feel, noting that she is excited she can return to the activity after undergoing a surgery.
“Life is so special! I have been dancing with [Lauren] by my side on and off for over 20 years,” Marie said. “We’reback at it now and I’ve been dancing again because it’s joy! Because it’s fun! Because it’s a natural painkiller. Because I still can. Because dance is therapy and because, most of all, dance is home for this amazing body of mine!”
Faherty discussed the healing aspects of dance as a therapeutic modality, noting, “One sees so many smiles and knows she is challenging her brain, body and soul — we are all so thankful to have this piece of happiness in Malibu — it shows in our healthy glow after each class!”
“Dance IS Therapy!” Faherty posts on local social media, adding a little humor. “Do it for your brain and body — learn the most fun dance routine/combo, then dance it over and over again until Lady Gaga asks you to go on tour with her!”
She shares a research study published by the National Institute of Health entitled, “Dancing as an intervention tool for people with dementia,” which informs that studies show a positive impact of physical activities such as dancing on the improvement of cognitive reserves of people with dementia. “The findings of this mini-review confirm positive efficacy of dancing therapy on cognitive, physical, emotional and social performance of people with dementia,” the scholarly evaluation concluded.
Musby, who works throughout Southern California as a millennium hip-hop teacher, has been teaching in Malibu at Veritas for a year.
“Dancing definitely releases stress,” he said. “People tell me that they were having a bad day but because of dance, my anxiety is released and I feel more positive. That makes sense because dancing releases endorphins — once a student picks up the choreography and can put it together with the music, then dancing releases their anxiety and instills positivity.”
Malibu students are treated to various genres of dance.
“Sometimes we dance salsa; other times swing or hip-hop,” Musby explained. “I believe that music does move one’sspirit or soul — I thoroughly enjoy bringing music to Malibu and helping the students move!”
Faherty energetically loves to say, “Young and old — age doesn’t matter! Move it or lose it! See ya on the dance floor!”
Mary Tsai Faherty (far right), who helps organize the group of dancers in Jacoby “Coby” Musby’s hip-hop class, takes a selfie of her and other dancers in the class.
CEO Kasey Earnest and her team continue to provide essential aid, crisis counseling, and emergency grants for fire victims
As the Malibu community continues to recover from the devastating Palisades Fire, the Malibu Boys & Girls Club, led by CEO and Executive Director Kasey Earnest, remains unwavering in its mission to provide essential aid and support to those affected. From the onset of the fire, the organization has been a cornerstone of relief, assisting displaced families and individuals as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives.
“The community should know that we’re still here,” Earnest emphasized. “We’re still providing distribution of essential items and working closely with brands and partners to bring in necessities like bedding, cookware, and other household essentials for those reestablishing their lives.”
The organization continues to host FEMA representatives on-site to assist residents with their applications for federal aid, with the application deadline set for March 31. Many fire survivors have encountered challenges in accessing FEMA support, and the club is dedicated to ensuring that everyone who qualifies receives the assistance they need. In addition, they offer crisis counseling and a weekly mindfulness workshop every Wednesday in the Nanonest, located right in the parking lot, led by a certified mindfulness coach. These sessions provide a supportive space for community members to process their experiences, find comfort, and develop coping strategies in the aftermath of the disaster.
Emergency grants are also being processed for qualifying individuals. Those seeking assistance must complete an intake form and provide verification of loss, displacement, or job loss. A grant committee oversees applications, prioritizing those in the greatest need, particularly low-income individuals with limited access to other resources. “Tier one is our priority right now,” Earnest explained. “We’re focusing on those who have the least financial flexibility and need the most immediate support.”
Community partnerships have been crucial to these ongoing efforts. World Central Kitchen has been involved since the early days of the disaster response by delivering daily lunches. Additionally, the organization will host at least one more free organic produce distribution event, providing fresh items like spinach, strawberries, and other nutritious foods to local residents. “It’s been incredible to witness the generosity of our partners,” Earnest said. “World Central Kitchen has been with us from the start, and their support has truly been a game-changer for so many people.”
Beyond immediate relief, the Malibu Boys & Girls Club is looking ahead to long-term recovery efforts. They are continuing to provide wellness services for local schools and are working on expanding their resources to help families transition back to stability. “We want to make sure that as people begin to rebuild, they don’t feel like they’re doing it alone,” Earnest said. “We will be here for as long as it takes.”
While the Malibu Boys & Girls Club is not currently accepting material donations, monetary contributions are welcome and can be directed either to the emergency relief fund for fire victims or to operational support.
“Since our team is working full-time on disaster relief while still running the clubhouse and wellness services for schools, financial donations allow us to sustain these efforts,” Earnest noted. She also encouraged those who work with brands that can donate bulk essential items — such as home goods or cooking utensils — to reach out. A recent distribution of suitcases was particularly beneficial to those in transition, and they hope to continue offering similar resources as needed.
The team urges all fire survivors, even those who do not need immediate assistance, to complete the intake process. “We want to be able to follow up and see how we can be helpful in the coming months,” Earnest noted. “We’re going to continue case management and support, and as additional resources become available, we want to make sure they reach those in need.”
For those wishing to contribute or in need of assistance, the Malibu Boys & Girls Club stands as a symbol of hope and resilience in the heart of the community. With unwavering dedication from staff, volunteers, and partners, they are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the recovery process. For more information, visit bgcmalibu.org/emergency-resources.
I seriously have compassion for those on the left who are basically communists who don’t even know it. I think re-education is the only way to deprogram generations of brainwashed, propagandized people. We have been living under communism since they killed JFK, and thank God the truth on that is finally being revealed. We are coming out of the incorporation and coming back to our Constitution and the Republic of the United States of America. Rejoice!
For those of you who can’t, try and do some research with an open mind. You may have to swallow a lot of humble pie, as we all have had to do. When you dig to the bottom of every rabbit hole and follow the money, the truth is obvious. And as they say, the truth will set us free. Communism has killed 150 million people in the last 250 years. We are literally saving our country in the nick of time. We are at the precipice, and we need the grown-ups in the room to stand up for what is right, true, and beautiful. Ignorance comes from arrogance. Let’s all be humble and go forward with clarity of mind and a grateful heart. As the fake news is dismantled we will all be on the same page. We have learned about fake science with Covid and it is time to look at fake history as well.
Be grateful for every breath and be a Nowist.
God gave us brains to use. The first reaction when you realize you have been lied to is embarrassment and shame…but then, it becomes righteous anger against those who lied to you. That is healthy and how we make our country great. Godspeed!
Dr. Andrew Lindsley captained group from Malibu church running for Team World Vision at March 16 race
Dr. Andrew Lindsley laced up his running shoes and completed the LA Marathon’s city-spanning course on March 16.
The 47-year-old was the team captain for a group of runners from St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Malibu, who ran the race with Team World Vision, a group participating to raise funds to provide clean water to vulnerable populations around the globe.
Lindsley completed the 26.2-mile footrace in four hours and 43:20 minutes. Lindsley, a cross country runner in high school, said completing LA’s world-renowned distance race was an activity to check off on his bucket list.
“My time was a little bit slower than what I was hoping for, but as a first time marathoner — first and foremost you want to finish,” he said. “It was a little slower than what I was hoping for but there are always opportunities to go faster.”
This year was the sixth time St. Aidan’s members participated in the marathon with Team World Vision, a Chicago-based Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to tackling the causes of poverty and injustice worldwide.
Lindsley ran in the running spectacle’s Charity Challenge half marathon last March. He completed that in 2:21:45.
“I’m not getting any younger, and I wanted to keep the momentum going from my race in 2024,” Lindsley said about competing in this year’s version of the marathon.
Rev. Joyce Stickney of St. Aidan’s, who hit the streets for LA Marathon, said the endurance spectacle was an uplifting and positive experience.
“People, not cars, took over the heart of the city and people moved at the human pace, supporting each other, achieving together as an eclectic, life-affirming community,” she said.
Stickney noted how one St. Aidan’s member, who lost her home in the Franklin Fire and then again in the Palisades Fire, was so excited to participate in the marathon she couldn’t sleep the night before.
“My favorite part of the race was the continual laughter and joy,” Stickney recalled. “So much humor and positivity at a time when there is so much despair, fear, devastation, and anger. It wasn’t hard to push ourselves physically surrounded by friends and supporters while doing something to benefit others.”
Six St. Aiden’s members participated in the LA Marathon this year. Lindsley led the church’s training sessions for the marathon at Zuma Beach. The sessions featured other members of the church and community, who had various levels of jaunting experience.
The group raised over $16,000 for Team World Vision.
Lindsley said it is inspirational to see how successful Team World Vision’s clean water efforts are and wants to run the LA Marathon’s full course or half marathon again.
“I’ll definitely do some version of the marathon next year,” he said. “I will be working to raise money for Team World Vision again. That is the passion that keeps me motivated.”
Everyone — and this includes all five of our City Councilmembers, our planning commissioners, and city staff — have stressed rebuilding like for like, and as fast as possible. But the system is broken. There are 43 steps that must be met. Forty-three, unless errors are found, which can exponentially multiply this number. Each step increases cost and time to rebuild. Every delay means a Malibu family not living in their home, not frequenting our businesses, their kids not attending our schools, and an increased likelihood of leaving Malibu.
It’s estimated that 40-50% of the 737 homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire will rebuild like for like. Thirty percent to 40 percent will decide to sell. Some of these, plus some of the burned lots remaining, will become mega mansions, other lots will languish unbuilt for years. Of those who plan to sell, most will answer that they either cannot afford to rebuild or can’t face the complexity and frustration and pain of rebuilding in Malibu. Each added step in the process reminds them of the struggles Woolsey victims have undergone and the four — or six — years of stress.
But these percentages are not set in stone. If we simplify the process and reduce cost, more of our current Malibu neighbors will rebuild and be back in their homes — in two years instead of four. The governor eliminated the need for Coastal Commission review and encouraged fire department approvals. City staff and our council have vastly sped up the planning process. But rebuilding will come to a grinding halt once it hits the building and safety departments.
“Like for like” is a misnomer for older homes. Building codes continue to change, and each and every change means added costs. No one in Malibu would argue that upgraded fire protection isn’t needed. I’d suggest we go further in this regard, requiring anyone with a Tesla Wall to add an automated fire suppression system around the perimeter of their home and to require automatic water shutoffs. But to require radical changes to foundations that have proven themselves solid over 50 years and that add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the rebuild cost goes far beyond like for like. Geotechnical requirements as the codes are now interpreted can add 25% to the cost of rebuilding. For a 2,500-square-foot home, this means $2.5 million instead of $1,875 — that’s $625,000 extra. But the homes were not destroyed because of earthquakes, land movement, or hurricanes, but from fire. How a house that has stood for 50 years isn’t safe is not common sense, especially when a new slab will be much stronger. Several councilmembers have valid concerns that any deviation from these upgraded code requirements might create legal liability to the city. But other communities — including L.A. County unincorporated are not following Malibu’s current interpretation of the codes. Permits in other places are issued in hours or days instead of months or years. Malibu’s future hangs in the balance.
At bare minimum, we should have an outside attorney research and opine on the city’s liability should someone rebuild with a new vastly improved slab but without hundreds of thousands of dollars in caisson. Perhaps we should lobby the governor so that codes be grandfathered to levels when a home was built if staff and/or a geotechnical engineer certify the plans. The council needs to have staff and our various Malibu experts — architects and engineers — to sit down and simplify our process.
This starts with waiving permit costs for those who owned their property as of Jan. 6. It means expediting any like-for-like rebuild regardless of acquisition date (sadly many current owners will sell but if we want to encourage new owners to build like for like plus 10 and not a megamansion we should expedite all like for likes, though we don’t offer them fee waivers. But the main need is to simplify and speed up building so that current Malibu residents don’t give up. This means reducing the 43 steps now required to under 10. If we do this, the first homes can be completed by Christmas.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several executive order aimed at accelerating the rebuilding of fire-ravaged communities in Los Angeles County. A new order, announced on Thursday, March 27, suspends permitting and environmental review requirements to fast-track infrastructure repairs and prevent future wildfires.
The directive focuses on recovery efforts in Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades, areas that suffered extensive damage in the January wildfires. It expedites the restoration of critical infrastructure, including electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication systems. A significant component of the order includes undergrounding utility equipment to enhance fire prevention measures.
“We are determined to rebuild Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades stronger and more resilient than before,” Newsom said in a statement. “Speeding up the pace of our infrastructure rebuild will help get survivors back home faster and prevent future fires.”
Newsom had previously signed an executive order suspending permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act for rebuilding efforts. The new directive expands on those efforts by further removing regulatory hurdles that could delay the rebuilding and upgrading of essential infrastructure.
Federal Support and Expanded Cleanup Efforts
As part of a broader state-federal partnership, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Newsom’s request to expand wildfire cleanup efforts. This approval, granted within 24 hours of the state’s request, includes additional facility types such as owner-occupied condominiums, multi-family units, and certain commercial properties.
“Our federal partners continue to deliver for California. Together, we will rebuild Los Angeles in record time while supporting all those impacted,” Newsom stated.
FEMA has also extended the deadline for property owners to submit Right of Entry (ROE) forms to April 15, allowing newly eligible groups to participate in the cleanup program. Typically, commercial property owners are responsible for their own debris removal, but FEMA’s expanded scope now allows for case-by-case reviews based on public health threats, economic impact, and insurance status.
State of Emergency and Fast-Track Measures
On March 2, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to accelerate wildfire prevention projects ahead of the fire season. This proclamation suspends the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Coastal Act, which Newsom said have historically slowed critical wildfire mitigation projects.
“This year has already seen some of the most destructive wildfires in California history, and we’re only in March,” Newsom stated. “Building on our unprecedented work cutting red tape and making historic investments, we are taking action to fast-track wildfire prevention projects.”
To further expedite the recovery process, Newsom called on Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to prioritize undergrounding electric distribution infrastructure in the impacted areas. The utilities were urged to submit comprehensive rebuilding plans by the end of March.
Actor Richard Chamberlain has died. The distinguished performer called Malibu home in the 1980s. He eventually sold his Cape Cod style home on Carbon Beach to former Pepperdine University president William Banowsky who sold it to film producer Arnon Milchan.
Chamberlain, known for his starring roles in television series “Dr. Kildare,” “Shōgun,” and “The Thorn Birds,” was once dubbed “king of the miniseries.” The actor born in Beverly Hills and started his career in the 1950s. He was a Korean War veteran who attained the rank of sergeant. In later years Chamberlain lived with his partner who survives him in Waimānalo, Hawaii. His death was due to complications from a stroke. Richard Chamberlain was 90 years old.
Despite facing herculean obstacles as residents rebuild Malibu, there are some things to celebrate
These days, many Malibu residents spend a lot of time attending seemingly endless meetings focusing on the herculean challenges inherent in rebuilding a home in Malibu and/or they are trying to keep the faith as they continue to operate their struggling local businesses that are experiencing a significant paucity in customers due to the Pacific Coast Highway closures and many residents being displaced by the wildfires.
Nevertheless, there are some events here in town that have provided joy, thereby uplifting our entire community.
Four accomplished Malibu women honored for International Women’s Day
In honor of Women’s History Month, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath recognized four Malibu women who are small business owners in Malibu on March 7. Each awardee was acknowledged, “for her vital role in the fabric of the community, perseverance in the face of challenges, including ongoing wildfire recovery efforts, and her commitment to keeping Malibu’s local economy and community strong.”
Indeed, all the awardees from Malibu are tireless warriors. Here’s a brief synopsis of what they do and how they have soldiered on despite the two recent fires and mudslides.
Malibu Premier Homes partners Gina Long (left) and Stacey Harper (right) are shown with Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath after Long and Harper were honored for their role, along with other business owners, in the community in the aftermath of the Franklin and Palisades fires. Photo by Pamela Davies
Helene Henderson’s two restaurants on the Malibu Pier — Malibu Farm and Malibu Farm Cafe — were closed for several weeks due to the Franklin and Palisades fires and mudslides and because of a challenge relating to gas lines on the pier — without gas, one cannot cook or operate an eatery. Nevertheless, Henderson and her team powered on and they are back in business serving delicious food at both of their venues. Helene’s restaurants are some of Malibu’s most iconic and gorgeous dining sites and they afford the best views for watching surfers on First Point. Helene wants readers to know that she loves having locals come in to eat and wants to contribute to our community in any way she can.
While Helene and her crew were persevering as they solved utility challenges and other complications hindering business, Lynn Bealer, the owner of MaliBUngalows, a flower shop that is located in the old Cosentino’s nursery location across from Duke’s Restaurant, was knee deep in mud after the rains came.
“The International Women’s Day acknowledgement from Supervisor Horvath was a nice change after shoveling mud out of the bungalows for the last 10 days!” Bealer said. Although many locals are probably somewhat weary of the adjective,“resilient,” Bealer is the personification of the concept. “Lynn Bealer, owner of the Malibu Bungalows, is one of the most kind, compassionate and overwhelmingly generous people I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” Diane Sorrentino-Weiss commented, adding, “The Bungalows are our little precious gem on the PCH and we need to keep it going in the wake of the tragic fire and recent mudslide!”
Horvath also honored Stacey Harper and Gina Longo, partners in Malibu Premier Homes, a local real estate company. While Harper unfortunately lost her home in 2007 due to wildfires, Longo and her family lost their residence in the Palisades Fire. Despite those heartaches and challenges, the dynamic duo are going strong, helping others in the community with their real estate needs.
“As women business owners, we embrace the roles of leaders, supporters and connectors,” Longo said. “Representation is powerful and witnessing other women excel in business serves as a catalyst for more women to rise and take their place in the entrepreneurial world. Today, as two women who have personally experienced the devastation of losing our homes to wildfires, we stand here united by a shared understanding and a deep commitment to supporting our community’s recovery and resilience.”
World Central Kitchen’s Organic Distribution Center nurtures Malibu
Every Wednesday afternoon, Third Space, Malibu’s disaster relief center operated by The Malibu Boys & Girls Club, offers a free organic distribution center featuring fresh produce and baked items.
“An amazing woman that I was doing work for, whose house got roasted in the fire, came home with a couple bags full of strawberries, blackberries, carrots, red onions, various tomatoes, zucchini, avocados and some mysterious sea-salted chocolate chip cookies,” Cameron “Hellwood” Wellwood exclaimed. “She told me about this incredible thing going down at Cross Creek and she gave me one of those insane cookies! I went on a mission looking for the cookies but had a blast talking with the people there. I left with more than just a few cookies — it was a 10/10 experience!”
The fresh produce and baked goods provide sustenance to those visiting the disaster center, said Siugen Constanza, director of community affairs and outreach for the center. “We are a full-service disaster relief center that provides fire victims with lunches, clothing, personal care items and household goods and, very importantly, we also offer visitors the opportunity to meet personally with FEMA representatives, which really helps our residents because having FEMA here on site means that they don’t have to drive great distances.”
Thanking firemen and first responders at Fire Station 88
“Giving back to our wonderful heroes on our street was so uplifting,” said local Realtor Wendy Carroll, who serves aspresident of the Malibu Road Homeowners Board. “The firemen were thrilled!” From the looks of their grinning faces, indeed they were. Pausing for a moment to give first responders thanks adds much joy to the community, Carroll noted.
President Wendy Carroll and Vice President Robert Greene of the Malibu Road Homeowners Board gave thanks to the first responders who helped with the regions’ devastating fires. Shown from left are Todd Harvey, Carroll, Greene, Daniel Rivas, and Cameron Bothwell. Photo Courtesy of Wendy Carroll
“From ashes to victory — One mile at a time!”
Ani Dermenjian, a very involved community member and an avid marathon runner, ran her 15th LA Marathon on March 16, even though she and her family lost their home in the Palisades Fire.
“My marathon was dedicated to all fire victims — this year, it was absolutely brutal!” Dermenjian said. “This is a situation where one realizes just how much training matters — two months without it is no joke. By mile 15, my back gave out, and the pain was excruciating. With tears, Advil, and the unwavering support of my running friends, I somehow made it to the finish line. I still don’t know how that was even possible.”
Dermenjian explained that when her beloved family home burned in the Palisades Fire, the only thing that wassalvageable was the sign where all of her marathon medals once hung. “The sign read, “One Mile at a Time,” she said,“Over 100 medals I’ve earned nationally and internationally were lost in the fire. I know that is a message for our family: we will move forward, one mile at a time!”
Pausing to reflect, she noted, “For this marathon more than one hundred runners wore labels dedicated to fire victims carrying the powerful message: “From Ashes to Victory! One Mile at a Time.”
