An overflow crowd squeezed into the City Hall conference room for the Mayor’s Breakfast Friday to hear the Caltrans representative tell us what we could expect on PCH for the next few months. Word had leaked out only a week or so before that the repair at the top of Las Flores, which had cut PCH down to two lanes, might take longer than originally expected and could carry well into the spring or even the summer.

Several of the local merchants who have been hemorrhaging from this blockage in our main traffic artery were there to lobby for a third lane opening on PCH. The crowd wasn’t quite mutinous but they also weren’t exactly friendly. The mayor corralled Tony Harris, the top Caltrans guy in the Los Angeles area, to give us the word, and the word, if it is to be believed, was better than most of us had expected. According to Harris, barring any unforeseen disasters or rain, PCH will be reopened to full four-lane operation Nov. 11, 1998 — at least that’s what Caltrans has on its schedule. On the whole, people were delighted, since this was the first piece of good news in a long while. But some of the more jaded Malibu veterans — like yours truly and Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazeroff of Granita — wondered out loud whether there was a Plan B just in case those unforeseen disasters, which seem to occur in Malibu with regularity, should suddenly reoccur. Apparently the plan is work fast and pray the weather holds.

Check out our countdown clock, which is on the top left of the front page. Each week, we intend to call Caltrans and ask them if they’re still on schedule. Set your clock. It’s 48 days until PCH goes back to four lanes, says Caltrans.

Clintonmania has seized this town. There didn’t seem to be any other topic of conversation Monday. From my totally nonscientific study taken among friends and acquaintances in Malibu at a Rosh Hashana service, it’s safe to say Malibu is every bit as split as the rest of America. Even among people who are Clinton supporters, there is absolutely no agreement as to whether he ought to stay and battle it out or step aside and let Gore take over, or just go to the top of some mountain and atone.

The annual Zuma Beach Triathlon was held Sunday, and hundreds, if not thousands, of competitors showed up to compete in the swim, bike and run event. As I walked around looking for photo ops, ogling and swearing to myself that I was going to get back on the treadmill and start getting to the gym regularly, I couldn’t help but feel there is a group of Angelenos who are determined to live forever. If longevity were just a question of willpower and not genetics, there were people on that beach who were targeting the year 3000.

Kudos to the event organizers who pulled of what looked like one of the smoother-running large events I’ve ever seen in Malibu.

A new organization has just sprung up called PARCS, which is an acronym for People Achieving Recreation and Community Service, so it’s probably a good thing they settled on the name PARCS. Many of the them are former active members of the Malibu Recreation and Parks Study Group who became very unhappy when the city decided to go for the commission system and cut the Recreation and Parks Commission to five people. That move meant many longtime community Recreation and Parks activists where being cut out of the loop, and they were not pleased and decided to do something about it. Somebody also did some quick political arithmetic and figured out there are now more young families moving in and roughly 1,500 kids playing ball like AYSO (soccer), Little League (baseball) and a multitude of other sports, and that’s a lot of voters. They need fields, playgrounds and facilities for the kids, and in the past the City Council hasn’t been too receptive. In the past, it was the passive park people, like the hikers and butterfly people, who called the tunes, but that could change.

There are some new restaurants on the west end of Malibu . If you haven’t done so already, check out the Indigo Caf at PCH and Kanan-Dume, Starbucks in the Trancas Center and the newly opened Paradise Cove Beach Cafe (site of the old Sandcastle Restaurant) .

Two days before Erev Rosh Hashana, which marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, also called the Ten Days of Repentence, Rabbi Don Singer is asked what preparations he is making for the High Holy Days. “I’m vacuuming the floor,” he answers.

Even rabbis have to come clean.

His in-the-moment response is in keeping with a faith that celebrates the here and now. “Now is one of the names of God,” says the rabbi cum sensei who sees a path to enlightenment that embraces both the contemplative traditions of Jewish wisdom and the teachings of Zen Buddhism. Singer, who feels that these two disciplines can nourish one another, begins his services with the instruction and practice of quiet meditation.

For all Jews, the call to God begins on Rosh Hashana, the New Year, with the sounding of the ram’s horn. “The Shofar is the symbol of awakening,” writes Singer. “The meditation that introduces the sounding of the Shofar begins, ‘Awake you slumberers.’ When you are responsive . . . it happens. You feel at rest, present.”

The rabbi often quotes from the Song of Songs, “My heart was awake, but I was asleep.” He interprets the passage: “The song is a dream of wholeness which the dreamer could know intimately, if only she would awake. Why do we sleep, when our true nature calls us to awake?” He suggests that it is because of the insistent preoccupations of the self.

“That busy, busy, busy life and mind of ours sometimes makes us asleep to the heart of the present.”

While he notes the many different approaches to Judaism, among them the “painfully rational” thoughts of early 20th century Reform and Conservative movements, he says that what is shared is “not knowing. Instead of always bringing the past to the present, the Jewish contemplative tradition looks closely at one’s life, (in order) to have time for it. The secret to this approach is not knowing, so that one can be open to the present.”

Yom Kippur concludes the Days of Awe. Regarding the 10 days of reconciliation, “representing all encompassing time,” the rabbi says, “Atonement is not only about guilt and forgiveness. In its fullness, it is the total movement of awakening. Of ending the cycle of travail and going beyond to wisdom and heart in daily life. The most accurate expression of what we mean by atonement is ‘At One.'”

On Yom Kippur, Rabbi Singer will lead his congregation, Shir Hadash, in services at Zen Center of Los Angeles, with which he has been affiliated for 23 years. Shir Hadash means new song; its feminine form, shira hadasha, appears in the texts of Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Psalms.

Following a degree in English literature and Hebrew from UCLA, Rabbi Singer entered graduate studies at Hebrew Union College, where he was ordained in 1964. After serving as a congregational rabbi, he joined Hillel as rabbi at large for the greater Los Angeles region. Hillel serves college and university students worldwide.

While with Hillel, he began Sabbath and holiday services in Malibu 28 years ago. “In a way, I was Malibu’s first rabbi,” he says. “We held them outdoors, on the ground, with the children perched overhead in the trees.” Since that time, Rabbi Singer has led frequent retreats and has conducted High Holiday services here at the Michael Landon Community Center. He and his wife, Virginia, are longtime Malibu residents.

In November, he will be a leader of the Bearing Witness retreat at the site of the Auschwitz/Birkenau death camps near Kracow, Poland. The interfaith assembly representing traditions from around the globe is hosted by the Zen Peacemaker Order, founded by Roshi Bernie Glassman and Sensei Sandra Jishu Holmes. It marks the rabbi’s third annual retreat.

For information on Yom Kippur services as well as the Bearing Witness retreat,

call 456-5323 or visit the Zen Center of Los Angeles online at

http://www.zencenter.com.

I’ve read Mr. Gesner’s letter with great interest. I was very young when I moved to Malibu and my first experience here was the 1958 fire, which is what he must be speaking about in reference to the house now under construction. But for a miracle, the house we had just moved into almost went up in flames during that fire. And what a pity it would have been. It’s the house Judge Call built (in 1928) and lived in; then his son, Aza; after him, Sam Wood (who directed “Goodbye Mr. Chips” and Reagan in “King’s Row”) whose frequent guests included Ron Reagan, of course, Gary Cooper, Hemingway, Ingrid Bergman, Richard Nixon, etc. Somehow, that house also escaped the 1993 fire almost unscathed.

I certainly share Mr. Gesner’s attachment to Malibu and I am sure he is proud, and rightly so, of the many houses he built here. But a house is more than a brilliant design. Driving at a snail’s pace along PCH just west of Las Flores where so many homes went up in flames and are, for the most part, rebuilt, I had a chance to take in the overall look of those hillside homes. Taken individually, many are really lovely examples of excellent architectural planning and execution. But placed one on top of each other, they somehow detract from each other, creating a patchwork quilt that lacks harmony and cohesiveness. Being a hard-core individualist, I certainly abhor conformity of any kind. But it is entirely possible to create a harmonious whole without shouting, “Look how brilliant and original, I am!” Like a fine gem whose beauty gets lost in the wrong set and setting, the same holds true for even the best architectural design.

I am glad Mr. Gesner mentioned Frank Lloyd Wright, whom I consider to be probably the most influential, original and enduring American architect. Yet Mr. Wright’s creations never shouted, never clashed with or infringed on their environment. On the contrary. And, if he built on ridgelines, he must have done so on geologically stable ridgelines since his work withstood the test of time.

Our struggle to retain our individuality should also include consideration for the individuality and variability of each building site. What may be suitable and totally safe to build in one place, needn’t be so in another. And I am sure that the one thing we can all agree on is that our coastal hillsides always have been and always will be prone to erosion.

So, if we indeed love Malibu as much as we profess, shouldn’t we make sure that these proud examples of our ingenuity are built so that they too survive the test of time and that they don’t clash with one another or step on each other’s toes, so to speak? If the La Costa area is indicative of the way Malibu will shape up in the future, then we are indeed in desperate need of some standards that will guide and allow us to retain a pleasing, harmonious look and some measure of safety. That should be more than enough challenge to anyone’s creative talents and ingenuity. Besides, when faced with a client whose vision of a dreamhouse is less than a paragon of tastefulness, wouldn’t any architect welcome some guidelines that would help him curb such a client’s dream that just might turn into a nightmare once it becomes stark reality? So let’s dispense with confrontations and threats and work together to achieve the harmony that seems to be escaping us — in our hearts and in our environment.

Erna Segal

In response to Mr. Keller’s letter printed Sept. 10, I apologize for referencing him as part of the council majority, which twice refused a settlement offer in closed session on the Lunita Pacific condominiums. The council majority consisted of Carolyn Van Horn, Joan House and Mr. Keller’s protg, Jeff Kramer. The result was the same. We have a 38-unit condominium project on a six-acre parcel. Mr. Keller’s reference to the size of the parcel being 70 plus acres is inaccurate. The 70 acres is the entire plateau. The San Paolo U.S. Holding Co. project consists of six acres and presently has under construction 38 condominium units.

I was pleased to see that Mr. Keller did not try to deflect responsibility for the $2 million loss by the city on the mobilehome park ordinance fiasco. Of course, he did not accept his share of the responsibility, but that was predictable.

Richard N. Scott

This letter is in response to your recent article regarding the Streisand Center for Conservancy Studies. The generous donation of this property by Barbra Streisand has greatly helped to further environmental education and awareness in the Santa Monica Mountains. This original intention remains the Center’s primary goal.

Less than six percent of the time the center is used for special events. The center is not used for commercial purposes. From its headquarters on the property, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy furthers its mission of land conservation and environmental preservation.

Lisa Soghor

Streisand Center Program Director

I wrote nine months ago that “A person’s a person, no matter how small!”

Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, would say, “Children want the same things we want. To laugh, to be challenged, to be entertained and delighted.” Brilliant, playful and always respectful of children, Dr. Seuss charmed his way into the consciousness of four generations of youngsters and parents. I am both one of those youngsters and parents. He helped me learn to read and thus to think and write. In 1957, Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat In The Hat” was published and went on to become one of the most popular books ever printed. This beloved book combined an engaging story with outrageous illustrations, playful sounds and embraced many a truth. How would Theodor Geisel have portrayed the present confession to the love-making scandal in the White House? What truth would the Cat In The Hat evangelize on the subject? With apologies to Theodor Geisel, I now offer you an updated version of the original prose, Ken Starr You Are, You Are, now entitled, “I’m A Sinner, I Am, I Am.”

President Clinton I have proven as you will see,

You did grope and fondle Miss Lewinsky?

You did grope her in the White House,

You did grope Miss Monica beneath her blouse?

Kenneth Starr I confess I did that here or there,

I will no longer dispute your charges anywhere!

Yes, I touch Monica close and far

I even touched her with a cigar.

Mister Clinton, you did smile, you did flirt?

You even peeked beneath Monica’s skirt?

Maybe you didn’t tell Miss Lewinsky to lie,

Yet she was still called upon to testify?

Lord forgive me Ken Starr-You-Are

But you have pushed me way too far.

I am now a reborn Christian man,

Of broken spirit, I hold God’s hand!

I have asked forgiveness from this land

I’m a sinner Mr. Starr, I am, I am.

Tom Fakehany

Two years ago, I met a very special girl who lived halfway around the world. Two years ago, I began to understand the true meaning of love. You see, you cannot experience love unless you are willing to surrender to it. I had always been afraid to trust or to believe in anything other than my family and myself, especially when it embraces love and those feelings you cannot control. To love is to take a leap of faith, faith in the one you love, faith in yourself and God and faith that together all things are possible. I am writing to you all because I need your help. I need your help to continue my own leap of faith.

She is almost perfect with a heart and soul as pure as snow and a beauty that reaches far beyond the horizon. She was on an exchange program, working as an au pair. I met her by chance and we became the best of friends. I was too afraid of rejection and of falling in love so I never let her know that I was in love with her the moment I looked into her eyes. Shortly after meeting her, I had to return home due to a family illness. While returning home I did not know if I would ever see her again. I was somewhat relieved that at least I did not open myself up to her, however, I knew she was one of a kind and that I would always wonder “what if.” Shortly thereafter, her family sent her on a trip to their favorite destination so she could see other parts of the U.S. – my home town. The family had no idea I was from there. That weekend she flew to Santa Fe, I let her know that she was the greatest gift God has ever given me besides my family. I told her that I loved her. We were together. Though I had to remain home and help my parents, one of us flew out to see the other almost every other weekend. After almost a year, she could no longer wait for me to return to Malibu. Her visa had expired. Thanks being to God, my parents had a remarkable recovery and I was able to return to Malibu and spend the last month with the greatest person I have ever met. She is currently back home in Norway, and though we speak almost every night, it is very frustrating to be so close and yet so far from the one thing in life that makes me want to wake up each morning and journey through another day. I currently have a full time job and work on the weekends. I am willing to do just about anything during week nights to make money so that I may fly to Norway and ask my best friend to marry me. At present, I have no idea what her answer will be, only that I need to let go of the fears that hold me back, both in love and in life. I can not afford to miss any more work, so I wish only to fly to Norway and return immediately.

Hopeful in Malibu

317-0775

What is it in the American mentality that is so susceptible to witch hunts, whether it be the Salem Witch Trials, the House on Un-American activities or the MacMartin School trial? It is as if an ill wind blows across the American mind, clouding its judgment as to the implications of its behavior. There seems to be a blood lust that is inescapably drawn out of the American populace which becomes like an opiate wherein all judgment is skewed. The dark side of reason takes center stage, wherein manipulation, thirst for power and self-righteous aggrandizement are temporarily viewed as representing the will or interest of the people.

After the fact, after the damage is done, after lives are ruined or lost, there is always a period of contrition, of questioning how did this happen. This too often repeated theme in American behavior is a sad commentary as to how shallow or cowardly the populace becomes during these cultural storms, leaving intact far too long the ambitions of individuals who represent the worst of human avarice and self-importance.

All witch hunts have justified their existence as a search for the truth, all have accused their victims of being evil or immoral. Now we have the Kenneth Starr investigation touted as the righteous search for the truth behind circumstances. As with all other witch hunts we must examine the motives of the players involved. What is the agenda of this inquisition? Is it a search to find truth, as claimed, or to achieve a desired aim? Is Ken Starr simply doing his job without bias and with equanimity? Are the forces behind this investigation pure in their objective? Or has the Starr inquiry stepped over the line into the realm of manipulation to justify subverting the electoral will of the American people and thus become a key player in the first attempt to use the judicial and political institutions of this country to instigate a political coup? To depose a president in any way possible, without consideration of the greater question of what are the underlying values that constitute a democracy? Is an invasion of privacy, a complicated and systematic hammering away at the integrity and personal life of an individual an acceptable means to an end for those entrusted to carry out the nation’s judicial work? Is a $50 million investigation obliged to find illegality to justify its own existence? Or has the money been spent to arrive at what we have now, a seeming justification for those with political agendas, or with personal antipathy toward President Clinton to wrap themselves with righteous indignation and a “profound responsibility to the truth and the nation.” To do what they have always desired, which is to cripple this presidency and thus empower themselves.

It is not lost on those who watch this spectacle that the Democratic Party is suffering from a cowardice, reminiscent of those who remained silent when Joe McCarthy was in full bloom, and that the Republicans are trying desperately to contain their excitement and sense of opportunity to sit in judgment of a man they have grown to fear and hate. The media almost appears comic in its sputteringly grave commentaries. The demand that they appear impartial while at the same time being so obviously told by their bosses to fan the flames of controversy so as to try and produce a 24-hour soap opera of the nation’s affairs must be exhausting. One begins to question, where are the Edward R. Murrows, the adult members of the media who have the ability to see beyond the present dust storm, who know something of history and are able to actually step out and call a witch hunt a witch hunt? Although certain behavior might be questionable or unfortunate, it is not of a gravity which should empower the dark side of American history to repeat itself. If it does, even those who feel righteous now, in time will come to wish that they had used this opportunity to be statesmen rather than politicians, journalists rather than sheep.

Leigh McCloskey