Suggestions for community land use in Malibu is about to be narrowed down 

It’s not too late to make your voice heard and provide feedback on what the City of Malibu should do with open, undeveloped land: Phase 2 of the Community Lands Project is now underway. 

After months of meetings and community engagement, this next phase of the project will collect specific feedback on the types of categories Malibu residents envision for sites that could be developed on city-owned property. 

There are five properties up for consideration for development. The sites include what is known as the Chili Cook-Off property, the La Paz lot, and the Triangle lot close by at PCH and Webb Way, all in the Malibu Civic Center area; the Heathercliff lot in Point Dume, and the Trancas lot in west Malibu.

The latest community meeting on Aug. 28 at City Hall was not as well attended as when nearly 100 people showed up to the first meeting in May earlier this year, but the meeting was attended by Councilmembers Marianne Riggins and Paul Grisanti, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Dane Skophammer, city managers, and a few residents.

Consulting firm Tripepi Smith has been collecting the data on what suggestions have been made for the properties so far. “We collected general feedback from all types of community members,” said consultant Ryder Todd Smith. 

Stakeholders including residents, business owners in the community, and people who work in Malibu filled out online forms, surveys and “extensive participation at three community meetings plus popup events” according to Smith.

“If you go on our website malibucommunitylands.org, you’ll see an extensive amount of documentation showcasing all the information that’s been provided for the public on this process so it’s completely transparent to all of our stakeholders,” he continued.

Smith called the feedback “robust. There’s a lot of community passion on this issue.” Two hundred fifty-nine suggestions were received by email and website forms, 322 suggestions were made through in-person meetings, and 210 suggestions were made through a community survey, although only 142 of those provided a Malibu address.

Based on feedback so far, the consultants came up with 10 categories for suggested usage. In alphabetical order they are: commercial use which includes parking; a community center which could include a senior center, youth center, library, and visitor center; grass sports fields for soccer, football, baseball and softball; housing for workforce and seniors; indoor theater/arts center; open space that could include pathways, trails, and community garden; outdooramphitheater; pool/splash pad; sport courts for basketball, pickleball, tennis, and bocce; and a category entitled “other” for possible usage as a dog park, skate park, bike trails, or bike park.

“Phase One was about let’s shoot for the stars. Phase two is about let’s get pragmatic,” Smith explained. “What can actually take place on each property either given zoning and land restrictions or what makes sense for programming relative to the location.”

The Chili Cook-Off site, at more than 9 acres, must have 100 parking spaces available per an agreement with LA Metrofrom which the city acquired the property. The Triangle property, at just over 1 acre, could be feasible for parking, open space, grass field or other unspecified usage. It also has a requirement for 100 parking spaces. Heathercliff at 19 acreshas some unspecified environmental considerations, but is technically feasible for “all categories” of development. An agreement with LA Metro that once owned the property requires 200 parking spaces. Trancas, the largest piece of land at 29.67 acres, is technically feasible for all categories within certain environmental considerations. The La Paz property at 2.3 acres is technically feasible within certain environmental considerations for open space, grass sports fields, or other unspecified usage.

In deciding on what amenities residents and stakeholders want to see in Malibu, Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown reminded that other agencies, including the from the county, Coastal Commission, Caltrans, etc., “will be part of the conversation. …if there is development. This is truly the first step because after this comes the council discussion, the weighing of options and directions of staff is what we do next. Part of that goes into the master plan.” Any traffic studies or other reviews by partner agencies will come after development plans are narrowed down.

The next in-person community meeting happens Thursday, Sept. 5, at 5:30 p.m. at the Trancas lot. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, there will be another meeting at the Chili Cook-Off lot at 10 a.m.

“Please tell your friends and check it out,” Smith said about the website, checked daily for input.

Find out more at MalibuCommunityLands.org or email MalibuCommunityLands@MalibuCity.org

Trancas Canyon Park and Charmlee Wilderness Park will be closed today, Thursday, September 5, through Saturday,  September 7 as a safety precaution during the Red Flag Warning. Visit MalibuCity.org Parks for updated information on park closures.

The City of Malibu also shared some Heat Health and Safety tips on social media.

Bike paths are a top priority for residents and safety advocates

Making PCH safer for bicyclists, parking improvements, and reducing the speed limit became Malibu residents’ top priority at the latest Caltrans PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study workshop on Aug. 28. 

Residents and community members had another opportunity to share their suggestions and concerns on the improvements that have been proposed so far.

The group discussion followed up with last month’s improvements ideas, and the workshops have been attended by the same residents who have attended the first few meetings.

“Given the dangers of PCH, the community’s indifference is unacceptable. We’re all busy, but ensuring our safety demands more effort. It’s not up to someone else. It’s up to you. If we don’t speak up for our future, we lose the right to complain when problems arise,” Malibu resident and co-founder of the Emily Shane Foundation Michel Shane said in his latest Letter to the Editor. “It’s easy to get lost in our routines, but this issue affects everyone. It’s time to raise our voices. Or would you rather bury someone you love?”

The group mainly focused on the 22-mile stretch within Malibu city limits. Options included reducing of speed, adding landscape medians, more sidewalks, paved shoulders, turn lanes, speed bumps, building bridges, parking spaces, and roundabouts. Of those, adding sidewalks, medians, parking improvements, and bike lanes have been the main priorityto make improvements.

Shane continues to say the importance of community input is vital for a “balanced change that meets everyone’sneeds,” and said the most recent meeting felt genuinely sincere and different.

“I’ve often criticized Caltrans’ inaction, but things have changed. If a slow-moving entity like Caltrans can adapt, we must embrace their newfound awareness,” he said. “Simply demanding change isn’t enough; we must participate actively in its creation.” 

Michel said a portion of the discussion highlighted the need for protected bike lanes. 

“Although picturing PCH as a safe haven for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians might seem like a dream, it’s possible with our dedication,” he said. 

Executive Director for Streets Are for Everyone Damian Kevitt is an advocate for bike lanes.

“My concern, as Streets Are For Everyone, is to make sure that the proposed design maximizes safety and reduces fatalities in every way possible, including emergency access in the event of a minor or major disaster,” Kevitt said in an email. “SAFE is not insisting on a two-way cycle track as the best solution considering the types of bike riders who use PCH … the simplicity is that the current space restrictions and frequent driveways would not allow the design of a cycle track that is safe and fast enough for the types of cyclists who are using PCH. This means they will continue to use the road to travel, causing slows for vehicles and defeating the purpose of the safety upgrade.”

Public Works Chair Jo Drummond attended the meeting and is an advocate for bike lanes in Malibu. 

“If it existed when my girls were in school we would have rode our bikes to school every day for an hour and kept at least one car off the road,” Drummond said. “I also would have regularly biked to Cross Creek with friends or Ralphs if there was a safe bike lane to travel into town.”

Drummond said she hopes PCH will be safe for her family to bike on PCH instead of driving.

“I know not the only one in Malibu who would love a safe way to travel via bicycle through Malibu,” Drummond said.“With proper parking lots already available for bicyclists at Topanga and the center of town and Zuma it should definitely reduce the number of cars on PCH and make PCH the boulevard we all desire and reduce speed limits.”

She also said she loved the design prototype presented in the last meeting for the central commercial district of town with the sidewalks, two-way protected bike lanes and landscaped medians and still maintain four lanes so that one lane can always be used for emergencies.

“We need to protect our residents and visitors outside of their cars more than inside their cars it seems and this re-design is the best plan for this,” Drummond said. “In the meantime hopefully, the speed cameras will be approved soon and save more lives from reckless speeding in Malibu.”

The next public engagement workshop is on Sept. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. on Zoom. To learn more, visit Malibucity.org. 

Senate Bill 1297 was authored by State Senator Ben Allen, co-authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin

Senate Bill 1297 (SB 1297), a bill to increase safety along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, has successfully passed California Legislature and is now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for final approval. 

Authored by Senator Ben Allen and co-authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Senate Bill 1297 aims to significantly enhance road safety by establishing speed cameras along the PCH.

After four Pepperdine students were killed in October 2023 by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH, the demand to make Pacific Coast Highway grew exponentially. The community called on lawmakers to increase safety along the highway. On Nov. 13, 2023, the City Council declared a local state of emergency. Earlier this year, the City Council approved a long-term contract with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to establish a dedicated three-officer traffic enforcement taskforce to patrol PCH in city limits. 

Since the city contracted with the CHP, adding to the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) traffic operations in January, there has been a significant increase in enforcement and progress in reducing injury collisions. CHP and LASD combined issued a total of 4,790 traffic citations for all hazardous driving Jan. 1 to June 30, 74 percent more than the same period last year. They issued 3,404 citations for speeding from Jan. 1 through June 30, 82 percent more than last year. Although the number of collisions hasn’t changed significantly, the combined enforcement efforts of both agencies resulted in 41 injury collisions, a 36 percent decrease over the same period last year.

In addition to improving the highway, residents have also asked for the implementation of speed cameras to reduce speeding on the PCH. SB 1297 calls for the state to install five speed camera systems along the 21-mile stretch of PCH that passes through Malibu. 

“This legislation builds on our efforts that led to Caltrans to spend over $4 million on road safety improvements along PCH over the past year,” Irwin said. “Our work to make Malibu safer and to save lives has only just begun and I’mproud to continue working alongside Senator Allen to champion this important cause.”  

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart highlighted the bill’s importance for the community, particularly in light of the upcoming anniversary of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of four Pepperdine students on Oct. 17, 2023.

“SB 1297 represents a critical step forward in our ongoing efforts to make Malibu safer for everyone who travels along the Pacific Coast Highway,” he said. “The loss of the four Pepperdine students was a devastating reminder of the dangers posed by speeding. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and all the advocates, community members, and lawmakers who have worked tirelessly to bring this bill to the governor’s desk. Your dedication and support have been instrumental in getting us to this point. Now, I urge Gov. Newsom to sign SB 1297 into law so we can start implementing these vital safety measures.”

Senator Ben Allen applauded the Legislature’s passage of SB 1297.

“I’m grateful that my colleagues in the Legislature saw the wisdom and importance of this measure to save lives along the Pacific Coast Highway,” he said. “These speed cameras will play a critical role in minimizing reckless driving on this beautiful but exceedingly dangerous stretch of highway. I am hopeful that Gov. Newsom agrees with the overwhelming support this has received and signs this into law to keep Malibu residents and visitors safe.”

Neighbors have a gathering to send off the goats, celebrating their efficacy at fire avoidance

As wildfires are already raging throughout parts of California, Malibu West residents are painfully aware of the hazards presented by dry brush and other fuel on the hillsides surrounding the neighborhood.

For three weeks, a herd of goats have eaten through the brush on open areas near and in Malibu West.

“We have our hillside cleared every year,” Sabrina Downing, a Malibu West resident, said, noting that goats are a great asset in clearing brush on the uninhabited hillsides of West Malibu. 

This is the third year the neighborhood has utilized goats for brush clearance, Downing stated.

“Having the goats help with avoiding fire is a great thing for our neighborhood and we all love to watch them eat the brush — kids and adults love to visit them — you kind of feel like you’re in the country,” she said.

Biomimicry is important to the Malibu West and other ecosystems

Local resident Linda Gibbs discussed the science behind using goats for brush clearance and their vital biomimicry.

“For ecosystems to be healthy, animal integration is so important because they eat not just the brush and weeds, but also our native plants, which is very important; otherwise, they become fuel.” Gibbs explained. “Instead of the brush becoming fuel, the plants are eaten and then they are cycling nutrients and we move the succession along.”

Gibbs described the ecological effect of those processes: “Those natives become stronger after they’ve been eaten — instead of burning slowly through oxidation in a fire, they are being cycled through the gut of the goats.”

The concept, she stated, is known as “fire or fungi” in the parlance of ecosystem restoration principles. “Everything has to be recycled, either by fire burning slowly because the plant is oxidizing or a flame comes through or by brush going down on the ground and becoming fungi whereby all the microbes are broken down in a digester such as the goats,” Gibbs said. “Thus, with the goats being here, biomimicry is happening today.” 

According to goatfarmers.com, using brush goats for clearing plants to avoid fire is both cost effective — those who own the goats save on food — and very effective for fire avoidance. Moreover, goats can restore pastures that have been taken over by invasive plants and their manure is great fertilizer as well.

Goats are smarter than sheep, the website states, and “they have more relational interaction with humans than sheep — one research study found that goats can be compared with dogs in their relatability to people.”  

On July 25, it was time to bid the goats adieu and the neighborhood gathered to say goodbye and to share some food and fun. Little ones and adults alike happily interacted with the goats, petting them and enjoying watching them eat and all their bleating. And, of course, they had to have a goat parade, a tradition that has rapidly become a fan favorite in the neighborhood.

“It’s my first time to come to this event and I loved it!” Ally Burke exclaimed. “It’s so much fun — I was expecting goats to run down the street and … that’s pretty much what I got, so I’m happy!”

Aynsley Silliman, who is visiting Burke from out of state, chimed in, saying, “It’s great for the goats to go up on the hillsides and clear all the brush. They’re so cute!” 

Resident Dermot Stoker joined in, adding, “This is a fantastic event that we have every year and it’s wonderful to have 200-plus goats come to help with home hardening so we can have a fire safe neighborhood. Our board, led by Tim Bigelow and the rest of the HOA crew, does a great job organizing all the details for us regarding having the goats andwe’re really lucky to have them.”

Gibbs reflected on the camaraderie in the neighborhood.

“I love Malibu West!” she exclaimed. “This is my third summer here since our house burned down in Pt. Dume and I love the camaraderie — I love that there are no fences and one can knock on a neighbor’s door and I love all the community events.

“When asked [about] the goat tradition every year — it’s terrific — it’s very important to do that to keep brush clear and have less fuel on the hillside.”

After the goats and the people had such fun interactions, everyone went home to their residence in Malibu West and the goats went on their way to the next hillside.

They’re never one to complain about work conditions!

Malibu local presents ‘Buster Keaton: America’s Avant-Garde Auteur’

It was a joyous return to Malibu City Hall for the second of three presentations by the Malibu Film Society (MFS) this season. With locals thrilled at the short drive to the Malibu Civic Center instead of trekking to MFS screenings in Agoura or Pacific Palisades, the mood of the crowd was upbeat, especially to see and learn about an American comedy legend and filmmaking innovator, Buster Keaton.

Malibu resident David Weddle put together the program, “Buster Keaton: America’s Avant-Garde Auteur” from his large collection of hard-to-come-by Keaton movies. Weddle, a prolific television writer and producer, is a lifelong fan of Keaton, who as a master of physical comedy was nicknamed “The Great Stone Face” for his deadpan expressions while chaos was erupting in his silent films. That chaos was created by the comic himself who wrote and directed his early work and, more importantly, used no doubles in his daring and elaborate stunts.

“He could well have been killed”, moderator and MFS Board President Scott Tallal described of an infamous Keaton stunt that has a house frame falling on the actor who unwittingly survives by standing strategically placed at the spot of an open window frame. That caper is just one of many copied by filmmakers of today. Keaton’s work has inspired generations.

That jaw-dropping scene was from Keaton’s last independent film, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” As Keaton would later tell a second wife, when he filmed that death-defying scene, he didn’t care if he lived or died doing it — he had become despondent over the changing movie business. 

“Like most big movie stars in the ’20s he owned his own studio,” explained Weddle. “He produced movies on his owntimetable and had complete creative control.”

Weddle said of Keaton’s earlier work “all made money.” But in the late ’20s, as sound movies were dominating the business, Wall Street interests pumped money into studios that turned into “movie factories.” Weddle explained that Keaton’s producer, Joseph Schenck, sold the star’s studio out from under him leading to his loss of creative control andthat just about crushed the creative genius.

“He was an artist, even though he couldn’t explain it in those terms,” Weddle stated. “Losing control of his films and not being able to personally express himself through his movies and just to make a factory product was emotionally devastating to him. It did in fact ruin him for quite a few years.”

While presenting clips from Keaton films featuring outrageous stunts and sight gags, Weddle said action superstar Jackie Chan credits Keaton as an inspiration for his comic timing and innovative stunt work typically performed by himself.

“Keaton was an artist down to every strand of his DNA, but he refused to ever accept that definition,” commented Weddle who then reiterated a Keaton line, “No man can be a genius in slap shoes and a flat hat.”

In describing Keaton’s films as “comic nightmares,” Weddle observed their inspiration to surrealist filmmakers and artists such as Luis Bunuel, Salvadore Dali, and Federico Garcia Lorca. “They all loved Keaton,” and saw him as more than a slapstick clown, said Weddle.

Tallal agreed, saying, “This is stuff we have seen in films and from actors for the last 100 years.” Keaton is “still being emulated, still influencing filmmakers all over the world to this day,” he continued.

And according to Weddle, “Keaton was a great technical innovator as well as a great artist. He drove a lot of visual effects in the ’20s that broke open the camera and showed the rest of Hollywood what could be done with visual effects and the magic of movies.”

Frequent MFS attendee Michael Intriere, a Malibu resident, said he appreciated the event being in Malibu, although he was getting used to watching on the city’s smaller screen than a typical movie theater.   

“I’ve always felt that he was really a genius,” Intriere said of Keaton. “It’s taken forever, but he’s finally getting the credit he’s due because when you look back at the old silents, his are just so brilliant. The guy was a genius.”

The response from attendees especially locals “has been terrific,” said Tallal of the three Malibu screenings this season.Check mfsreservations.org for more information, membership, schedules, and tickets.