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Letter to The Editor: Malibu can set the example for political discourse this election cycle

Dear Editor, 

As Malibu’s mayor, I am dedicated to upholding the values of our community, ensuring that our town remains a safe, prosperous, and vibrant place to live and raise a family. 

Recently, I was falsely accused of a cybercrime — a claim so outrageous that it hardly deserves mention. You may have seen the sensational headlines in local blogs: “Malibu Mayor Cited In A Cyber Crime.” Let me be clear: these allegations are not only absurd, but entirely false, defamatory, and deeply hurtful. In fact, the articles spreading these false claims have since been removed from Patch and NewsBreak for numerous and flagrant violations of community guidelines.

Yet, this incident speaks to a larger issue that threatens to undermine the very fabric of our community: the deterioration of political discourse. In an era where divisiveness often overshadows reason, we must resist the temptation to allow baseless attacks, intimidation, and misinformation to dictate the narrative. Instead, we should be leading by example, demonstrating that even when we disagree on policy, we can do so constructively.

Malibu faces real challenges — challenges that require our full attention and collective effort. From the ever-present threat of wildfires to the ongoing need for improved safety along Pacific Coast Highway, our community has significant issues to continue to address. Public safety remains a top priority, as does ensuring that our children receive a quality education in an environment that prepares them for the future.

Of course, we won’t always agree on the best way to tackle the issues and challenges that confront Malibu. Disagreement is a natural part of governance and democracy. But how we choose to engage with each other when we disagree says everything about who we are as a community. Instead of resorting to false personal attacks or spreading misinformation, let’s focus on what really matters: the well-being of our neighbors and the future of our city.

The upcoming election cycle presents us with a choice. We can either allow divisive rhetoric and baseless accusations to dominate the conversation, or we can set a new standard for political discourse. Let’s choose the latter. Let’s show the rest of the country that Malibu is a place where people can share their passion for important issues while maintaining respect and civility.

Our city’s history is rich with examples of community-driven progress, from our environmental conservation efforts to the way we’ve rallied together in the face of disasters. This election cycle, let’s add to that legacy by setting the example for how political discourse should be conducted. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the future of Malibu.

We are all in this together, and by focusing on the real priorities — fire safety, public safety, education, the preservation of our town’s character, and the well-being of our community — we can ensure that Malibu remains the exceptional place we know and love.

Doug Stewart

Mayor of Malibu

The following incidents were reported between July 24 to July 30

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7/24
Vandalism
A parking lot near the Malibu Outrigger condominium was vandalized. The damage was estimated to cost $600 to $700 to repair. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

7/28
Burglary
A vehicle parked near Paradise Cove was broken into and the rear passenger seat window was shattered. The window was estimated to cost $700 to repair. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

7/29
Grand Theft
An iPhone worth $1,200 was stolen from the Las Flores Beach. The victim left their belongings on a beach chair near their property, went for a 15-minute walk, and upon return, their items were stolen. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

7/30
Petty Theft
A gallon of milk was stolen from the gas station on Topanga Canyon. The suspect, described as a white male with blond hair, was seen on camera taking the milk from the fridge and walking out of the store without paying. The security footage was uploaded for evidence.

Calendar for the week of Aug. 22

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SUN., AUG 25

JEWELRY-MAKING EXPERIENCE AT THIRD SPACE MALIBU 

The community is invited to join Third Space Malibu’s Kidd’s Jewelry Heist “Jewelry-Making Experience” on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 12 to 5 p.m. Those who attend can create their own necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and earrings during an hour-long session with the help of a mentor. Participants can take home two unique pieces of jewelry each. 

WED, AUG. 28

CALTRANS IN-PERSON MEETING

All community members are invited to attend workshops to learn about and give input to Caltrans’ PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study in person at Malibu City Hall, Council Chambers, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Malibu City Hall. This meeting will not be broadcast or livestreamed. The study aims to identify safety and multimodal travel improvements for all users of PCH in Malibu, including options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. For further questions, please contact D7.System.Planning@dot.ca.gov. The next virtual meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the city’s website at malibucity.org.

WED, AUG. 28

DRUMBOXING AT MILESTONE RANCH

Enjoy a morning of connection and inspiration with drumboxing demonstration, inspirational guest speakers, coffee, tea, and snacks on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Milestone Ranch, 203 Vera Canyon Road. All members of the rehabilitation community, therapists, and healers are welcome. To RSVP, email christina@drumboxing.com.

AUG 30 TO SEPT 2

MALIBU CHILI COOK-OFF

The annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off takes place this Labor Day weekend, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The annual festival returns for its 42nd year and brings food, music, carnival rides, and a thrilling chili and skate competition to the community. Proceeds of the event support the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. For more information and where to buy tickets visit malibuchilicookoff.org.

MON, SEPT 2

LABOR DAY: CITY HALL CLOSED

Special holiday hours for city parks and facilities will be posted in the News & Announcements section of the website homepage the week prior to the holiday. 

WED, SEPT 4

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING

The Public Safety Commission meets regularly at 5 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in the Multipurpose Room at Malibu City Hall.

WED, SEPT. 4

YOUTH WATER POLO SPLASHBALL PARENT MEETING AND PLAYER EVALUATIONS

Coaches meet and greet, and swim evaluations will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Malibu Community Pool. Meet the coaches. Visit MalibuCity.org/Aquatics for more information. Registration is required prior to attending the parent meeting and player evaluations. Please register online at MalibuCity.org/Register.

THURS, SEPT 12

CALTRANS VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FOR PCH PLAN FEASIBILITY STUDY

All community members are invited to attend virtual workshops to learn about and give input Caltrans’ PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration and meeting link can be found on the cities website malibucity.org. 

Call-in Number: (408) 418-938 

Access Code: 2489 232 0266 

Password: 78575857

SAT, SEPT 14

DEREK SCHIMMING ART EXHIBIT AT MALIBU CITY GALLERY

The Malibu Art Association will hold an art exhibit by the late artist Derek Schimming from Sept. 16 through Oct. 25. The retrospective art exhibition with the Malibu Art Association gallery opening is on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 12 p.m. at the Malibu City Gallery at City Hall. For more information visit malibuartscommission.org.

SAT, SEPT 14

FLOW YOGA AND MEDIATION WORKSHOP

Learn ways to help release tension and stress, balance energy in the body, and promote a sense of well-being. Instructed by The Mindry. First workshop is on Sept. 14: Flow Yoga and Meditation from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; followed by Reiki Soundbath on Oct. 16 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Manifestation Meditation on November 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Register online at parksrecreation.ci.malibu.ca.us/default.aspx.

TUES, SEPT 17

MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES

Dr. Safiya Noble is a 2021 MacArthur Fellow, a recipient of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, and author of the highly acclaimed “Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism.” 

Dr. Noble’s research focuses on how digital media impacts our lives and intersects with issues of race, gender, culture, and technology. In this talk, she will discuss her book and delve into issues ranging from marginalization and misrepresentation in commercial information platforms like Google Search, to the profound power struggles that violate civil, human, and collective rights through AI and machine learning projects. RSVP required. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Malibu Library. 

ONGOING

FARMERS MARKET

The Malibu Farmers Market returns to the Library Plaza on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 23555 Civic Center Way, adjacent to the library. For updates, follow up on instagram@malibufarmersmarket.

WEEDING EVENT AT POINT DUME

Join fellow preservationists the second Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon at the Point Dume Preserve at Birdview and Cliffside Drive to keep the headlands poison-free. Please bring gardening gloves and be prepared to do some hand weeding with some of your wonderful neighbors. Parking is available at Westward Beach. 

MEET THE MAKERS: SIP & SHOP AT THIRD SPACE

Shop our local, handmade, and sustainable products while getting to know our local creatives and the story behind their brands at Third Space every third Sunday of the month. The next one is on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. in partnership with Malibu Village Books. 

TRANCAS SUMMER NIGHTS 

Trancas Summer Night Concerts have returned for the summer every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. until Aug. 30.

TOTAL BODY WORKOUT

A comprehensive low impact strengthening class targeting all the major muscles of the upper and lower body with specialattention to form, stabilization, core strength, and balance. Please bring your own hand weights and yoga mats. Instructed by Jackline Daneshrad. The classes are from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Sept. 3, Oct. 1, and Nov. 5. $5 per class. Pre-registration is recommended. At the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. 

KNITTING

Join the City of Malibu’s Community Service Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes placeon Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat, blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size8 needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal.  

RELAXING THROUGH COLORING

The art of coloring activates different areas of the brain, using logic, forming colors, and creativity. Join this free, unstructured program. Instructed by Judy Merrick. Complimentary program. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times. 

STRETCH AND STRENGTH

Participants will focus on increasing flexibility, balance, circulation, and muscle tone while learning to relax through breathing techniques. Bring yoga blocks and a mat. Instructed by Marsha Cooper. $5 per class. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times. 

SENIOR CHOIR

Learn the fundamentals of singing and performing different styles of music. Every Tuesday, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Malibu City Hall Senior Center. This is a great opportunity for socialization, self-expression, and learning through music. All levels are welcome. Instructed by Laura DeMieri Fercano

Discussion on Next Week’s City Council | Aug 26

Ceremonial/Presentations: 

  1. Presentation of City Tile to Mahan Amirkian for Seven Years of Service to the City of Malibu.

Previously Discussed Items:

  1. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 520.

New Items: 

  1. 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
  2. Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for the Pacific Coast Highway Right Turn
  3. Lane at Trancas Canyon Road
  4. Acceptance of Pacific Coast Highway Median Improvements Project
  5. Acceptance of Malibu Park Resurfacing Project
  6. Disposal of Surplus Equipment – Fleet Vehicles
  7. Small Enterprises Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.
  8. Investment Report for the Month Ending July 31, 2024
  9. Disposal of Surplus Property – Wide Format Printer

Ordinances and Public Hearings:

  1. Appeal of Planning Commission Resolution No. 24-009 regarding Coastal Development Permit No. 20-068, Site Plan Review No. 21-009, and Demolition Permit No. 20-028 – An application to demolish an existing single-family residence and construct a new single-family residence, second unit and associated development (6734 Zumirez Drive; Owner/Appellant: IBN Properties, LLC)

Old Business:

  1. None.

New Business: 

  1. White Heart Foundation Fee Waiver
  2. Consideration of Nobu Restaurant Conditional Use Permit

Council Items:

  1. Designation of Voting Delegate and Alternate Voting Delegate(s) for the 2024 League of California Cities Annual Conference.

To view the full City Council Agenda, visit malibucity.org/virtualmeetings.

Noelle Rooke takes new role on Waves beach volleyball staff

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New associate head coach led Cal State Northridge beach volleyball team for four years before joining Pepperdine

Noelle Rooke has a new title with the Pepperdine Waves beach volleyball team: associate head coach. 

Rooke, an assistant coach for two seasons, was promoted last week. 

She said she was grateful to work at Pepperdine, with the Waves student-athletes, and with head coach Marcio Sicoli, who she called the best coach in the country.

“Marcio is the most supportive colleague I have had the pleasure to work alongside,” she said, “and I truly believe in what we are building and where are program is headed — back to national prominence.”

Sicoli said Rooke’s promotion was well deserved.

“Noelle excels as a coach and is a huge asset to our program,” he said. “Our student-athletes, Pepperdine, and I are lucky to have someone who possesses such great character and integrity.”

Pepperdine has made consecutive appearances in the West Coast Conference Tournament final with Rooke as a coach. The squad also has a 41 victories and a .577 winning percentage.

The Waves garnered eight conference postseason accolades in 2024 including four first-team and two second-team selections, two spots on the all-freshman team, and the Freshman of the Year. 

Rooke was the head coach of the Cal State Northridge beach volleyball team for four years before joining Pepperdine. 

Rooke was also an indoor volleyball head coach at four different programs, including Mercer for eight seasons. 

She coached CSUN to 54 victories and had a .680 winning percentage. Rooke tallied 98 wins with Mercer and won an Atlantic Sun Conference Coach of the Year honor once. 

Rooke played collegiate indoor volleyball at Florida Southern College. She gained all-conference recognition as a senior. Her husband, Max Rooke, is associate head coach of the Waves women’s soccer team.

Nobu issued meager wrist slap by City of Malibu

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Fees and fines for unpermitted July 4 event fine total less than the cost of a single ticket

A public records request has revealed the City of Malibu has issued total fees and fines of only $1,700 against Nobu after it defied the city and proceeded with an unpermitted July 4 party this summer. The city had indicated earlier that fines were levied against the high-end restaurant, but as with the 2023 event, declined to reveal the amount imposed, again necessitating a public records act request to uncover the information. This year’s fees and fines were actually smaller than last year’s total of $1,821, notwithstanding the restaurant’s failure to present an acceptable parking plan after the 2023 event, which left limos and party buses abandoned on Pacific Coast Highway causing a dangerous traffic jam. The latest $1,700 amount is itemized as code enforcement officer time billed at $200 per hour totaling $1,600 and a $100 administration citation.

Despite efforts by The Malibu Times to obtain a comment from Nobu, the restaurant has yet to respond.

PCH now open after police activity; suspect is now in custody 

Heathercliff Rd and Busch Dr is now open after this mornings police activity. Around 1 a.m. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) personnel responded to assist Malibu Lost Hill’s Station with a barricaded assault with a deadly weapon suspect in his vehicle. 

The incident was reported Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at approximately 5:00 a.m., on the 29000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Malibu.

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SEB personnel assumed tactical command and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and made contact with the suspect. The suspect was apprehended around 8:20 a.m.

BREAKING: PCH full closure from Heathercliff Rd to Busch Dr in Malibu due to police activity

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All lanes of PCH are temporarily closed between Heathercliff Rd and Busch Dr in Malibu due to an active law enforcement situation. 

According to the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriffs Station PCH is closed due to an assault with a deadly weapon suspect barricaded in a vehicle.

Motorist and pedestrians are advised to avoid the area and take alternate routes. Traffic is being directed through a detour.

California Highway Patrol, LASD sheriffs and the Los Angeles County Fire Department are are scene.

Renowned astronomer asks: Are we alone?

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NASA Solar System Ambassador Derrick Pitts leads captivating presentation about space exploration

Renowned astronomer and NASA Solar System Ambassador Derrick Pitts led Malibu residents on a captivating journey through the universe as part of the Malibu Speaker Series on Aug. 12.

Pitts is the chief astronomer and director of the Fels Planetarium at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and has been a NASA ambassador since 2009. 

His presentation titled “Home Away From Home: Searching the Universe for a Place Like Earth” presented the latest in space discoveries, proposed theories on where life may be across the universe and put into perspective the immense size of the universe and how small Earth is in comparison. 

Pitts aimed to explain humanity’s fascination with space exploration and the purpose for investing into researching worlds away from our own.

“There’s a question that we want to answer that drives all of our exploration and our research,” Pitts said. “Yeah, we want to know what life is out there, but the bigger question, the real question is a philosophical one. It’s not is there other life out there, it’s ‘are we alone?’”

The presentation was very detailed and well-organized, and the charismatic Pitts delivered the information with humor and impressive knowledge of the science behind space exploration. 

He told the audience he hoped to help them connect the dots between what they know about space with the latest information and theories of life beyond our own. 

“You come to this program this evening with knowledge already of space exploration and astronomy, what I like to call your science capital,” Pitts said. “What we’re going to do this evening is apply your science capital to this framework about this search for planets like Earth and add new information to that science capital.” 

Throughout the presentation, many audience members took phones of infographs, quickly jotted down notes, and reacted in stunned silence to some of the most impressive facts and theories. 

One audience member expressed her hope that Pitts would someday record his program because she believed everyone should get the opportunity to hear him speak. 

Jennifer Roberson is a member of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and she said Pitts’ presentation was veryfascinating.

“It expanded my knowledge on space exploration quite a bit,” Roberson explained. “We’re pack animals, we don’t want to be alone. We want to know if there is something or someone else out there with us and how could there not be?”

Malibu resident Ann Kronen was astounded by the presentation and said she was grateful to have been able to expand on her framework of knowledge of the universe.

“Almost like the frame of a house, information I get in the future will add to what I know, like building with legos,” Kronen said. 

Kronen praised the Malibu Library for hosting the Speaker Series, providing the community with unique and mindful educational opportunities.

“I have gone to quite a number of these talks that the library series puts on and they bring people who I would never, ever have an opportunity to meet otherwise,” Kronen said. “It feels very intimate, and it’s not just a classroom but an interaction. That’s what makes it special.” 

NASA has confirmed 5,743 exoplanets, planets outside of our solar system, across 4286 planetary systems, within what is estimated to be between hundreds of billions to 2 trillion galaxies in the universe. 

Yet, we have not found life beyond Earth. 

Pitts pondered our celestial uniqueness to close the presentation. 

“In the trillions of galaxies, could it be that we are the only intelligent life force around? Possibly — statistically not likely, but it is possible that we are unique,” Pitts said. “But that uniqueness makes us alone. How do we feel that ashumans that like to be together?”

The 42nd annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off returns; call made for volunteers

The annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off is once again upon us! Taking place on Friday, Aug. 30, to Monday, Sept. 2, the event will kick off Labor Day weekend with lively carnival rides, endless chili samples, local vendors, a skate-off, and just loads of fun for the whole family.

The four-day event which solely benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu would not be possible without rockstar volunteers and groups from local schools, nonprofit organizations and service clubs. Join in the fun and spend a few hours of your day volunteering for a worthy cause.

The event proudly presents the return of the prestigious Chili Cook-Off competition. Participants will vie for top honors in the meat and vegan categories and compete for the People’s Choice Award. Winners of the chili competition will be announced this year on Sunday, Sept. 1. Event attendees can vote for their “fan favorite” Friday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, Sept. 1, until 3 p.m. (on-site only).

While the chili competition is a highlight, the Malibu Chili Cook-Off offers much more. It’s a community celebration featuring various delicious food options and entertainment, such as a skate competition, carnival rides, live DJ sets, a showcase of local artisans, and other 21-and-over and family-friendly activities.

“We are thrilled for another year of the iconic Malibu Chili Cook-Off festival, which ultimately is a charity event in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and its impactful year-long programs that benefit youth and their families,” Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Kasey Earnest said. “The club extends its gratitude to the local businesses and supporters of the Cook-Off, including our long-standing vendors and sponsors helping make this event possible for its 42nd year.”

This year’s highly anticipated Malibu Chili Cook-Off will feature an exclusive Town & Country Lounge with featured DJ sets from DJ Short Shorts and DJ Corey Biggs, a 21-and-over experience with craft beers, local wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic options. Two-step and line-dancing lessons will also be offered once every hour on Sunday, Aug. 31, from 4 to 9 p.m. Activities curated for kids will be available, including a junior carnival area featuring rides for ages 2-10. The event also includes the return of signature Chili Cook-Off swag by Aviator Nation. With something for everyone, this year’s Chili Cook-Off ensures an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Thrill-seekers who attend will also have the opportunity to witness or enter the 5th Annual Johnny Strange Legacy mini-ramp skate competition on Saturday, Aug. 31. This will include jam-session-style competitions for intermediate and advanced competitors of all genders, with cash prizes awarded to the winners. The Bones Love Milk Skateboard Mini Ramp will be available throughout the weekend, offering public skate, and practice session opportunities for those eager to refine their skateboarding skills. Attendees can also stay hydrated and energized as they shred with refreshing lactose-free chocolate milk from Clover Sonoma, California’s premium organic dairy. Please visit malibuchilicookoff.org/skate to learn more.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) and its year-round youth and community services, including the BGCM Wellness Center.

For information about participating as a vendor or sponsor, please contact malibuchilicookoff@gmail.com. For info about volunteer opportunities, please emailmcco.volunteer@gmail.com. For security and private handling, please call in advance at (424) 234-6248.

Please note that event admission tickets are required for entry and will not be sold on-site. The event advises attendees to secure their tickets in advance, as prices will progressively rise leading up to the event. Ensure seamless entry and take advantage of the best ticket prices by purchasing tickets now! All children under 5 will receive free admission. Purchase presale event admission tickets at malibuchilicookoff.org. Please note that carnival ride passes and event tickets are soldseparately.

Be sure to follow Malibu Chili Cook-Off on social media, where the Cook-Off winner will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 1. Donations can be added to your cart when purchasing admission tickets.

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