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Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Poblano: Thursday, September 18

The Malibu Times
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Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Poblano: Thursday, September 18

Meet Poblano, A5709519!

This handsome Domestic Shorthair, with an interesting black and white coat, has been in county care since June, enjoying the free-roaming room, Habikat. At 2 years old, this male cat weighs in at 11 lbs and is ready to go home. Poblano is best suited as the only cat in the household, as he seems to prefer the company of humans over other cats. If you’re looking for an active and energetic companion, Poblano is eagerly waiting to find a forever home.

Cat adoptions are $15 from September 15-October 1 *including spay/neuter and microchip! 

Care Center Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays

29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Letter to the Editor: Jo Drummond’s public comment from Monday night re: rebuilding

Letter to the Editor
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Letter to the Editor: Jo Drummond’s public comment from Monday night re: rebuilding

Dear Editor, 

Here is my Public comment on Monday night. 

Honorable City Council,

As I stated in my op-ed article in The Malibu Times — It’s now been exactly eight months since the January fire, and in that time, the city has issued just two rebuild permits. One of those was already in motion before the fire. One true permit in eight months is unacceptable. We are hopeful now that this will change.

Take a look at the website ca.gov/lafires/rebuilding-la/ for current rebuild statistics. LA County is at 18% approval with 313 permits, LA City is at 36% with 475 permits issued, but Malibu is under 2% — only two permits issued. That’s troubling.  I would hope and encourage our city to research what LA City and County are doing to expedite these permits and compare and contrast our methods.

The Malibu Rebuild Task Force had a productive meeting with Yolanda Bundy yesterday on ways to speed things up and finally get our fees waived. If implemented, these changes should make the process easier. That said, plan checks remain burdensome, as we’ve personally seen in our zones. Artificial Intelligence can and should be part of how Malibu speeds up rebuilding — by exposing those inefficiencies and streamlining the process.

A major issue is that the outside consultants are financially incentivized to create more reviews and corrections. This only adds delays and costs for fire victims, and Malibu has long been taken advantage of financially, and it need not be encouraged. Fire victims are afraid to speak out about delays due to fear of retaliation, not from staff, but from certain in-house consultants. It’s wrong. Last council meeting, one Woolsey fire victim shared her struggle with these consultants for seven years and is still awaiting approval for her special conservation property rebuilds — we hope she’s now being prioritized. Several homeowners are too scared to speak out, and council needs to be aware of this. That is why I am so grateful to Al Broussard for speaking up last night. Al — in his 80s, driving back and forth far in the dark to attend — is the only fire victim to go through the process from start to finish, and the only one with a permit in hand. We are truly grateful that Al and his family can finally begin rebuilding! His case is a complete study of the rebuild experience, and it was entirely appropriate for him to share what he endured. He should have been celebrated, respected, and heard, not cut off and chastised.

This is Al’s second time losing his home to wildfire. His previous home, rebuilt after the 1993 fire, was fully hardened for wildfire — yet it still burned because of systemic failures outside his control. With no resources and no water, his son Shea was the only community brigade member on site, joined only by neighbors with shovels trying to help, but to no avail. His wife, Arlene — an accomplished artist — nearly lost her life from the stress of the Palisades aftermath and has been hospitalized multiple times. Their family’s resilience is extraordinary, but no family should have to suffer like this. Council asked for examples of where the city needs improvement. Al offered them, and it is vital that his experience be taken seriously — for his sake and for all of ours.

He didn’t get to finish his detailed information at the meeting. I have encouraged his family to write to you all about the arduous process, with its many unnecessary components and roadblocks, and I do hope they will be heard — for their sake, and for all of ours.

Adopting self-certification — or at the very least, trusting licensed professionals’ reports and recommendations — would eliminate the endless cycle of reviews and corrections. LA City already uses this approach successfully — Malibu must do the same.

Personally, I’m still waiting for my soils report after almost three months, and I won’t call out that independent consultant as I’m afraid of their retaliation, frankly. It’s frustrating, but I find being vocal about everything has kept our family’s process moving. No fire victim should have to fight this hard just to move forward — especially when the governor has guaranteed fire victims the right to rebuild up to 10%. Yet, many here are not even being granted that.

Yolanda has instructed consultants to reduce corrections and will clarify to the public what these corrections can encompass to avoid future delays. Every roadblock makes rebuilding slower and more expensive, allowing out-of-town investors to circle and push out long-time Malibu families.

We appreciate the Task Force’s efforts and Yolanda’s regular engagement. I hope this leads to faster progress.

A special thank you to Haylynn Conrad and Planning Commissioner John Mazza for attending the “Big Rock Burning” documentary screening. Your presence showed the empathy and care we so badly need. That same empathy is required from every member of this Council if we are to rebuild and bring our community home. I urge all of you to attend future screenings — to see firsthand not only the devastation and human cost, but also the extraordinary resilience our community continues to show in the face of these losses.

Because when the conversation shifts to “no net loss of property taxes,” it reveals just how far we are from empathy. That language dehumanizes us. We are not numbers on a spreadsheet. We are families who lost everything. Rebuilding quickly is not just about restoring houses — it is about restoring safety, stability, and the very fabric of Malibu. Governing responsibly means leading with compassion, not accounting.

We are doing our part. But rebuilding will not happen without your empathy guiding the process. The question is: will you show that empathy, empower staff, confront the roadblocks, and finally bring Malibu families home?

Jo Drummond, Malibu Rebuild Task Force

Historic Reel Inn faces uncertain future after Palisades Fire

Judy Abel
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Historic Reel Inn faces uncertain future after Palisades Fire

The road to recovery after the devastating Palisades Fire has been anything but smooth for a group of historic business owners on the eastern edge of Malibu. Once-bustling landmarks along Pacific Coast Highway — longtime favorites for locals, surfers, and visitors alike—are now reduced to rubble, with little clarity about what comes next.

Among the most heartbreaking losses is The Reel Inn, a seafood shack at Topanga Canyon Boulevard that for nearly 40 years served up fried fish baskets, clam chowder, and quirky seafood puns to generations of loyal customers. Its colorful sign now sits in ruins, and the future of the restaurant appears bleak.

Last week, The Malibu Times reported that The Reel Inn, which greeted drivers with a dose of humor and the smell of fresh seafood for more than 36 years, will not be allowed to rebuild at its longtime location. The rustic fish shack burned to the ground in the Palisades Fire, which tore through the area earlier this year. Owners Teddy and Andy Leonard, who leased the land from California State Parks, had initially hoped to rebuild once the disaster subsided.

In January, Teddy Leonard told The Malibu Times the couple was awaiting a meeting with State Parks regarding their lease. That meeting, delayed by fire recovery efforts, finally took place in August — only for the Leonards to learn that their lease would not be renewed. “It was devastating,” Leonard said. “We wanted nothing more than to bring the Reel Inn back to life, but the decision was taken out of our hands.”

The couple has since shifted focus to helping their nearly two dozen employees who lost their jobs in the blaze, including launching a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial relief. Meanwhile, the former Reel Inn site has been repurposed as a staging area for utility restoration—work that could continue for as long as two years.

California State Parks has indicated it will issue a request for proposals for new concessions at the site once recovery work is complete. But those leases may last only two to three years, a restriction that makes it nearly impossible for small business owners to invest in long-term rebuilding. “Operating the Reel Inn somewhere else would be too expensive,” the Leonards said in a statement. “The only way we were able to provide high-quality seafood at a reasonable price was through our unique lease agreement with the State Parks.”

The Reel Inn isn’t alone in its struggle. Other iconic businesses destroyed in the fire — including the Topanga Ranch Motel, Wiley’s Bait and Tackle, Cholada Thai, and Rosenthal Wine Bar — face the same legal and logistical roadblocks to reopening. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), which is using the fire-ravaged land for infrastructure restoration, recently confirmed to business owners that their leases have been terminated, effectively preventing any chance of rebuilding in the near future.

For now, what was once a colorful gateway to Malibu stands silent. Longtime patrons mourn not only the loss of food, drink, and surf culture, but also a sense of community rooted in these coastal businesses. “It wasn’t just about the fish,” one customer shared on social media. “The Reel Inn was part of Malibu’s soul.”

As the Pacific Coast Highway corridor continues its slow recovery, the question remains: will the beloved businesses that defined this stretch of coastline ever return — or will their absence mark the end of an era?

Malibu’s first fire safety liaison shares wisdom

Judy Abel
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Malibu’s first fire safety liaison shares wisdom

Jerry Vandermeulen says that residents now need to stay ready for fires year-round

When Jerry Vandermeulen became Malibu’s first fire safety liaison in 2019, the idea of a “fire season” still carried weight. Residents braced for the late summer and fall months when Santa Ana winds could whip a spark into a citywide disaster. Today, Vandermeulen says, that framing no longer applies.

“Fire season is pretty much all year-round,” said Vandermeulen, who serves as one of three part-time Malibu fire safety liaisons. “A few years ago, we had a lot of rain and moisture in the chaparral. But now we’re in another drought situation. Fires can occur all year-round.”

Still, he noted, October and November remain the most dangerous months, when Santa Ana winds — blowing out of inland valleys — become “the game changer when it comes to wildfires.”

With 35 years of firefighting under his belt, serving with Kern and Ventura County fire departments, Vandermeulen has watched residents grow more engaged in wildfire preparation since the Woolsey Fire. He stressed that “ember hardening” homes — installing ember-resistant vents, clearing the first five feet around structures, and upgrading roofing — is critical. But he says it’s not enough for one household to act alone. “If one person does ember hardening and their neighbor doesn’t, their house can be just as susceptible as if they never did it. I’ve seen homes with everything done right still lost because the houses next door were not prepared.”

That’s where the Firewise program, explained in The Malibu Times last week, comes in, encouraging neighbors to coordinate mitigation efforts together.

Still, Vandermeulen urges Malibu residents to stay ready year-round by keeping “go bags” at the ready to be filled with medication, important documents, and pet supplies. Maintain vehicles with enough fuel or charge for a quick escape. Have at least two planned exit routes because you may not know in advance where a fire is coming from. Set up out-of-town contacts and monitor disasters on apps such as Watch Duty or Pulse Point. And in an evacuation, the fire expert stressed, “Leave early. If you wait too long, your exit route may be blocked off. Once emergency vehicles are trying to come in while people are still trying to get out, it creates chaos.”

Vandermeulen addressed the debate that divides many in the firefighting community, and a recent shift in messaging by Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone. On a Sept. 2 CBS television broadcast, Marrone acknowledged that in a major conflagration, firefighting resources may never be sufficient to protect every home, as was seen in the Woolsey, Palisades, and Eaton fires. On the broadcast, Marrone stated, “We’ve always told people that when the evacuation order comes, you must leave. We’ve departed from that narrative. With the proper training, with the proper equipment, and with the proper home hardening and defensible space, you can stay behind and prevent your house from burning down. There simply aren’t enough firefighters or engines to defend every home.”

It’s an approach Vandermeulen doesn’t agree with, countering, “We don’t recommend that people do that as individuals. I get the idea in concept. However, there’s a couple of problems with it, and one thing that people may be using as a justification is we do have some community fire brigades now, which did an outstanding job during the Palisades Fire and the Franklin Fire, but the thing with them is that they’ve received some training. They are endorsed and backed by the LA County Fire Department. They’re trained. They have what we call PPE or personal protective equipment. They work together and they have a leader that has communications with somebody on the incident so there’s accountability for where they’re at and what’s going on, and where they’re allowed to go and where they can’t go, so that’s different from somebody staying by themselves. A lot of times, you think you’re good until you’re not good, and once a wildland fire goes from a wildland fire into homes, it becomes what we call an urban conflagration, and it gets hotter. It gets more intense, and then one house goes to two homes, and it just grows and grows, and it just becomes untenable and unsafe to be there. If you’ve never experienced or faced it firsthand, it’s pretty scary. It’s pretty overwhelming.”

Vandermeulen concluded, “We want to hit home that we’re all a part of being prepared. We encourage residents to be proactive. Make defensible space, do home hardening and have a plan.”

Malibu’s Big Blue Beach Crawl promotes PCH safety 

Hayley Mattson
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Malibu’s Big Blue Beach Crawl promotes PCH safety 

City volunteers and officials engage beachgoers in friendly conversations to raise awareness about safe driving, encouraging visitors to slow down, enjoy the views, and get home safely

The City of Malibu launched its “Big Blue Beach Crawl for PCH Safety” over Labor Day weekend, welcoming beachgoers with an important message: slow down, enjoy the views, and get home safely. The outreach event brought city staff, volunteers, and community members together—not to clean the beaches, but to connect directly with visitors and residents about safe driving on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins emphasized that the event was focused on education, aiming to increase awareness of roadway safety as the city wrapped up the busy summer season.

“It wasn’t a beach cleanup — it was more an education project,” Riggins explained. “The plan was to actually connect with beachgoers and talk to them about safety on PCH and safety when they’re coming out to enjoy Malibu’s beaches. We want people to be aware of their travel plans, stay mindful on the road, and, most importantly, make sure they get home safe.”

The Big Blue Beach Crawl is part of the city’s broader “Slow Down for PCH” campaign, which encourages safe driving through education, signage, and community engagement. With millions of visitors traveling into Malibu each year, the city faces ongoing challenges in balancing tourism with safety on one of California’s most iconic highways. PCH, while scenic, has also been the site of tragic accidents. Riggins acknowledged that eliminating deaths and serious injuries along the route remains a top priority for city leaders.

“We want to eliminate fatalities on PCH if possible,” Riggins said. “People can do that by following the rules of the road — observing the speed limit, not making unsafe U-turns, being cautious around pedestrians, and remembering that everyone is coming out here to enjoy our public spaces.”

By meeting people “where they’re at”— on the sand and at the shoreline — the city hoped to make its safety message more approachable. Volunteers spent the day walking the beaches, engaging in friendly conversations, and distributing information to remind drivers that the road into Malibu is as much a part of the coastal experience as the surf and sand. Riggins noted that the response from beachgoers was overwhelmingly positive.

“It was a gorgeous day, and people were open to talking,” she said. “The feedback was great — very positive interactions with people, just talking, having a good time, and meeting people where they’re at.”

Although the mayor was unable to stay for the entirety of the event due to other commitments, she underscored the importance of the city’s ongoing efforts to spread awareness and promote roadway safety. While no immediate plans for another Beach Crawl have been announced, Riggins encouraged residents and visitors to stay connected with city staff for future updates.

“If you contact Richard Rojas or Susan Duenas at the city, they can let you know if another one is scheduled,” she said. “This one really tied into the end of the official summer season, with Labor Day being such a high-traffic holiday.”

As Malibu continues to draw visitors year-round, the city remains committed to creating safer conditions on PCH. Events like the Big Blue Beach Crawl are just one piece of the puzzle, alongside enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and public education campaigns. For Riggins, the message is clear: Malibu is a destination for all to enjoy, but safety must come first.

“Everybody wants to come to Malibu, and we want to make sure they don’t hurt us and that they get home safely,” she said. “It’s really about awareness — slowing down, following the rules of the road, and remembering that this community is home to families, children, and neighbors, not just a place to visit for the day.”

The mayor also expressed appreciation for the community’s role in helping amplify the city’s message.

“We truly appreciate everything people are doing to get the word out,” she said. “At the end of the day, we all want what’s best for the community, and it shows in different ways. Events like this help us remind people that safety is something we can all work toward together.”

While the Big Blue Beach Crawl may have been just one afternoon of outreach, the effort reflects Malibu’s ongoing dedication to keeping PCH safe for residents and visitors alike. By blending education with community spirit, the city is making sure that the beauty of Malibu’s beaches can be enjoyed without tragedy on the roads that lead to them.

“Malibu is a special place,” Riggins said. “We want everyone to enjoy it, but we also want them to remember to drive safely. That way, we can all share the beauty of this community — and make sure everyone gets home to their loved ones.”

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Mami: Thursday, September 11

The Malibu Times
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Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Mami: Thursday, September 11

Meet Mami!

Mami, A5696008, is ready for some “me time.” With her puppies happily adopted, it’s now Mami’s turn to find a loving forever home. Initially shy and reserved, she has blossomed with care and attention. This high-energy girl delights in treats, toys and playful adventures. Gentle and affectionate, Mami is looking for a stable, trusting adult home where she can feel safe, loved and cherished.

Care Center Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays

29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Fraser Bohm denied bail reduction

Judy Abel
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Fraser Bohm denied bail reduction

Defense asks for a reduction from $4 million to $2 million for charges in crash that led to deaths of four Pepperdine students

Fraser Michael Bohm returned to a packed courtroom in Van Nuys on Sept. 5. The 23-year-old is charged with four counts of murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence following the Oct. 17, 2023, crash on Pacific Coast Highway that led to the deaths of Pepperdine seniors Deslyn Williams, Asha Weir, Niamh Rolston, and Peyton Stewart. The four sorority sisters were killed when Bohm, allegedly speeding, lost control of his BMW and, according to court filings, sideswiped a parked car, jumped the curb, and careened into where the young women were walking, killing them instantly.

Bohm entered Superior Court on Friday morning flanked by his defense team. Bohm recently replaced attorney Michael Kraut with Alan Jackson, whose client roster includes Hollywood actors, NBA athletes, and corporate CEOs. Jackson is the former Los Angeles district attorney who successfully prosecuted music producer Phil Spector on murder charges and earlier this year won an acquittal for accused murderer Karen Read in a highly-publicized Massachusetts case. Bohm was joined by his family and many supporters. The courtroom was also filled with victims’ family members and friends from the Pepperdine community.

Bohm spoke little at the pretrial hearing, but under questioning by Judge Thomas Rubinson, who will preside over his trial, waived his right to a speedy trial.

At the pretrial hearing, Rubinson denied a defense motion requesting a bail reduction from $4 million to $2 million. Jackson argued that his client’s family had sold their home and drained their finances in order to mount a defense and make bail. Jackson did not request any concessions beyond the bail reduction, meaning Bohm’s passport would remain confiscated and he would remain without driving privileges. In response, prosecutor Nathan Bartos argued that the initial $8 million bond had already been reduced to $4 million and its posting demonstrated that Bohm was capable of raising the necessary funds. Rubinson remarked, “There are many, many defendants sitting in the county jail right now who would love me to reduce their bail so they can hire Alan Jackson or other private counsel. That’s not the way it works.” That comment elicited some laughter in the courtroom. Rubinson argued that Bohm was free to hire another lawyer or use a court-appointed public defender. 

According to public records, Bohm’s family’s Big Rock home was listed for sale in June 2023 for close to $10 million. It was eventually sold in February 2024 for $7.25 million.

The prosecution and defense lawyers are still working out some discovery issues, including getting access to Bohm’s phone to scan it for any calls or texts leading up to the deadly collision. Both sides have indicated that Bohm was not driving under the influence of alcohol.

Bohm’s first attorney, Michael Kraut, claimed Bohm was the victim of road rage and that his car was clipped by another speeding driver. Kraut also argued that Bohm should not face murder charges when other recent fatal crashes on Pacific Coast Highway involving alleged alcohol abuse did not result in murder charges, such as the July 4, 2024, case involving Summer Wheaton. Wheaton faces vehicular manslaughter and DUI charges stemming from a head-on collision that occurred shortly after the closing of the Red White and Bootsy party at Nobu Malibu, resulting in the death of rideshare driver Martin Okeke.

In court filings, Kraut cited other “dry cases” where the accused driver was not charged with murder. Prosecutors responded that “during the last five years, the People have charged murder in traffic fatalities 39 times where there was no evidence of DUI. In an additional 19 cases, murder was charged in circumstances where DUI was suspected, but there was insufficient evidence of intoxication, however evidence of implied malice existed. Thus, in 48 [sic] cases in the last 5 years the prosecution has filed murder charges arising out of traffic fatalities.” The defense’s motion to dismiss the murder charges on this basis was denied by Judge Diego Edber in March.

Bohm has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The next court date is set for Oct. 8. 

Tragic Assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Hayley Mattson
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Tragic Assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Sparks national outcry and bipartisan condemnation

In a shocking act of violence that has reverberated across the political landscape, Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative voice, was fatally shot during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon. The incident, described by authorities as a targeted political assassination, unfolded just 20 minutes into Kirk’s presentation, drawing immediate responses from world leaders. As the nation grapples with the loss of a key figure in youth conservatism, a manhunt for the shooter continues.

President Trump, a longtime ally of Kirk, broke the news in a poignant post on Truth Social at 1:40 p.m. PDT, confirming the activist’s death. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my Sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!”

Trump’s announcement was swiftly followed by a presidential proclamation ordering all American flags to be lowered to half-staff nationwide until Sunday evening at 6 p.m. “In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to half-mast,” he stated. The White House flag was immediately lowered, a gesture echoed at federal buildings and embassies worldwide. This somber directive highlights Kirk’s profound impact on the conservative movement and the Trump administration’s inner circle.

Turning Point USA, the nonprofit Kirk co-founded in 2012, issued a brief but emotional statement to NBC News confirming the tragedy. “We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers,” the organization said. “We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.” Kirk, a husband and father of two young children, leaves behind a legacy of mobilizing Generation Z voters for Republican causes, particularly during Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign.

Who Was Charlie Kirk?

Born on Oct. 14, 1993, in the Chicago suburbs, Charles James Kirk rose to prominence as a teenage conservative activist. Dropping out of community college to pursue his passion, he established Turning Point USA at just 18 years old. The organization quickly grew into a powerhouse, with chapters on hundreds of high school and college campuses nationwide, promoting free-market principles, limited government, and traditional values. Kirk’s approach was hands-on and confrontational: He hosted “Prove Me Wrong” tables at universities, inviting critics to debate him directly on hot-button issues like abortion, gun rights, and immigration. These sessions often went viral, amassing millions of views and solidifying his reputation as a fearless debater rooted in Christian conservative beliefs.

Kirk’s influence extended far beyond campuses. He became a staunch supporter of Trump, speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention just days after an attempted assassination on the president in Pennsylvania. Trump frequently praised Kirk’s efforts, calling him a “genius” for engaging young people. Kirk hosted the popular podcast The Charlie Kirk Show, which reached millions weekly, dissecting current events through a conservative lens. His “American Comeback Tour,” which kicked off at Utah Valley University (UVU), aimed to counter what he described as “left-wing indoctrination” in academia and reclaim free speech for conservative students.

At the time of his death, Kirk was at the peak of his influence. The tour’s first stop in Orem drew an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 attendees, many of them students from UVU, Utah’s largest public university with nearly 47,000 enrolled. Kirk arrived on campus around 11:52 a.m., tweeting excitedly: “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.” The event featured his signature “Prove Me Wrong” format, where he fielded questions from the crowd.

The Shooting: A Moment of Irony and Horror

The presentation began at noon in the Sorensen Center courtyard under clear skies. Kirk, seated at a table flanked by security, was engaging the audience with his trademark energy, tossing hats to cheering supporters. About 20 minutes in, as he answered a question from a spectator on “shootings and transgender shooters”— a topic Kirk had frequently addressed in his talks — a single gunshot shattered the atmosphere.

Eyewitness accounts and graphic videos, now circulating widely on social media from multiple angles, capture the harrowing moment. Kirk recoiled violently, clutching his neck as blood poured from the wound. He collapsed backward off his chair, prompting screams and chaos as the crowd dispersed in panic. “As soon as I saw Charlie go back, you realize that it was a shot,” former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who attended with family, told Fox News. “It wasn’t as if there was a whole bunch of gunfire. It was one shot.” Deseret News reporters Emma Pitts and Eva Terry, covering the event, described the “terrible irony” of the timing, with Kirk discussing mass shootings moments before becoming a victim himself.

Kirk’s private security team rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries en route. He was the only casualty, underscoring the precision of the attack. UVU Chief of Police Jeff Long noted that six campus officers, including plainclothes personnel, were on duty, but the shooter struck from a distance.

The Investigation: Confusion, Detentions, and a Widening Manhunt

Chaos ensued immediately after the shot. An older man in the crowd was detained by police, believed to be the suspect based on initial witness descriptions. However, it was quickly determined he was not involved; George Zinn, 62, was booked on charges of obstruction of justice for allegedly impeding the response. Videos of his arrest spread online, adding to the confusion.

By 3:30 p.m. PDT, FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X: “The subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able.” Yet, reports from NBC News at 3:31 p.m. painted a murkier picture. Utah Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason told reporters: “There was one shot fired, and one victim, while the suspect is at large. I believe this was a targeted attack towards one individual.”

Mason clarified that CCTV footage showed the shooter dressed in all-dark clothing, firing from approximately 200 feet away — possibly from a rooftop. “We do have that we’re analyzing it, but it is security camera footage, so you can kind of guess what the quality of that is,” he said. “We do know dressed in all dark clothing, we don’t have much better description.” A senior FBI official later told NBC News that the person of interest referenced by Utah Gov. Spencer Cox was the same individual Patel mentioned, and authorities were “confident this is the shooter.” However, as of late Wednesday, conflicting statements persisted, with Cox noting a separate person was being interviewed — not Zinn.

The FBI’s Salt Lake City field office established a digital media tip line at tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/f4507712a3b2893, urging the public to submit photos, videos, or information. SWAT teams scoured the campus and surrounding neighborhoods, knocking on doors and showing suspect photos to residents. The weapon, a high-powered bolt-action rifle, was recovered nearby. UVU canceled classes through Monday, directing students to evacuate and setting up a pickup site for lost items at the Young Living Alumni Center. The campus, a sprawling 537-acre site, remained a massive crime scene.

Gov. Cox, a Republican, addressed the media somberly, calling it a “dark day for our state” and a “political assassination.” He emphasized Kirk’s role as a “husband and dad” and condemned rising political violence, appealing to those celebrating the death to “look in the mirror.” The investigation, co-led by the FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety, promises swift justice, with Cox reminding the public that Utah retains the death penalty.

Bipartisan Mourning: Newsom’s Statement and National Response

The assassination transcended party lines, eliciting condemnations from across the spectrum. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted condolences, while First Lady Melania Trump posted: “Charlie Kirk’s life should serve as a symbolic reminder that compassionate awareness elevates family, love, and…” Conservative figures like podcaster Jack Posobiec vowed to continue Kirk’s movement, saying, “The movement that Charlie Kirk built… will never stop, because the movement is built on truth.”

In a cross-aisle gesture, Gov. Gavin Newsom, a frequent ideological foe of Kirk’s, issued a statement late Wednesday expressing profound grief and calling for unity. “We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the terrible violence that took place in Utah today,” Newsom said. “Charlie Kirk’s murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones.

“I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate,” he continued, acknowledging their personal acquaintance despite political differences. “His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse on issues that deeply affect us all without resorting to political violence.

“The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse,” Newsom urged. “In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate — never through violence. Honest disagreement makes us stronger; violence only drives us further apart and corrodes the values at the heart of this nation.”

Newsom’s words, highlighted a rare moment of consensus amid national division. Other Democrats, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, echoed the sentiment, posting prayers for Kirk’s family. makeshift memorials sprang up at Turning Point USA’s Phoenix headquarters and UVU’s campus, with flowers and notes reading “Prove Us Wrong No More.”

Waves of Flags Returns to Pepperdine as a moving tribute to 9/11 victims

Hayley Mattson
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Waves of Flags Returns to Pepperdine as a moving tribute to 9/11 victims

Nearly 3,000 flags fill Alumni Park in Malibu, honoring the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001

The rolling green hills overlooking Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus are once again awash in red, white, and blue, serving as a solemn reminder of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The annual Waves of Flags display transforms Alumni Park into a sweeping tribute, commemorating the 2,977 victims of the terrorist attacks while offering a space for reflection and remembrance.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, members of the Pepperdine and Malibu community planted nearly 3,000 flags, each representing a life lost that fateful day. The display also includes international flags to honor the citizens of other nations who perished in the attacks. This year, the installation welcomed Seaver alumnus John Bossler (‘80), a 9/11 survivor who emerged from the World Trade Center’s Tower One just moments after the first plane struck, to plant the first flag. Bossler, who has volunteered with the university annually for the Waves of Flags, described the ritual as both personally healing and a meaningful opportunity to create space for others to reflect.

“The Waves of Flags display is not just a visual tribute—it’s an invitation to pause and remember the human lives behind the headlines,” said Bossler in a statement.

Pepperdine’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Alumni Park. Actor Dennis Quaid, known for narrating the documentary Twin Towers: Legacy and supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, will deliver the keynote address as the distinguished honoree. Remarks will also be offered by Pepperdine President Jim Gash (JD ’93) and Chancellor Sara Young Jackson (’74), alongside reflections and readings by other members of the university community. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for seating and to visit the Reflection Station, where they can write messages on “We Remember” cards and attach them to any flagpole.

Faculty and students alike emphasize the importance of this annual ritual for preserving collective memory. Loretta Hunnicutt, professor of history at Seaver College, explained that the attacks of Sept. 11 marked a profound shift in American values and continue to shape contemporary culture. “With Pepperdine’s Waves of Flags ceremony, we honor the innocent lives who, in a sense, became martyrs for American values,” Hunnicutt said in a statement. “The targets of these attacks — the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the Capitol — symbolize commerce, military service, and democracy. Out of grief, unity emerged, and the message that we can rise above adversity continues to endure.”

The display also resonates deeply with student veterans. Kleo Edgell, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Pepperdine graduate student, recalls being only five years old on 9/11, yet the event influenced her decision to serve, following a family legacy of military service. “Each flag represents a life, a family, and a story that still matters,” Edgell said. “Remembering is more than looking back — it is taking responsibility to carry those stories forward.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Waves of Flags has become a beloved Pepperdine tradition. More than 300 volunteers, including students, faculty, and staff, participate annually in raising the flags on the Malibu campus, located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road. The installation remains on display through Sept. 26, when volunteers lower the flags in a closing ceremony. Visitors are encouraged to walk among the flags and reflect on the lives commemorated.

In addition to the Waves of Flags, Pepperdine is home to the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., Heroes Garden, a permanent tribute to those who lived heroic lives, including Burnett, a Graziadio Business School alumnus and passenger on United Flight 93. Burnett and other passengers attempted to thwart the hijackers’ plans, sacrificing their lives in a heroic act of courage. A plaque in the garden reads: “Dedicated to freedom’s heroes of September 11, 2001, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, among them Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., who sacrificed their lives to overcome terrorists’ intent on destroying American lives and landmarks in our nation’s capital. We shall never forget.”

The Waves of Flags and the Heroes Garden together provide a space for remembrance, reflection, and education. Through these traditions, Pepperdine ensures that the lessons and legacies of Sept. 11 endure for future generations.

For more information on Pepperdine’s annual 9/11 commemoration visit pepperdine.edu/waves-of-flags.

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Leo: Thursday, September 4

The Malibu Times
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Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Leo: Thursday, September 4

Meet Leo, a handsome 2-year-old German Shepherd who’s been waiting patiently for his forever home since May. This active boy loves spending time in the playgroup on Tuesdays, where he gets to socialize with the other big dogs. He’s a tennis ball, stuffed animal, and pool enthusiast, and he’d be a great addition to any family with or without a large dog sibling.

Care Center Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays

29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov

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