M A LIB U ’S AWA RD W IN N I N G N E WS PA P E R S I N CE 1 94 6 VOL. LXXIX • NO. LII
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
malibutimes.com • $.50 • WEEKLY
Debris removal progress yields some answers, but yet more questions
A bird’s-eye view of PCH shows many burned-out lots after the Palisades Fire.
Homeowners hear updates on debris removal and FEMA compliance, as officials reaffirm deadlines By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
Miss California United States Rachel DeAngelis poses with the Easter Bunny during the Easter event at Trancas County Market. Contributed Photo
Malibu celebrates Easter Sunday with sunshine sunshine, hope and smiles
After months of recovery following the Palisades Fire the community came together for a heartwarming day of unforgettable memories By HAYLEY MATTSON PUBLISHER, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Malibu residents and visitors alike were treated to a picture-perfect Easter Sunday filled with sunshine, laughter, and a wide variety of events that brought the community together in celebration. After months of going through the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, a day filled with hope
and sunshine made a big difference — offering a much-needed moment of joy, reflection, and connection for the resilient Malibu community. The day kicked off with smiles and sunshine at Trancas Country Market, where the Easter on the Greens event welcomed families for springtime fun. Miss California United States Rachel DeAngelis brought extra sparkle to the festivities as she volunCONTINUED ON PAGE A5
On April 15, city staff and consultants met for a second time with homeowners whose beachfront properties burned down, reviewing debris removal progress, addressing policies that apply to most, if not all beach lots, and providing answers to detailed questions unique to various lots. Noting that the first beachfront homeowners meeting occurred five weeks previously, Yolanda Bundy, environmental sustainability director for the City of Malibu, showed a video demonstrating that there has been significant improvement in debris removal on beachfront lots. “It’s a sign of hope and that we are moving forward and that you will be rebuilding your homes,” Bundy said optimistically, adding that the city and its residents owe, “a
big debt of gratitude to the Army Corps and the contractors who are helping with removal for those who opted in as well as those who opted out of having the Army Corps of Engineers remove their debris.” She also showed a geotechnical team conducting studies and drilling to do the exploration required to develop a multi-parcel geotechnical report on a cleared parcel. Bundy informed that only 10 beachfront property owners have not communicated with the city regarding whether to have the Corps clean up their lots. Providing new information to homeowners, she stated, “For those who opted out, in a meeting with Public Works of the county we have just established they have a new deadline of June 30 for debris removal.” Lt. Col. Nathaniel A. Weander, deputy commander of the Corps’
Emergency Field Office for Pacific Palisades, stated that the Corps has 97 debris removal crews operating across a 37-mile fire impact area and that the teams are averaging more than 40 properties a day, amounting to 1,200 a month. He noted that approximately one-third of the families that have opted in have elected to retain their foundations. “The crews have removed 450,000 tons of fire, ash and debris — that’s
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INSIDE
this week
Legendary Restaurateur Robert City’s leadership challenges Malibu’s Fire Recovery As city faces task of rebuilding 737 homes lost in the Palisades Fire, concerns raised From Romania to role model: J. ‘Bob’ Morris passes away about staffing shortages Proprietor of Paradise Cove Beach Café leaves a lasting legacy in Malibu’s hearts and California’s dining scene
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
As the Cit y of Malibu endeavors to serve residents besieged by the fire, there are two vacancies in city administration that need to be filled as soon as possible, and several other job openings also need to be filled in order for the city to have a deep
By HAYLEY MATTSON PUBLISHER, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Robert J. “Bob” Morris, a legendary force in California’s restaurant scene and a beloved member of the Malibu community, passed away peacefully at his home on April 13. He was more than just a restaurateur — he was a visionary, a mentor, and a symbol of warmth and generosity who brought people together through unforgettable dining experiences and heartfelt hospitality. For over five decades, Bob Morris redefined the California coastal dining experience. As the founder and creative mind behind iconic restaurants like the original Gladstones, The Jetty, RJ’s the Rib Joint, Malibu Sea Lion, and most recently, Paradise Cove Beach Café, Bob’s influence on the culinary landscape of Southern California is
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enough bench to administer the rebuilding of the 737 homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Since former City Manager Steve McClary took a leave of absence in December, Joseph Toney has ser ved as acting city manager. McClar y and the city parted ways in March. To date, no new city manager has been hired, and to make
matters worse, Acting Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown has resigned. “I submitted my resignation on March 25 and my last day with the City of Malibu will be April 25,” Brown stated in an email. “The decision came after thoughtful reflection. It has been an honor to serve this CONTINUED ON PAGE A5
Palisades Fire Cleanup, Debris Removal Part 6
BOB MORRIS
undeniable. Throughout his storied career, he developed and operated more than 25 restaurants, each known for their vibrant ambiance, welcoming spirit, and signature offerings — like the towering slice of chocolate cake that became synonymous with his name. CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
With 106 days since the devastating Palisades Fire, Col. Jeff Palazzini takes over the charge in recovery By BENJAMIN MARCUS Special to The Malibu Times
According to these numbers below, it’s been 106 days since the Palisades Fire ravaged a still unfathomable swath of the Santa Monica Mountains — from the Skull Rock Trail Head to the Octopus House.
The recovery effort is now in full swing, with some impressive numbers: 500 trucks moving as many 1,400 truckloads a day. The effort is being led by the United States Army Corps of Engineers which itself underwent a change in leadership.Col. Brian Sawser rotated back to Tennessee to be replaced by Col. Jeff Palazzini — and he’s ready to rock. With help from USACE Public Affairs Officer Jeremy Eller, we conducted an email interview with Palazzini. Alsothanks to Matt Myerhoff of the City of Malibu, Katy
Macek from Caltrans, and Jeffrey “Dusty” Nelan, who said: “The National Guard mission has been extended to 31 May 2025.” Questions for Col. Palazzini He is the very model of a modern Army Corps colonel. A West Point graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, as well as an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia, and Master’s degree in strategic security studies from CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
Malibu teen named 2025 Youth of the Year |B1
Opinion A2 News Briefs A3 • 100 days after the Palisades Fire, press conference Calendar A4 • April 24: Malibu Association of REALTORS Fire Rebuild Event Real Estate A8 Malibu Life B1 • Sharks boys volleyball wins tournament People B2 • Malibu Seen: Come for the paella, stay for the atmosphere Community B3 • Malibu Greatness teaches youths flag football skills Legals B4 Business & Directory B6 Classifieds B6 Sports B8 • Waves beach volleyball sweeps opposition, honors seniors on Senior Day
4/22/25 5:57 PM