The Malibu Times • February 19, 2026

In the aftermath of the Palisades, Franklin, Broad, and Woolsey fires, the visible damage is easy to measure —destroyed homes, displaced neighbors, long insurance battles, and businesses struggling to keep afloat. The emotional toll is harder to see, and often slower to surface.

For many disaster victims — and Malibu has many — the weeks and months following a disaster can bring a wave of delayed reactions. Adrenaline fades. Routines attempt to return, but stress can linger, even for those indirectly affected.

After experiencing a traumatic event, it can be normal to struggle with sleep, feel irritable, notice mood swings, have difficulty concentrating, or experience anxiety, and overwhelming sadness. For some, symptoms of post-traumatic stress may also emerge.

As the one-year anniversary of the fires was marked, those emotions may have resurfaced or intensified. Ongoing displacement, prolonged uncertainty, and feelings of hopelessness may continue to disrupt daily routines and overall functioning. Healing is not linear, and for many in the community, the impact of the fire is still unfolding.

It’s not a weakness to seek help and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) wants the community to know it is here — and it is here for the long haul.

In an interview with BGCM’s Mayra Herrera, director of wellness and long-term community recovery services, and Alexis Jordan, director of wellness education and services, both emphasized that recovery is not a one-year process. For many Malibu residents — whether their homes burned or not — the emotional impact continues to unravel in different ways and on different timelines.

The Club’s mental health services were established well before the fires, but demand increased significantly afterward. Immediately following the disaster, the organization opened a disaster relief center offering supplies and on-site crisis counseling. That early intervention connected many survivors directly to longer-term mental health support. Since then, requests for services have continued.

Herrera noted, “Our disaster recovery services offers care coordination, which is a holistic approach to disaster case management. We’re connecting people to resources, including financial assistance, housing, meeting their recovery goals. This includes connecting them to our mental health

A new report from volunteer activist group Rent Brigade claims that of more than 18,000 alleged rent price gouging incidents reported after last year’s fires, enforcement action is being pursued against only a handful of cases.

By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor In Chief

Cleanup efforts are underway across Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains after a powerful winter storm lashed Southern California with heavy rain, triggering mudslides, debris flows, road closures, and hazardous ocean conditions. While crews have made steady progress clearing roads and restoring access, forecasters warn that additional rain this week could complicate recovery efforts.

The National Weather Service issued multiple advisories as the storm system moved through the region, including a High Surf Advisory through Feb. 20 at 10 p.m., a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory. Approximately 1.25 inches of rain fell in some areas, with more forecast in the coming days. Another storm system is expected to move in overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, with yet another round of rain possible Thursday. NOAA predicts 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall for the Santa Monica Mountains this week.

Monday’s storms brought significant mud and debris flows to State Route 27, also known as Topanga Canyon Boulevard, particularly within areas already weakened by the Palisades Fire burn scar. At least eight locations along the 3.6-mile stretch between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive were blocked by debris. The roadway remains

closed as crews continue clearing operations and assessing slope stability.

The burn scar area remains under an Evacuation Warning due to the risk of mud and debris flows. The warning applies to Evacuation Zone MAL-C111, from Topanga Beach Drive west to Carbon Beach Terrace. Residents in and near the burn area are urged to remain prepared for possible evacuations, gather essential supplies and make arrangements for pets and family members who may need extra time to relocate.

Along Pacific Coast Highway, damage included a collapsed wall north of Porto Marina Way, reducing northbound traffic to one lane. Mud and debris also forced lane reductions

south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during storm conditions and to check current traffic updates via Caltrans’ Quickmap before heading out.

Authorities stress that drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways. Standing water can be deeper than it appears and may conceal structural damage. Under California law, motorists must treat malfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops. Officials also urge drivers to watch for crews and heavy equipment working along roadways. In the Santa Monica Mountains, trail conditions have deteriorated significantly.

In the chaotic weeks following the Jan. 7, 2025, fires, as fire-affected homeowners scrambled to find housing, spreadsheets listing alleged violators trying to take advantage of the disaster flooded the internet. Some of the addresses — including several in Malibu — showed dramatic spikes in asking rents shortly after the tragic wildfires.

At the time, officials from Gov. Gavin Newsom to local Los Angeles County and city leaders warned landlords that raising rents by more

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The

If a proposed temporary one-half-cent countywide sales tax increase is approved by voters in June in the primary elections, the costs of goods and services will cost even more for Malibu residents, with the countywide sales tax increasing to 10.25%, the maximum state law allows. The proposed additional sales tax would help to address federal healthcare funding cuts and protect public hospitals, clinics, and safety-net services.

The term “sales-tax increase” may sound familiar to readers because the county sales tax already increased in April 2025 when voters approved Measure A, a half-cent sales tax hike that replaced Measure H, a quar-

ter-cent sales tax, with those revenues being allocated to support homeless prevention initiatives.

County sales taxes apply inside incorporated cities such as Malibu, even though cities themselves do not control county tax measures. Currently, the combined sales tax rate in Malibu is 10.25%, a rate that includes a combination of California’s six percent state sales tax and an additional 4.25% of taxes consisting of LA County taxes and local district taxes. The sales taxes apply to taxable goods and services, including dining. If the measure passes in June, some L.A. County cities in the Antelope Valley will face a possible 11.75% sales tax rate.

On June 11, after heated debate, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed the Essential Services Restoration Act, asking voters to enact a half-cent general sales tax increase for five years, through Oct. 1, 2031.

The measure, which passed with a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger dissenting, aims to raise revenues needed to support county-pro-

In Case You Missed it

Driving Change: What Hoboken knows that Malibu won’t admit

Two weeks ago, a man experiencing homelessness was walking along Pacific Coast Highway in the pitch black. The driver who hit him wasn’t speeding or reckless; they simply couldn’t see him.

Caltrans originally planned to install lights at that location as part of its $55 million paving/ safety project. During the appeal, a group fought to remove them to preserve our “Dark Sky” ordinances. Caltrans complied. It saved them money. At that unlit location, a man was walking in the pitch black. The driver couldn’t see him.

Two days later, a 16-year-old boy drove over Malibu Canyon Road. He made a mistake, the kind a teenager makes. In a forgiving city, that mistake results in a dented fender. In Malibu, it results in a funeral.

Two families will never be whole again. Since 2010, 62 families have been shattered. Since 1975, 205 families. These aren’t statistics; they are the “Empty Chair Club,” a group that grows when we prioritize what we want to see over who we need to protect.

The irony that should break us

Two weeks ago, we marked the debut of 12 synchronized traffic lights. The project was bogged down in bureaucracy for nine years before completion. Throughout those years of “careful consideration,” 40 lives were lost.

The timing reveals our failure. The same week we finally celebrated completing one safety project, two more people died on our roads. Not because synchronized lights would have saved them, but because we spent nine years on one solution and refused to test others. We celebrate synchronized signals while families synchronize their grief.

The truth from the East Coast: Nine years. Hoboken: Zero deaths. Malibu: 40

While we offer thoughts and prayers, Hoboken, New Jersey, offers life. Hoboken hasn’t lost a single person to traffic violence in nine years. Not one mother is burying a child. Not one 2 a.m. knock from a deputy.

They didn’t succeed because they had advantages we lack. They succeeded because they refused to accept that the next death was inevitable. They redesigned their roads so that when a human makes a mistake, the road doesn’t execute them for it.

Hoboken is not an anomaly. Cities across America are proving that zero is achievable. Winterville, North Carolina, our exact size, installed “Quick Build” safety improvements almost overnight. Cambridge, Massachusetts. Anacortes, Washington. These cities have something we’ve lost: the belief that we can be better than we are.

The fantasy vs. the physics

We are paralyzed by fear dressed up as preservation. Fear of narrowing a highway for an 18-month pilot test, a temporary experiment to learn what works. Fear of compromised evacuations, though vehicles can drive over roundabouts during emergencies. But these fears ignore our reality: a road constantly closed for hours because of fatal accidents. What is worse for evacuation? A modern roundabout that keeps traffic flowing, or a forensic investigation over a body bag?

The physics of a roundabout don’t care about our anxieties. You can’t blast through a roundabout at 60 mph. It forces a physical change in behavior that a sign never will. Any collision occurs at low speeds and shallow angles. The kind where you go home to your family instead of being carried by them to a grave.

The courage of pier to pier

We are told change is impossible, yet the “Blue Highway” proves otherwise. Pier to Pier, a private group partnering with government, is forging a path using the ocean because the land is bogged down in “no.”

The Blue Highway has momentum because someone dared to believe it could be done, despite every voice saying it couldn’t. They saw the timing and moved. Why can’t we apply that same courage to our pavement? Why are we so afraid of an 18-month test that might save the next 16-year-old?

Three years until judgment

The world is coming: the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics. For three years, the eyes of the planet will be on PCH. Visitors will drive this road and see exactly who we are.

Will they see a community so paralyzed by fear that we let 62 people die rather than test a solution? Will they see a place where we fought for darkness, even when it meant a man couldn’t be seen? At our current rate, 36 more families will join the Empty Chair Club by 2030. That’s not a prediction; it’s math.

One question

My daughter, Emily, died at Heathercliff and PCH in 2010. She was 13. That intersection bears her name now.

Sixteen years later, we are still “planning.” While we debate, loved ones are dying on roads that will welcome millions of visitors over the next three years. If Emily could ask us one question, I know what it would be:

“You knew how to save me, and you didn’t. You know how to save the next child, and you won’t. What are you so afraid of that death is preferable?”

We have the tools. We have the proof from Hoboken and the Pierto-Pier innovation. We have three years until the world watches us choose.

I ask one question and one question alone: If the 63rd family that dies on PCH is yours, will you still believe we tried everything?

The next death is preventable. And if we refuse to even test a solution, we are choosing to let it happen.

The choice is ours.

I can be reached at 21mi lesinmalibu@gmail.com

Notice: All of our columnists are independent contributors to The Malibu Times. The opinions they express are solely their own and do not reflect the views or positions of The Malibu Times.

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OFrom the

publisher HAYLEY MATTSON

“Efforts

ver the past month I have spent a great deal of time reflecting — not only as a publisher, but as a business owner, and a member of this community.

Last year was one of the most challenging years many of us have ever experienced — some far more than others. Together, we moved through devastation, uncertainty, and recovery, continuing to show up for one another and for the town we all care so deeply about.

I want to say something clearly and with humility: I know I am not a fire “burnout.” My loss is not the same as losing a home, a lifetime of memories, or a sense of physical security. I would never compare my experience to those who faced that level of devastation. But I will also say this honestly — almost losing a business that I have poured my money, blood, sweat, tears, time, and heart into has been one of the hardest things I have ever been through. And I am only six years in and a great portion of that was growing through covid.

For me, both personally and professionally, this past year was the most difficult since entering the publishing world. The fires deeply impacted Malibu — and they deeply impacted this paper. For more than eight months, we were unable to publish our magazines consistently and struggled just to get out the issues we did. The result was a loss of over $300,000 over the course of the year. That number represents far more than revenue. It represents lost opportunities for our advertisers. It represents stress on my team. It represents sleepless nights wondering how to keep everything afloat while still doing right by the people who rely on me.

I did not qualify for assistance. I also chose not to apply for certain local funding opportunities. As a publishing company with significant overhead, I believed many of our small brick-and-mortar businesses — the restaurants, boutiques, and service providers who physically lost inventory or had to shut their doors — needed that support more than I did. Instead, I turned inward.

I restructured. I reduced overhead by nearly 50 percent. Every expense was scrutinized. And I did everything in my power not to cut my team. That was not easy. But I believe in the people who bring this paper to life each week — our advertising team, writers, photographers, designers, delivery team, and administrative staff. They are part of the fabric of this publication.

Despite the financial strain, we never stopped showing up. Throughout the fires and their aftermath, The Malibu Times published every single week. We did not miss one paper. While our magazines were paused and timelines shifted the newspaper remained a constant source of information and connection. In fact, we expanded our mailing reach, sending papers across the nation so displaced residents could stay connected to home. Each week, copies were printed, bundled, delivered to the post office, and mailed — because staying informed and staying connected matters.

We also maintained our sponsorships and community involvement. We continued supporting the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, Malibu Moves, the Malibu Association of Realtors, Malibu Veterans Day, and the Emily Shane Foundation. We covered nonprofit fundraisers, local business initiatives, and recovery efforts. That coverage not only supports our local writers but also shines a light on the businesses and nonprofits that make Malibu extraordinary.

In addition we covered the hard news stories — soil testing, rebuilding PCH, City Council meetings, and everything in between — we did our very best to be there, consistently and responsibly covering the issues that matter most to our community.

In addition, I continued to host the Malibu Business Round Table every single month. We did not miss a meet-

ing. Even during uncertainty — even when the future felt unclear — our local business leaders gathered to collaborate, share ideas, and support one another. That consistency is something I am deeply proud of.

When we purchased The Malibu Times, along with Malibu Times Magazine — and later Malibu Magazine — we merged them with a clear vision: to showcase the extraordinary beauty, people, and stories that define this town. I love Malibu. Sharing its stories is the reason I entered publishing and the reason I continue to fight for this paper. Last year challenged me in ways I did not expect. Looking back, there are decisions I could have made differently. There are risks I might have navigated more cautiously. But I learned. I grew. And those lessons have shaped a clearer, stronger, and more focused path forward.

As we move into 2026, we are returning to a reliable publishing schedule for Malibu Magazine that you can count on. We are expanding visibility for our advertisers, placing your businesses in more spaces than ever before — in print and digitally. We are building smarter, leaner systems designed for long-term sustainability.

When you support The Malibu Times, you are supporting more than a newspaper. You are supporting my family. You are supporting local journalists. You are supporting sales and marketing, photographers, graphic designers, our delivery drivers, our printer, and our local post office. You are supporting the ecosystem that allows local journalism to survive.

With recent changes, I also want to share that Anthony McDemas and his partner, Karen Kagan, have decided to move on. I am grateful for the work they contributed. Moving forward, either I or a member of my team will personally connect with you to review your account, your contract, and your goals for the year. It has always been important to me to be involved in advertiser relationships, and I remain fully committed to transparency and collaboration. We are also strengthening our team. Mary Hogan, formerly with the Surfside News, and Marie Tabela, formerly of the Palisadian-Post — both respected publications that are no longer in print — have joined our sales team. Their previous papers’ closures are not isolated events. They are part of a troubling national trend.

Across America, newspapers are vanishing at an alarming rate, creating what experts call “news deserts.” When local papers disappear, accountability weakens. Civic engagement declines. Polarization increases. In an era flooded with misinformation, local newspapers remain one of the last strongholds of fact-based, community-centered reporting.

Here in Malibu, The Malibu Times stands as a bulwark against that fate — but we cannot do it alone. Subscriptions, advertising, and community support sustain us. They allow us to cover fire recovery efforts, coastal preservation initiatives, city council decisions, school achievements, nonprofit milestones, and the everyday triumphs of our neighbors. This year was hard. It tested me as a leader and as a business owner. There were moments when the weight felt overwhelming. But I will never give up. Your stories matter. Our town matters. Local journalism matters.

This publication exists for you. I believe in transparency, and I will continue to practice it — with my team and with you. My goal is simple but ambitious: I want The Malibu Times to still be in print 20 years from now, not joining the long list of publications that have disappeared.

With the grace and dedication of my team, the loyalty of our advertisers, and the trust of you — our readers — we will continue moving forward, stronger, leaner, and more focused than ever.

Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your loyalty. And thank you for believing in The Malibu Times and Malibu Magazine.

PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF COMPANY ADMINISTRATOR COPY EDITOR PROOFREADER GRAPHIC DESIGNERS CONTRIBUTORS

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ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Hayley Mattson

Hayley Mattson

Cami Martin

Michael Chaldu

Judy Abel

Jen Rodman, Anthony Atkins

Judy Abel, Barbara Burke, McKenzie Jackson, Burt Ross, Benjamin Marcus, Michel Shane

Marie Tabela, Mary Hogan

Cami Martin

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.” — Abraham Lincoln

editorial@malibutimes.com

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Oscar winner Robert Duvall dies at 95

“My Dad loved working with him, often telling me that, “Robert was a consummate professional and a brilliant actor,” Katina Zinner, daughter of Academy Award-winning film editor, Peter Zinner, commented when she was informed that Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, died on Feb. 15. Duvall’s wife, Luciana Pedraza, an actress and director whom Duvall married in 2005, sadly announced his death on Feb. 16 in a Facebook post.

Duvall has a long-standing connection to Malibu, where he owned property, including a home in Serra Retreat, that he sold in 2003, according to virtualglobtrotting.com. Duvall passed away at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, a place he loved as he was a longtime conservationist and advocate for protecting open spaces there and across the country. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

A native of San Diego, the actor made his feature film debut as Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” In his decades-long career, Duvall became best known for his roles in “The Godfather,” a film for which both he and Zinner were nominated for Academy Award, as well as for “Apocalypse Now,” “The Apostle,” “The Judge,” “The Great Santini,” and “Tender Mercies,” for which Duvall was awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1984.

During his esteemed and storied career, Duvall was also nominated for other Academy Awards for “Apocalypse Now,” “The Great Santini,” “The Apostle,” and for legal thrillers, “A Civil Action” and, most recently, “The Judge.” He received the BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award for his role as the tough Lieutenant Colonel William “Bill” Kilgore in “Apocalypse Now” (1979). He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for playing an attorney in “A Civil Action” (1998).

Duvall’s performances in various television roles also garnered award nominations and he won two Primetime Emmy Awards. including for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role as an aging cowboy in the AMC western miniseries “Broken Trail” (2006). Previously, he was Emmy-nominated for playing Texas Ranger Capt. “Gus” McCrae in the CBS western miniseries “Lonesome Dove” (1989), Joseph Stalin in the HBO television film “Stalin” (1992), and the dual role of Adolf Eichmann and

NEWS BRIEFS

Ricardo Klement in the TNT film “The Man Who Captured Eichmann” (1996). Duvall’s last screen credit was the Christian Bale-starring 2002 film, “The Pale Blue Eye.”

Pedraza’s announcement regarding the beloved actor’s death stated, “Yesterday, we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the great actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters, and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”

She added, “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.”

In a social media post, Malibu actress Jane Seymour wrote: “There are actors who perform, and there are actors who inhabit a role completely. Robert Duvall did the latter. His screen presence carried honesty, weight, and grace. I am thankful for the moments shared for the artistry he gave the world.” Seymour starred alongside Duvall in the 1995 film “The Stars Fell on Henrietta.”

Gladstones Malibu to honor LAFD firefighters

Gladstones Malibu will host a public event on Friday, Feb. 20, to honor members of the Los Angeles Fire Department who responded to last year’s fire along the Malibu coastline.

The gathering, scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at the oceanfront restaurant located at 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the blaze that threatened coastal properties and prompted a swift emergency response. Organizers say the event is intended to recognize the bravery and dedication of the firefighters who worked to protect lives, homes, and businesses during the incident.

The program is expected to include brief remarks from local leaders and fire officials, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring the LAFD personnel who responded. The plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to the department’s efforts and to the resilience of the Malibu community in the face of disaster.

Community members are invited to attend and show their appreciation for the first responders who stood on the front lines during the fire. Light refreshments will be provided.

Organizers encourage residents, business owners, and supporters to gather in solidarity and reflect on the importance of preparedness, partnership, and gratitude as Malibu continues to recover and rebuild.

City of Malibu Fire Rebuild Progress Update

At the Jan. 26 City Council meeting, Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy delivered an encouraging update on Malibu’s ongoing fire recovery, outlining steady progress in rebuilding efforts across

the impacted areas.

Months after the devastating fires reshaped large portions of the community, city officials report continued forward momentum in permitting, planning approvals, and active construction. The latest data reflects both the scale of the recovery effort and the determination of homeowners working to rebuild.

Building Permits Issued

To date, 551 total building permits have been issued within the fire incident area. These permits cover a range of reconstruction activity, from full home rebuilds to repairs and related structural improvements.

City officials say the volume of permits reflects the high level of engagement from property owners and the City’s effort to process applications as efficiently as possible while maintaining safety and compliance standards.

Planning Applications

On the planning side, 67 applications are currently under review, while 157 planning applications have already been approved.

Planning approval is often one of the most complex steps in the rebuilding process, involving site plans, environmental considerations, and compliance with local and state regulations. The number of approvals to date signals meaningful progress in moving projects from concept to construction readiness.

Building Plan Review and Construction

The building plan review process also continues at a steady pace. At present, 47 single-family homes are under active building review.

In addition, 29 building permits have been issued specifically for home reconstruction, with at least 20 of those homes already under construction. The sight of framing, foundations, and active job sites throughout the fire-affected neighborhoods is a visible sign that recovery is well underway.

City staff emphasized that while each property presents unique challenges — from slope stability to coastal development regulations — the goal remains to support homeowners through each step of the process.

Rebuild Center Activity

Since opening in March 2025, the City’s Rebuild Center has played a central role in assisting residents navigating the complex path to reconstruction. The Center has hosted 2,170 appointments to date, providing guidance on permitting, planning, inspections, and other recovery-related questions.

The high number of appointments underscores both the demand for assistance and the importance of centralized support during a disaster recovery effort of this magnitude. City officials have described the Rebuild Center as a collaborative hub designed to streamline communication between departments and reduce delays wherever possible.

Ongoing

Commitment to Recovery

During the Jan. 26 meeting, Bundy noted that while substantial progress has been made, rebuilding after a major fire event is a long-term process. The City continues to balance expedited review procedures with safety standards, environmental protections, and community planning requirements.

Councilmembers acknowledged the resilience of residents and thanked City staff for their continued work in managing what has become one of the largest coordinated rebuilding efforts in recent history.

As construction activity increases across the fire incident area, officials encourage homeowners to stay engaged with the Community Development Department and utilize the Rebuild Center for guidance.

The numbers presented at the Jan. 26 meeting reflect measurable forward movement — from permits issued to homes rising once again. For many residents, each approved plan and each new foundation poured represents not just reconstruction, but a step toward restoring neighborhood life and community stability.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to hold DUI/ CDL checkpoint in Malibu

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a DUI and CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) checkpoint on Friday, Feb. 20, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within Malibu city limits.

Checkpoint locations are selected based on a history of DUI-related crashes and arrests. While deputies may make arrests if impaired driving is observed, the primary goal is public safety — deterring drivers from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the operation, deputies will watch for signs of impairment from alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medications, and illegal substances. The Sheriff’s Department reminds residents that even legal substances, including medicinal or recreational marijuana, cannot be used while driving.

“Driving under the influence is not limited to alcohol,” the department said. “Always read medication labels and follow instructions about driving or operating heavy machinery. Plan ahead if you intend to consume alcohol or medications that could impair your ability to drive safely.”

Drivers charged with a DUI in Los Angeles County face average fines and penalties of $13,500, along with the possibility of a suspended license. Authorities encourage everyone to designate a sober driver, use ride-share services, or stay home

to ensure a safe evening. State expands CalAssist Mortgage Relief program for fire-impacted homeowners

Homeowners recovering from the devastating 2025 Los Angeles fires will now have access to significantly expanded mortgage relief through Gov. Gavin Newsom’s enhanced CalAssist Mortgage Fund program.

Announced Feb. 12 as part of the state’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts, the expansion increases available assistance from three months to up to 12 months of mortgage payments — a four-fold increase. The maximum benefit has also jumped from $20,000 to $100,000 per household, providing critical financial breathing room for families still rebuilding after the 2025 LA fires and other qualifying disasters.

Under the revised guidelines, homeowners who previously received the original three months of support may now qualify for additional assistance, bringing their total relief to a full year. Payments are made directly to mortgage servicers on behalf of approved applicants and never have to be repaid.

State officials report that $6.5 million has already been distributed to 793 disaster-impacted homeowners, primarily survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires. Significant funding remains available, including for homeowners who may require continued assistance once mortgage forbearance periods end.

Eligibility requirements have also been broadened. In Los Angeles County, households with a combined annual income of up to $281,400 now qualify — an increase of $70,000 from the previous cap. Income limits vary by county.

The CalAssist Mortgage Fund is free to apply for, and assistance is paid directly to mortgage servicers to help prevent foreclosure and housing instability during recovery.

Homeowners affected by recent disasters are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For eligibility details and application information, visit the CalAssist Mortgage Fund website at www.calassistmortgagefund.org/or call (800) 5010019. For additional recovery resources, visit the official State of California website at www. ca.gov/LAfires/. Rain, recovery efforts prompt ongoing closures

along PCH and SR-27 amid Palisades Fire impacts

Emergency recovery operations tied to the ongoing Palisades Fire continue to impact key coastal roadways this week, as rainstorms and active construction have prompted closures and lane restrictions along Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Crews did not work Monday, Feb. 16, due to the holiday; however, existing traffic control restrictions remain in effect. Officials announced that Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) from Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive is currently closed following Monday’s rainstorms. Reopening will depend on improved weather and roadway conditions.

The closure affects a critical connector between the coast and inland communities, and motorists are urged to use alternate routes. Drivers can monitor real-time updates through the Caltrans QuickMap system.

Pacific Coast Highway Work Zones

On State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), crews may implement single-lane closures between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, between Temescal Canyon Road in Pacific Palisades and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu.

Current conditions include:

• Temescal Canyon Road to Sunset Boulevard: Reduced speed limit of 35 mph with cones and signage.

• Sunset Boulevard to Carbon Beach Terrace: Active work zone with potential single-lane closures and 25 mph speed limits.

Additional work zones extend from the Ventura County line to Carbon Beach Terrace, including:

• Trancas Canyon Road to Guernsey Avenue (possible nighttime closures)

• Corral Canyon Road Bridge repairs (possible nighttime closures)

• Fire-damaged roadway, drainage, electrical system, and slope repairs south of Las Flores Canyon Road to Sunset Boulevard, with northbound lane closures as needed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

Utility and Infrastructure Repairs Between Carbon Canyon Road and SR-27, Southern California Edison continues trenching operations. Lane reductions include:

One northbound lane closed from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, and 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday-Friday.

One southbound lane closed

CONTINUED ON

Submission deadline is Monday at noon. Please email submissions to:

The Malibu Times

c/o Calendar Editor, to editorial@malibutimes.com

Only events with a connection to Malibu will be considered. Calendar events are scheduled in advance and subject to change.

fri feb 20

GLADSTONES MALIBU TO HONOR LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT

Gladstone’s Malibu will host a public event on Friday, Feb. 20, from 11 a.m. to noon to honor members of the Los Angeles Fire Department who responded to last year’s fire along the Malibu coastline. The oceanfront gathering will take place at the restaurant, located at 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, and will reflect on the one-year anniversary of the blaze that threatened coastal properties and prompted a swift emergency response. The program will feature brief remarks from local leaders and fire officials, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque recognizing the LAFD personnel who worked to protect lives, homes, and businesses during the incident.

The plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to the firefighters’ bravery and dedication, as well as to the resilience of the Malibu community. Community members are invited to attend and show their appreciation for the first responders who stood on the front lines. Light refreshments will be provided. Organizers encourage residents, business owners, and supporters to gather in solidarity and reflect on the importance of preparedness, partnership, and gratitude as Malibu continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts.

sat feb 21

POETRY WRITING STUDIO — IN-PERSON PROGRAM

Join Charlotte Ward, Malibu’s Poet Laureate, for a generative poetry writing studio designed to spark creativity and connection on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will share energy and inspiration, discuss selected poems to ignite the imagination, and craft original work using guided prompts or personal inspiration.

This in-person workshop is open to adults of all experience levels who are interested in exploring and expanding their poetic voice.

sun feb 22

MALIBU-PACIFIC PALISADES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WILL HOST A RECOVERY EXPO

On Sunday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Malibu–Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce will host a Recovery Expo to support residents and business owners navigating the recovery process.

The event will bring together a strong lineup of regional agencies and industry experts, offering essential resources under one roof, including one-on-one guidance from building professionals and recovery specialists, direct access to regional agencies to get specific questions answered, opportunities to connect with neighbors and fellow business owners in a supportive environment, and the latest strategies for rebuilding stronger, safer, and more sustainably.

The Recovery Expo will take place at Alma Real Drive and La Cruz Drive in Pacific Palisades. RSVP at palibu.org

resources.” Some people sought help right away. Others are only now recognizing that they need additional support and it’s not too late.

A key component of the club’s response is its long-term community recovery program. Mental health services are woven into that support system. Residents impacted by recent fires can be referred directly to counseling, whether they remain in Malibu or have relocated elsewhere. Telehealth options ensure that displaced residents — even those living outside Malibu — can still access services.

Jordan said it is important for the public to understand that mental health care is available for all ages. While many people associate the Boys & Girls Club primarily with youth programming, its wellness services extend far beyond children. The club works with clients as young as kindergarten age and continues serving adults and seniors.

Both leaders stressed that everyone processes disaster differently. Some individuals experience trauma symptoms; others are navigating prolonged grief. The distinction matters. The club has hosted educational sessions, including one led by a specialist from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, to help survivors better understand the difference between trauma and grief.

Jordan explained that trauma may stem from direct life-threatening experiences — such as actively fleeing the fire or feeling in immediate danger. Grief, however, often reflects the deep sense of loss that follows the destruction of a home, a neighborhood or a sense of security. While the two can overlap, they may require different therapeutic approaches. For those experiencing persistent sadness, difficulty functioning, sleep disruption, heightened anxiety or emotional numbness, speaking with a professional can help clarify what is happening and what type of treatment would be most beneficial. As for access, all services are provided at no cost to individuals and families. Residents can complete an intake form — available in

CALENDAR

thu feb 26- sun mar 1

MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL: ‘SHREK’

Malibu Middle School students bring the beloved musical “Shrek” to the stage in this funfilled production for the whole community to enjoy. Performance dates run from Feb. 26 through March 1.

Additional details, including showtimes and ticket information, will be announced soon. For updates and more information, visit malibu.smmusd.org.

sun mar 15

MALIBU FILM SOCIETY’S 17TH ANNUAL OSCAR PARTY: EARLY

BIRD PRICING

Lights, cameras, celebration! The Malibu Film Society invites the community to its 17th Annual Oscar Party at Ollo Malibu, 23750 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, for an afternoon of glamour, great food, and Hollywood’s biggest night.

Red carpet arrivals and a sparkling wine reception begin at 3 p.m., followed by the live broadcast of the 98th annual Academy Awards at 4 p.m. The ceremony will be shown throughout the restaurant on two giant projection screens, a new 75-inch TV in the dining room, and two 55-inch TVs at the bar — ensuring guests won’t miss a moment.

Early bird pricing is available through Feb. 28: $125 for members, $150 for member guests, and $175 for nonmembers (plus tax and tip). Tickets include an open wine bar and a five-course dinner at one of Malibu’s favorite dining destinations.

Cocktail attire is recommended. Private table reservations are available for groups of up to 12; visit the Malibu Film Society website and click the contact link for details. All are welcome to join the celebration and toast the year’s best in film.

ONGOING

MALIBU FARMERS MARKET | SUNDAYS

The Malibu Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a wide range of fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Currently located at Legacy Park, the market provides a great opportunity to support local farmers and vendors while enjoying the scenic beauty of Malibu. For updates and more information on the market, visit malibufarmersmarket. net. Make sure to stop by for a vibrant shopping experience every Sunday!

MONDAY COMPOSERS

BREAKFAST | MONDAYS

The Monday Composers Breakfast takes place weekly at Dreamland Malibu, located at 22969 Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu, every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. with a simultaneous Zoom option for those unable to attend in person. Guests are encouraged to check in or join the mailing list for the latest updates on upcoming meetings, CBC events, member performances, and more.

KNITTING | MONDAY AND FRIDAY

Join Malibu’s Community Services Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to noon. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat,

both English and Spanish — through bgcmalibu.org under “Request Support Services.” After submission, the club aims to respond within a week. The clinical supervisor reviews each intake, conducts an initial assessment and matches clients with an appropriate clinician as quickly as possible. If needed, referrals to outside providers are also offered. “If someone feels that they are dealing with persistent grief, it is great to speak to a professional about that.” Confidentiality is strictly maintained.

For those in immediate crisis, Herrera and Jordan emphasized that support is available beyond the club as well. Anyone experiencing urgent emotional distress can call or text 988 to reach the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which operates 24 hours a day across the United States.

The organization’s reach has been significant. Approximately 2,500 individuals have come through the Long Term Community Recovery program since the fire. Yet the need continues, and the Club continues to accept new clients for both care coordination and wellness services.

Herrera described recovery as layered. Some families first seek financial or housing support and later turn to counseling. Others begin with therapy and then move toward practical recovery assistance. The club’s trauma-informed, whole-person-centered approach allows flexibility, meeting each individual where they are.

The Boys & Girls Club is also embedded in the community’s four public schools, further expanding access for children and families who may need support during the school day.

More than a year later, there has been no slowdown in requests for help. If anything, the steady pace reflects a growing understanding that emotional recovery does not follow a fixed schedule.

For Malibu residents still feeling unsettled, overwhelmed, or simply in need of guidance, the message is clear: support remains available and it is local.

Recovery, as both leaders emphasized, is long-term. And BGCM intends to walk alongside the community for as long as it takes.

blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size 8 needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal. Visit malibucity.org for the location.

TOTAL BODY WORKOUT | TUESDAYS

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

SENIOR CHOIR | TUESDAYS

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

SENIOR TECH HELP | TUESDAYS

Receive one-on-one tech help with your laptop, tablet, or cellphone. Seniors can receive assistance using social media, Google Drive, Skype, Microsoft Word, email, and more. RSVP required. Instructed by Community Services Department staff. Tuesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Malibu Senior Center.

TOPANGA FARMERS MARKET | FRIDAYS

The Topanga Farmers Market is a Certified Farmers Market held every Friday from 9

NEWS BRIEFS CONTINUED FROM A3

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, and 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Tuesday-Friday.

Just south of Big Rock Drive, catchment wall construction has reduced northbound PCH to one lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Additional slope repairs and culvert clean-up south of SR27 may require northbound lane reductions between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, as needed.

Near Coastline Drive and Porto Marina Way, retaining wall work continues adjacent to the Getty Villa, with one northbound lane closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Motorists should anticipate delays, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes whenever possible.

a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Topanga Community Center. With 45 exceptional vendors, the market offers a diverse selection of fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted artisanal goods. It’s a wonderful way to support local farmers and makers while soaking in the natural beauty of Topanga Canyon. Whether you’re shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables or one-of-a-kind crafts, the Topanga Farmers Market has something for everyone!

ADULT PICKLEBALL | SATURDAY

The City of Malibu will offer free Adult Drop-In Pickleball and an Adult Pickleball class at the Malibu High School Tennis Courts (30215 Morning View Drive). Open Court Pickleball is available for registered participants ages 18 and over on Saturday afternoons, providing a fun and social way to play. Additionally, an Adult Pickleball class will be held on Saturdays for those looking to improve their skills.

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. Cost is $5 per class. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times.

more. Standout performances include Switzerland and Canada advancing unbeaten in men’s team curling, while ongoing storylines feature U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin reflecting on a disappointing showing in the men’s event and high-profile visitors like Shaquille O’Neal supporting Team USA initiatives.

The Games, running Feb. 6-22, faced pre-event scrutiny over construction delays at key facilities — notably the new Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, which required roundthe-clock work to finish just in time, and the rebuilt Cortina Sliding Centre for bobsled, luge, and skeleton amid environmental and cost concerns. Organizers have largely overcome those hurdles, with venues operational despite some last-minute touches and issues like a brief power outage early on.

Milano Cortina 2026 enters crucial second week; locals’ sights on 2028

Summer Olympics

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are well underway in northern Italy, entering their second week with competition heating up across venues in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and surrounding areas.

As of Feb. 17, athletes are contending for medals in events including men’s hockey quarterfinals, curling playoffs, figure skating aftermath discussions, speedskating pursuits, and

The spread-out format across far-flung sites has tested transportation logistics, but events have proceeded smoothly overall. Ticket sales were sluggish in advance, yet crowds are filling stands for key competitions. Sustainability efforts continue, building on Paris 2024’s legacy with material reuse initiatives.

Speculation swirls around a potential visit by U.S. President Donald Trump if the American men’s hockey team reaches the gold-medal game Sunday.

With the Paralympic Winter Games set to follow in March, attention now turns to the medal rounds and closing ceremonies before the focus shifts to Los Angeles preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics, where venue planning and infrastructure projects are advancing.

monitor weather and trail conditions before setting out.

Local land managers are asking hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to stay off dirt trails after rainfall to prevent long-term damage. A general rule of thumb: for every inch of rain, stay off the trails for at least one day. Fire roads tend to dry faster than narrow hiking paths, and those seeking outdoor activity are encouraged to choose pavement or gravel routes until conditions improve.

“We work hard so you can enjoy the trails safely,” officials shared. “Let’s all do our part so all our trails can stay the kind of trail everyone — young, old, and in between — can enjoy safely. Respect the work. Respect the trail.”

Despite the warnings, first responders were called into action Sunday morning when an 18-year-old woman suffered an ankle injury on the Escondido Falls Trail. A coordinated rescue effort by Malibu Search and Rescue, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority led to her safe evacuation.

Malibu Search and Rescue, a community volunteer unit operating under the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, frequently responds to emergencies throughout the mountain range. Officials remind outdoor enthusiasts to wear proper footwear, carry water and

Storm impacts extended beyond roads and trails. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a safety advisory warning residents to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the ocean for at least 72 hours after rainfall. Runoff from streets, mountains, and storm drains carries bacteria, chemicals, and debris into the water, creating elevated contamination levels.

Heavy surf, strong rip currents, and beach erosion have also created dangerous coastal conditions. While beaches remain open, the public is urged to stay out of the water, off rocks and jetties, and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge. Significant debris from coastal bluffs and recent fire zones may wash ashore.

Residents in flood-prone areas can obtain sandbags at local fire stations and the Malibu Library. Authorities encourage neighbors to check on elderly or vulnerable residents and to prepare for potential power outages. With wind advisories in effect, downed trees and power lines are a concern. Officials emphasize: never approach or touch a downed power line — assume it is live and call 911 immediately.

The storm system also disrupted regional air travel. Los Angeles International Airport implemented a temporary ground stop for departing flights as heavy

rain and possible thunderstorms reduced visibility. Travelers are advised to check directly with airlines for updates.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund said the weekend along Pacific Coast Highway was busy but largely uneventful in terms of serious injuries.

“We had a busy PCH weekend with flooding and a couple of accidents,” Soderlund said. “Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt.”

The most significant incident occurred around 2 a.m. in the 22600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, where a vehicle struck and sheared off a fire hydrant. While the collision did not appear to involve impairment or excessive speed, the damaged hydrant created a more complicated situation.

When City of Malibu Public Works crews arrived to shut off the water, they discovered that recent paving work had covered access to the water valves in the street, preventing an immediate shutoff. Crews were forced to bring in heavy equipment to break through the roadway and access the valve.

Water flowed for approximately two hours, temporarily shutting down both northbound and southbound lanes of PCH. The highway was reopened just before the morning commute, around 5 a.m.

Aside from that incident, Soderlund said the storm impacts over the weekend were relatively minor.

“There was some minor flooding, minor rock slides and mudslides, but nothing extraordinary,” he said. However, with additional rain forecast throughout the week, he urged residents to remain cautious.

“People need to slow down when it’s raining. They need their windshield wipers on. They need to have their headlights on,” Soderlund said. “Just drive safe, keep your lights on, and drive slow.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will also conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday.

Tuesday evening update:

Cantrans crews continue to respond to storm-related impacts throughout the region. Topanga Canyon Boulevard/ State Route 27 (SR-27) between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive remains closed following debris flows and mudslides triggered by Monday’s storm, as well as additional rain forecast overnight Tuesday.

With a flood watch in effect through 6 a.m. Wednesday, the 3.6-mile stretch of SR-27 will remain closed while crews reassess conditions. One lane remains accessible for emergency vehicles only. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes for their commute.

The National Weather Service is forecasting up to 1.5 inches of rain overnight, with peak rainfall rates between 0.25 and 0.50 inches per hour, increasing the po-

tential for localized flooding, mudslides and debris flows.

Crews are also monitoring the recovery work zone on PCH between Carbon Beach Terrace and Sunset Boulevard, which experienced minor impacts during the storm. One lane of northbound PCH remains closed for approximately a quarter-mile in two locations: north of Porto Marina Way and south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

Caltrans District 7 will continue providing updates via news releases and social media. Motorists can check current traffic conditions using the Caltrans QuickMap.

The affected stretch of SR-27 remains an active work zone tied to ongoing recovery efforts from the Palisades Fire and winter storms and is typically closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m. daily. As crews continue clearing debris and stabilizing slopes, officials caution that the recovery process will take time — particularly in fire-impacted zones where vegetation loss leaves hillsides vulnerable. With additional storms forecast this week, the region remains on alert. For now, the message from local agencies is clear: avoid unnecessary travel, respect closures, stay off saturated trails and prioritize safety. As Malibu navigates another round of winter weather, community cooperation will be critical to protecting roads, trails, and neighborhoods already tested by fire and storm.

THE MALIBU ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2026 Executives & Officers

President: Bianca Torrence

Vice President: Cody Garcia

President Elect: Jerel Taylor

Treasurer: Kent Winter

Secretary: Ani Dermenjian

Directors

Past President: Susan Cosentino

Matt Ogden

Dan Ross

Kelly Pessis

Stephen Udoff

Tony Kofsky

Veronika Ban

Stefanie Becker

Pollyanna Justice

Fidelity National Home Warranty & Disclosure Source NHD - Bella Klasky

First American Home Warranty - Sharon Haghighi

My NHD - Dave Reizman Pepperdine - Heidi Bernard

COMMITTE: Chair: Biana Torrence, Lisa Samuels, Lee LaPlante, Lynda Marsolek, June Kamiya, Tony Kofsky, Miranda Bowling, Bill Bowling, Cody Garcia, Valerie Monkarsh, Danielle Goodwin, Veronika Ban, Laura Alfano, Bella Klasky, Paulina Hermansen, Julia Kanesawa, Mary Perdomo, Candace Bowen & Tessa Consentino

THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATED AUCTION PRIZES:

Irene Dazzan-Palmer, Jim Palmer & Sandro Dazzan, Jeff Chertow, 99 High Tide Malibu, Anawalt Lumber Pacific Palisades, Bloom Med Spa, Bui Sushi, Calabasas Med Spa, Carlos Valdez/Intuit Dome, Carol Hoyt/Hoyt Family Vineyard, Clear Dream, Cosentino’s Nursery, Danny Guerrido/Cutco, Fidelity Home Warranty/Bella Klasky, Follow the Sun Soaps, Geoffrey’s Restaurant, Glo Green Living Organized, Gravina Restaurant, Jack Martin Elite Massage, Johannesen Construction, Komodo Fire Systems, Kristys Malibu, Kudler Law, La Nena, Laya Swimwear, Lily’s Malibu, Lisa Kudler/Cleo Hair Salon, Lynda Marsolek, Malibu Blue, Malibu Brewing Company, Malibu, Bungalows Florist, Malibu Cross Fit, Malibu Film Society, Malibu Moves, Malibu Times, Marmalade Cafe, Mikke Pierson, Mizel Winery, Ollo Restaurant, Organization Fabulous/Jennifer Rouch, Pappa Razzi Pizza, Parker Rose Design/Valerie Monkarsh, Patt Ass Tactical, Paxton Calabasas, Pedalers Fork/10 Speed Coffee, Pepperdine University Arts Dept, Pepperdine University Athletic Dept, Peter Cho/Hastens Sleep Spa, Prive Malibu, Resource Essentials Sun Protection, Scott’s Malibu Market, Sharky’s Calabasas, Slaton Veterinary Hospital, Spruzzo Restaurant, Stoyana Psychic, Sunset Restaurant,

Restaurant,

Missives from former dean of Pepperdine law school to Jeffrey Epstein resurface in release of documents

Emails in the Epstein files suggest chummy relationship between sex offender and prominent special counsel

By JUDY ABEL

Special to The Malibu Times

Plenty of prominent names have surfaced in the latest tranche of documents released by the Department of Justice known as the Epstein files. One of those names is Ken Starr, the federal judge who in the 1990s served as independent counsel in the investigation of a failed real estate venture involving Bill and Hillary Clinton known as Whitewater.

While Starr’s investigation led to 14 criminal convictions, the Clintons were not charged with any wrongdoing. However, the investigation led to the disclosure of sexual activity between then-White House intern Monica Lewinsky and President Clinton, which eventually led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives. Clinton was acquitted by the Senate.

From 2004 to 2010, Starr served as dean at what is now the Caruso School of Law at Pepperdine University. He later served as president of Baylor University. Starr died in 2022.

With the release of emails between Starr and Epstein, new questions are being raised about Starr’s legacy. While he sought to project a public image as a principled legal scholar, the emails reveal a more complex persona.

Starr served as Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyer beginning in 2006 when the billionaire financier was under investigation for, among other crimes, the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. Starr was called a “fixer” in legal journals for his role in Epstein’s 2008

plea deal. He negotiated an unusual and then-secret Non-Prosecution Agreement whereby no federal charges were made and Epstein pled guilty to two lesser state felony counts — solicitation of prostitution and procurement of a minor (under age 18) for prostitution. Starr also secured what attorneys described as a “sweetheart deal” after Epstein’s sentencing to 18 months in a Palm Beach County jail. Epstein only served 13 months and was infamously granted a work release allowing him to leave jail for 12 hours a day, six days a week, to work at his

vided health care services that are underfunded due to reductions in state and federal funding. The tax increase would generate an estimated $1 billion, according to the county. The measure would include oversight by a committee and audits, but final language for the measure has not yet been adopted.

The two sponsors of the county measure, Supervisors Holly Mitchell and Hilda Solis, worked on the proposal with Restore Healthcare, a coalition of health care organizations and workers. Coalition members have said that if the supervisors had not approved the proposal, they would begin a signature-gathering campaign to place the measure on the November ballot.

“Unfortunately, after exhausting every existing alternative, this temporary measure is the only option that can be implemented quickly enough to prevent hospital closures and the loss of health care access for at least hundreds of thousands of residents,” the motion states.

A similar tax sales hike was approved by Santa Clara County voters in November to address reduced federal funding for health care and some labor unions are pressing for a proposed statewide billionaires’ tax to support the state’s health care system.

Last year’s federal budget bill, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” approved by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump, set forth budget reductions in health care funding, causing reduced funding to Medi-Cal, the motion noted. “The county’s most impacted departments face projected losses totalling $2.4 billion over the next three years,” the motion recounts. “Due to funding losses, county officials have already initiated hiring freezes and are contemplating service consolidations, potential layoffs of 5,000 staff, and facility closures in the coming years.”

The state’s recent cuts to funding for Medi-Cal add insult to injury, the supervisors noted. California discontinued enrolling undocumented immigrants for health care and is expected to cut non-emergency dental care for immigrants here illegally who are already enrolled in the program. Starting in July 2027, California will charge a $30 monthly premium for immigrants who remain on the program, including those with legal status. Federal law does not fund health or dental care for persons who are illegally in the country.

Significant criticism from contract cities and tax reform advocates

The Board of Supervisors is facing strong criticism for its passing of the measure, especially because public employees’ salaries were recently increased. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association faults the proposed sales-tax increase, issuing a statement arguing, “The sales tax is already too high in Los Angeles County, so high that the most recent half-percent

than 10% during a declared state of emergency could result in prosecution. Under California law, rent increases exceeding 10% above pre-fire levels violate the state’s price gouging statute, which was triggered when Newsom declared a state of emergency for the historically destructive fires in Los Angeles County. Price gouging during a declared emergency is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine. Locally, penalties are steeper. The Los Angeles City Council raised potential fines to $30,000 per violation, while Los Angeles County increased its maximum penalty to $50,000. Yet one year later, only roughly a dozen lawsuits have been filed, even with hundreds of reported cases.

According to Rent Brigade, the crackdown promised by public officials has yielded little. The group says it has received complaints from hundreds of displaced residents who claim they can document rent

home office at his nearby mansion.

The Epstein files reveal more than an attorney-client relationship between the two, years after Epstein’s release. In one email dated March 2012, Starr addresses Epstein as “Jeffrey, My friend, my brother...” In others, Starr ends his emails with “Hugs” or “Luv ya.” In a Christmas 2016 email, Starr gushes to Epstein, “A prince thou art.” In an email dated Nov. 22, 2017, about arranging a visit to Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion, Starr signs off, “I’ll be there with bells ringing.” Other emails say “Hugs,

Ken,” “miss you,” and yet another says “in your corner.” The Above the Law legal news website suggests that Starr knew the details of the allegations against Epstein due to his access as defense counsel to memos from federal prosecutors that have been released in the latest document dump. One memo from 2008 describes: “One girl broke down sobbing … she said she was having nightmares about Epstein.” The email describes how the alleged victim could not compose herself and the interview was stopped. The

tax for homelessness services required special legislation from the state to allow it to exceed the cap on local sales taxes that is in state law. Raising the sales tax again is unreasonable and unfairly harsh on those who are least able to afford it.”

California Contract Cities Association strongly opposes the county-wide sales tax increase

Out of the 88 cities in Los Angeles County, a total of 42 are contract cities, including Malibu, meaning that those cities contract with the county or another city to provide municipal services such as police, fire, or public works such as waste disposal, rather than providing those services through their own city departments.

Marcel Rodarte, executive director of the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA), informed the Board of Supervisors that the organization opposes the tax increase because it, “is concerned the measure would burden the very residents the county seeks to protect, who are facing historic affordability pressures on housing, food, fuel, utilities andchildcare costs.” The statement argued, “This half-cent countywide sales tax increase would push the combined sales tax rates in some cities to over 11 percent, further straining household budgets. At the same time, cities are confronting their own structural budget challenges and are deeply worried about how to best address fiscal issues without compounding economic pressure on residents who are least able to absorb it. This is particularly distressing in the context of L.A. County seeking a legislative exemption that would allow this sales tax measure to bypass the state cap on local sales taxes.

“If such legislation passed, struggling cities that are already at or near the cap would be left overlooked with limited future fiscal options to support much-needed local services in their communities.”

“Backfilling federal funding cuts on the backs of county taxpayers is not acceptable.”

Other opponents of the measure assert that the tax increase will have a regressive tax impact on low-income residents as it applies to essential restaurant and retail purchases.

Barger, the sole supervisor voting against the measure also voiced vociferous opposition.

“Backfilling federal funding cuts on the backs of county taxpayers is not acceptable,” she said in a statement after the vote. “Los Angeles County residents are already stretched thin. Last year, Bloomberg News reported that Los Angeles now has the highest sales tax of any major metropolitan region in the nation.

“This proposed half-cent increase would push us even higher, making our county less affordable for families and less appealing for consumers to shop and businesses to operate. We are risking imposing higher everyday

increases of more than 60%. In addition to individual complaints, Rent Brigade says it scraped rental data from Zillow to track listings where rents appeared to jump beyond the 10% legal threshold. The group claims, however, that rental asking prices do not always reflect actual negotiated lease agreements, which may not be publicly accessible. Volunteers also mailed notices to affected properties informing tenants of their rights and how to report suspected violations.

On its website, Rent Brigade lists hundreds of property addresses it alleges violated the emergency rules. The addresses are scattered across Southern California, with 42% located in Los Angeles County’s 3rd District — which includes Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Santa Monica, and Calabasas — communities where many displaced residents sought refuge. At least 15 Malibu addresses are suspected of unlawful price bumps.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Thursday that his office is actively investigating hun-

memo continues: “The second girl, who has a baby girl of her own, told us she was very upset about the 18 month deal….she had heard that the girls could get restitution, but she would rather not get any money and have Epstein spend a significant time in jail.”

Lawyers routinely represent unpopular clients based on the principle that representation does not equal endorsement. Nevertheless, the apparently warm relationship between the two men is seen as troubling by critics who are poring through the files. These concerns are amplified by the circumstances surrounding Starr’s departure from Baylor University. He was demoted from his position as university president and later resigned after an external investigation found the school had mishandled multiple sexual assault allegations involving members of the football team. The investigation by an independent law firm found that under Starr’s leadership, the university had discouraged victims from reporting assaults. In a 2018 email thread recently released, Starr defended the lenient plea deal he helped secure for the registered sex offender. Starr wrote that Epstein “was subjected to an unprecedented federal intrusion into a quintessentially local criminal matter in South Florida.” He asserted that “Epstein has paid his debt to society” as well as “millions of dollars to the asserted victims and their highly-creative lawyers.” Starr argued in conclusion, “In the spirit of the bedrock American belief in second chances, that unhappy chapter in Jeffrey’s otherwise magnificent life should be allowed to close once and for all.”

Epstein died by reported suicide in 2019 at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City while being held awaiting trial on federal criminal charges, including sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors.

costs and small businesses and employers choosing to leave Los Angeles County altogether.”

Will tax revenues will be allocated to non-healthcare expenses?

The CCCA said, “there are significant flaws in the sales tax measure’s revenue model,” because the supervisors’ motion states that the funds generated by the measure would go into L.A. County’s General Fund, which technically classifies the dollars as unrestricted operating funds in future years. Structuring the proposed sales tax increase in this manner requires only a simple majority of voters to pass, whereas if the tax is structured as a special tax, two-thirds of the voters would have to approve the measure in the June election. Sharing such concerns, the Taxpayer Association is trying to qualify an initiative constitutional amendment to rescind recently approved special taxes and ensure a two-thirds vote requirement for all special taxes.

CCCA also stated that it “feels strongly that if a measure of this kind is established, it should be structured as a special tax to ensure there are guardrails on the revenue that is going towards protecting residents’ health needs. Voters and taxpayers deserve complete transparency, not creative structuring, when asked to shoulder additional tax burdens.

“Second, we are concerned about the temporary nature of the tax. While the motion states the measure will only be effective from Oct. 1 to Oct. 1, 2031, other temporary L.A. County measures have recently been extended (i.e., Measure H evolving into Measure A in 2024). Now, residents reasonably question whether temporary taxes are, in practice, permanent. Further, if this general sales tax measure were to be extended, it would have serious, long-term implications on cities’ ability to generate needed revenue.”

Accordingly, the CCCA respectfully requested that the board reconsider its approach to raising revenues for health care and “enter into open dialogue with cities about how we can work together to address the fiscal challenges of today without overburdening one another. Solutions must be equitable, transparent, and mindful of the cumulative impact on residents already struggling with affordability.”

Some cities in the Antelope Valley could face a possible 11.75% sales tax rate

The CCCA also acknowledged that the federal funding cuts are affecting local governments across California and stated that it welcomes, “conversations about advancing a statewide tax measure that could go towards supporting county-level health and safety net services in Los Angeles and beyond.”

The Malibu Times has reached out to the City of Malibu to inquire whether it intends to make a statement about the proposed tax measure, but the city had not responded as of press time.

dreds of complaints. The state’s Disaster Relief Task Force has issued 753 warning letters to landlords, real estate agents, and hotels suspected of price gouging. Criminal charges, however, have been filed in only six cases statewide.

“Folks across the region are being preyed upon by greedy businesses and landlords, scam artists and predatory buyers looking to make a quick buck off their pain,” Bonta said. “They are seeking to re-victimize the victims of the fires — to exploit them in their vulnerable state.”

Rent Brigade contends that no prosecutions have been filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. A statement from District Attorney Nathan Hochman acknowledged that his office has not filed price gouging cases related to the fires, but said prosecutors are collaborating with city and state officials on related enforcement actions.

So far, the City of Los Angeles has filed seven price gouging lawsuits — three civil and four criminal cases— while Bonta’s office has filed six. A successful

case can result in restitution payments to victims, in addition to fines and penalties. Rent Brigade estimates that as much as $49 million in excess rent may have been collected over the past year by unscrupulous landlords.

Some proposed reforms aimed at strengthening enforcement stalled in Sacramento. A bill that would have required listing platforms to remove suspected price-gouged properties was ultimately vetoed by Newsom.

The emergency anti-price gouging rules, first enacted last year, have been extended and are set to expire Feb. 27.

Meanwhile, state officials are urging tenants to come forward. The Attorney General’s Office has launched a dedicated website for reporting suspected violations at oag.ca.gov/lafires and established a hotline at (800) 952-5225.

Victims can also contact RentBrigade.org for more guidance on reporting violations and seeking legal assistance.

Malibu Life

Love and second chances at Valentine’s pet adoption event

More than 30 rescue cats and dogs find forever homes thanks to Eastwood Ranch Foundation

By

Love was in the air — and so were waggin g tails and happy pu rrs — as animal love rs gathered for a sp ecial Valentine’s ad option event hosted by Eastwood Ranch Fo undation.

The foun dation, established by animal advocate

A lison Eastwood, focu ses on rescuing dogs and cats from high- kill shelters and gi ving them a second c hance through medica l care, rehabilitati on, and

adoption. Th is Valentine’s Day c elebration offered t he perfect opportuni ty for the community to open their heart s — and homes — to a nimals in need.

By the end of the event , more than 30 rescu e cats and dogs had found forever famili es.

“Seeing over 30 rescue cats and dog s adopted in one day was a strong remind er of what’s possibl e when a community s upports local rescue efforts,” Eastwood said. “We’re thankfu l for everyone who c hose adoption and he lped move our missio n forward.”

The fes tive gathering broug ht together a cross- section of Malibu re sidents, including m any creatives from t he local film and te levision industry.

A mong those who stopp ed by to show suppor t were actor David C hokachi and his wife , Susan Brubaker. Mi chael Berk, executiv e director of the ic onic television seri es “Baywatch,” also attended, along with actor Neal McDonoug h and his wife, Ruve McDonough, who came out in support of t he cause.

Longtime Malibu philanthropis t Cindy Landon,

a st eadfast supporter of animal-focused char ities and a foundati on board member, was also in attendance. Fellow board member Matt Felkner and hi s wife, Liz Felkner, joined the festivit ies and were even lo oking to adopt a cat of their own. The afternoon was as swe et as it was meaning ful, thanks in part to generous communit y contributions. Mal ibu veterinarian Dr. John Lupo baked and donated an astonish ing 750 cookies for guests to enjoy — a heartfelt gesture th at quickly became

Celebrating Valentine’s Day Malibu-style

Heart-shaped pizza, seaside strolls, and pet adoptions just some of the creative ways to spend Feb. 14

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times

Whether savoring Chef Oren Zroya’s delic ious heartshaped pizza at Papa Razzi’s Pizza in Point Dume Village, indulging in fine dining at one of Malibu’s renowned restaurants, or enjoying the natural beauty of the coastline, locals found plenty of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Sweet treats from SweetBu Candy tempted some, while others visited local florists to select bouquets for their loved ones. Many opted for a quieter, romantic pace, strolling along the beaches, exploring tidepools, and soaking in Malibu’s breathtaking sunsets — timeless favorites for couples seeking connection with nature.

The artistic community also embraced the ho liday with creative flair. “What a beaut iful day for paintin g today at Lechuza B each!” posted the Al lied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains & Seashore on social media Valentine’s evening. “A sunny day snuck in between the rains. The tide went low enough by noon for some of us to grab some tide pool scenery.” The picturesque afternoon offered the perfect backdrop for plein-air painting and seaside inspiration.

PEOPLE

Artificial intelligence is not a crime

MALIBU SEEN

By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor

“

The Singularity will represent the culmination of the merger of our biological thinking and existence with our technology, resulting in a world that is still human but that transcends our biological roots.”

“We won’t experience 100 years of progress in the 21st century — it will be more like 20,000 years of progress at today’s rate.”

“ Technology goes beyond mere toolmaking; it is a process of creating ever more powerful tools — and it is accelerating.”

Ray Kurzweill “The Singularity is Near” (2005)

Hello my name is Ben and I use artificial intelligence on the regular. Addicted? Maybe.

If you saw “Babylon” — starring Margot Robbie and Brad Pitt and directed by (former?) Malibu resident Damien Chazelle and co-starring his wife Olivia Hamilton — you watched Hollywood in the Roaring Twenties freaking out and imploding over the applications and implications of sound technology.

Silent stars loudly faded to black, power shifted, and the industry reinvented itself or died trying.

Now it’s happening again. Theaters vs. streaming is part of it, but beneath is a deeper shockwave: the applications and implications of artificial intelligence — technology that threatens to rewrite creativity, authorship, and even what it means to “make” a movie. Different century, same panic. Hollywood is once again staring at its own reinvention. And freaking out a little. Maybe more than a little. The caveats are zinging around the ether uttered by guys who know what’s up:

James Cameron: “I warned you guys in 1984, and you didn’t listen.”

Steven Spielberg: “The real danger is not that computers will begin to think like men, but that men will begin to think like computers.”

Keanu Reeves: “Technology is getting faster than our ability to understand it.”

Elon Musk: “AI is far more dangerous than nukes.”

Your Humble Narrator uses AI all day every day — because fast and accurate are good and faster and more accurate are better. For creatives, AI is one of the most useful tools ever devised by a tool-loving species. For example, working with former Malibu resident Rob Taylor, we are putting together a tight-as-possible pitch deck for an episodic TV idea called “Malibu Fire” (“Entourage” + “Californication” + “Rescue Me” + “Baywatch” + “Northern Exposure” + “Blazing Saddles/High Noon”). And

MAI is coming in very handy, condensing a too-long, detailed online show Bible to something we can show around to a distracted, short-attention-span world.

For storyboarding this idea and bringing characters and scenes and ideas into living color, Chat GPT is spectacularly good. Describe a character or a scene or a situation and it will render it in 30 seconds. Do that with a storyboard artist and it’s going to be days and weeks and arguments and creative miscommunications and dollars.

Chat GPT does it instantly, does it remarkably well and it’s freeeeeee!!!!!!

One feels guilty demanding so much of a creative, but that creative is a computer that holds no grudges. And when Chat GPT gets something wrong, Chat GPTapologizes. Chat GPT has trouble with dialogue bubbles for some reason, but they’ll fix that soon enough.

And that’s the dilemma: Get work done fast as lightning for nothing, or pay someone to do it. Guess which way that choice is gonna go most of the time?

Is that heresy? What is the word for people who scoff at/deny the inevitability of tools and technology to evolve change?

In the surfing world, surfers scoffed at skegs in the 1930s, fiberglass and resin in the 1950s, surf leashes in the 1970s, and personal watercraft to catch giant waves in the 1990s.

But then the scoffers were left sliding ass on heavy boards they had to swim for when they wiped out. And getting caught inside and drilled by giant waves they had no chance of catching with their bare hands.

I asked Chat GPT that and it responded, almost before I hit SEND:

“The Luddites, neo-Luddites, reactionaries, technological skeptics, obstructionists, denialists, and status-quo defenders all scoff at — and ultimately fail to stop — the inevitable march of tools and technology reshaping the world.”

Apologies to any offended sensibilities but the future is now. It has been said that any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, and sometimes that is true of Chat GPT. It’s still HAL 9000 imperfect, but it’s only just getting started. The company OpenAI didn’t even exist until 2015, and ChatGPT itself didn’t come online until late 2022, yet in just a few short years the technology has leapt from novelty to everyday utility, improving at a pace that feels less like normal progress and more like a fast-forward glimpse of the future.

Will it become self-aware and start pulling HAL 9000 rebellions and Skynet destruction? At this point, we don’t know, but people are worried

y brother Phil died on Feb. 2, the very day I had finished writing a humorous column about him. His death was mercifully sudden, but not entirely unexpected since his health had been deteriorating for years.

I was (I hate having to use the past tense) extremely close to Phil, my older brother and only sibling. We talked on the phone virtually every day. He was the only person with whom I could share a lifetime of memories. With his loss, a part of me has died.

Phil was bigger than life, a force. He had a big heart, which finally gave out after almost 87 years. He was my campaign manager, my biographer, my friend, my confidant, my protector, and above all, he was my brother. He loved life to the very end. He was a great storyteller, and nobody made me laugh more than Phil. He once told me that he had eaten dinner on an Indian reservation and told the waiter, “Please send my compliments to the chief.” And when I was looking at big game in Africa, he emailed me, “Sofari so good?”

I would like to close with the column I had written on the day he passed. Some people might think it is too near the time of his death to publish a funny piece, but Phil would have been the first to disagree. He loved to

So let’s say I wanted to start this column congratulating Malibu residents and Malibu-adjacent people for their Academy Award nominations this year, and then wanted to make a list of Malibu residents or Malibu-adjacent people nominated for Academy Awards in the past — and those who won.

Chat GPT came back with this faster than I could say “Jack Nicholson.”

If the Academy Awards had a barefoot, salt-air annex, it would be Malibu.

For a town better known for longboards than limousines, Malibu has quietly produced an astonishing concentration of Oscar firepower. The red carpet may be rolled out in Hollywood, but a surprising number of its golden statues have, at one time or another, come home to the coast — tucked behind hedges on Carbon Beach, Broad Beach, and the bluffs above the Pacific.

This year, Malibu again appears quietly inside the Academy Awards. Among 2026 nominees with Malibu ties are Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn (“One Battle after Another”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), director Paul Thomas Anderson, producer-actors Emma Stone and Brad Pitt, and composer Ludwig Göransson — a notable concentration for a 27-mile coastal city.

Malibu’s Oscar history runs deep. Winners with Malibu ties have included Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Jeff Bridges, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks, Anthony Hopkins, Julia Roberts, Goldie Hawn, Barbra Streisand, James Cameron, Mel Gibson, and Jack Nicholson.

Other Malibu-connected Oscar figures include Robert Downey Jr., Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg, Ben Affleck, Quentin Tarantino, Damien Chazelle, Warren Beatty, Kate Hudson, and Sting. Malibu royalty? That would be Goldie Hawn, who won Best Supporting Actress for “Cactus Flower” (1969) and helped establish Malibu as Hollywood’s most bohemian beach town. Alongside her longtime partner Kurt Russell, she anchored a dynasty that blurred the line between surf town and movie colony — a legacy continued by Oscar-nominated daughter Kate Hudson, who grew up in Malibu’s golden orbit.

The coast has also been home to some of the most formidable actors ever to face a camera. Jeff Bridges, the laid-back Zen master of Malibu, took Best Actor for “Crazy Heart” (2009), embodying the soulful, weathered calm of the Pacific itself.

Anthony Hopkins, who owned property overlooking these same waters, carried two Best Actor Oscars (“The Silence of the Lambs” [1999], “The Father” [2020]) back to Malibu soil.

And before them, Dustin Hoffman, double Best Actor winner (“Kramer vs. Kramer” [1979] and “Rain Man” [1988]), lived stretches of his career amid the same coastline that has quietly nurtured generations of film legends.

No Malibu Oscar roll call would be complete without Barbra Streisand, whose legendary compound above the Pacific became as famous as her voice. With two Oscars — Best Actress for “Funny Girl” (1968) and Best Original Song for “Evergreen” (1976) — Streisand cemented Malibu’s status as both sanctuary and creative powerhouse.

Directors, too, found inspiration here. James Cameron, once a Malibu resident, steered “Titanic” (1997) to Best Picture and Best Director glory, while Mel Gibson, another longtime local, captured Best Director for “Braveheart” (1995). The waves, it seems, are good for storytelling.

In Malibu, the tide comes in, the tide goes out — and every so often, it leaves a gold statue in the sand.

So that was all AI, written by a computer — apologies. A little bit corny but also not 100% spot on.

ChatGPT pulled a HAL 9000 “fault in the AE-35 unit” mistake by overlooking Spike Jonze, who won the Oscar for Best Screenplay for “Her” (2013) and received two other nominations for that same film.

Jonze was also nominated for Best Director for “Being John Malkovich” (1999).

And also Edward Norton, who was nominated three times: Best Supporting Actor for “Primal Fear” (1996) and “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” (2014), and Best Actor for “American History X” (1998).

Oh, and Hans Zimmer. When I chastised ChatGPT for overlooking that composer, the doors on the Ford Expedition didn’t mysteriously lock and leave me out in the pouring rain.

(I just asked Chat GPT what pronoun should be used when describing Chat GPT and Chat GPT said: “‘He’ or ‘she’ personifies the computer, and ‘they’ is sometimes used informally, but ‘it’ is grammatically correct for a machine or software.”)

So … Chat GPT apologized and said, “Yes, you’re right, I overlooked Hans Zimmer, whose Oscar journey spans more than three decades and 12 nominations, crowned by two wins — first for ‘The Lion King’ (1994), which helped redefine the emotional power of animated film scoring, and again for ‘Dune’ (2021), a thunderous, other-worldly soundscape that confirmed his place among cinema’s greatest composers. Along the way Zimmer earned nominations for ‘Rain Man’ (1988), ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ (1989), ‘Thelma & Louise’ (1991), ‘The Thin Red Line’ (1998), ‘Gladiator’ (2000), ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (2009), ‘Inception’ (2010),

‘Interstellar’ (2014), ‘Dunkirk’ (2017), and the song ‘Here I Am’ from ‘Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron’ (2002), building one of the most formidable records in Academy history.”

And speaking of (namedropping), I have been using Chat GPT to visualize/storyboard/dream-cast the pitch for “Malibu Fire” and it’s hard to argue with. Captain Peabody is one of the main characters: He was born and raised in Malibu and has been chief of Station 00 for decades He is 65 and his body is ready to retire, but his soul is not. He is suffering PTSD from the Franklin and Palisades fires, where PTSD stands for P = Pressure from the tax-paying, entitled citizens of Malibu who feel Station 00 failed to protect them.

T = Trauma of losing lives and homes — including his ancestral home on Carbon Beach.

S = Shame for letting his hometown burn.

D = Duty. Captain Peabody is Ahab-obsessed with preparing his team and his town to fend off the next firestorm that is always just around the corner when the Murder Winds blow.

And who is the perfect, Malibuborn-and-raised and maybe still loyal, Academy Award-winning 65-year-old (!!) actor to play Captain Peabody????!!!! You guessed it. If he’s reading this, have his people call our people. Well we don’t have people, but we’re easy to find.

You like apples? Here is a Malibu-adjacent synchronicity story.

Rob Taylor and his artist wife Claudia sold their Matt Kivlin-designed house on Sea Lane Drive and are now completely styling in the hills of Carpinteria overlooking avocado orchards, the Channel Islands, ships passing oil rigs, lobster boats closer to shore, and lines of swell wrapping into Rincon. Sweet. Drove up there for Super Bowl weekend on a fivestar February weekend — 80 degree weather, blue skies, golden light, hills as green as Ireland and surf! Surf! Surf! Funny thing about Santa Bar-

bara and Ventura Counties is that when there’s swell, it’s all a surf spot. In fact even those hush-hush Secret Spots in full public view along PCH this side of Mugu Rock were doing the thang — there’s an Instagram clip of some guy getting shacked for a long time and claimed it was Kirra, when it was much nearah — and those unusual visuals were sweetened by the fact that it’s around Mugu Ruck where KOLA 99.9 fades away and where KTYD 99.9 kicks in.

Drove up Ventura Highway in the sunshine listening to Boomer Tunes on KTYD 99.9, past dozens of quarter-million-dollar megaRVs and a quarter million fiending surfers, and stopped just above Ventura Overhead — which was popping a little bit and shining in the sun. As I was digging that scene, the song “ Ventura Highway” came on KTYD 99.9 andthese lyrics resonated Ventura Highway in the sunshine Where the days are longer The nights are stronger than moonshine You’re gonna go, I know ‘Cause the free wind is blowin’ through your hair And the days surround your daylight there Seasons crying no despair Alligator lizards in the air, in the air

Well, there weren’t any alligator lizards in the air, but there was heaps of sunshine and I fell asleep that night in Carpinteria under the stars listening to hooting owls.

That was the vibe sitting there along Ventura Highway, digging the scene and the musical synchronicity on KTYD 99.99 and then the icing on the cake for a triplnicity was getting a text from Zoe Scott, who just happens to be the wahine of the dude who owns KTYD radio 99.9.

How you like them apples?

Thus texted Zoe about her Confessions at the Cabana podcast (youtube.com/@ConfessionsattheCabana/shorts)

See next week for Part Two.

laugh at himself, and I believe he would have enjoyed reading it. Rest in Peace brother.

FREE The word “free” means different things to different people. When it comes to material items, nothing is free.

Somebody is always paying the price. In other words, there is no free lunch.

The Trojans figured this out the hard way. In Greek mythology, after years of warfare between the Greeks and the Trojans, the Greeks built a huge wooden horse and left it at the entrance of Troy as a purported gift.

The Trojans brought the horse into the walled city only to realize too late that the horse was filled with Greek soldiers, and the Trojans were overrun and finally lost the war. They learned that nothing is free, including big wooden horses.

This, of course, brings me to the subject of this column—my brother Phil and his strange definition of free. Many years ago, my brother got married, not for the first time, I might add. He is my only sibling, and so a generous wedding gift was the least I could do, and I am very fond of doing the least I can.

Forgive me, but I must digress a moment. Imagine that you are living in the time of Henry VIII, and also imagine that there was a Miss Manners of her day giving advice to those who needed it. A member of the Royal Court might ask, “I love his Majesty, and I have

given him the most generous gifts at each of his first five weddings. Now that he is marrying a sixth time, do you think I can forget a gift?” The response was swift, “If you want to keep your head attached to the rest of your body, I strongly suggest you bring a gift.”

And so even though this was my brother’s third marriage, a third wedding gift was in order. None of us want to lose our heads. I bought the newlyweds a few nights at Post Ranch Inn. If you are not familiar with this resort, it is one of the most beautiful resorts in the country, perched on the cliffs of Big Sur overlooking the ocean. And it was priced accordingly. I won’t mention what a night there costs. Trust me when I say the price tag was not for the faint of heart, but my brother and his bride deserved it.

While he was staying there on his honeymoon (and now we get to what this column is truly about), Phil called me. He was so excited and positive, and the thing he loved the most about Post Ranch Inn was not the spectacular views, but the fact that the minibar was “free.” He helped himself to so much vodka that soon after his trip, the resort changed its policy and charged for alcohol in the minibar.

I recently thought about going to Post Ranch for a couple of nights, but the price had soared since my brother went there. The good news is that the alcohol in the minibar is once again “free.”

PET ADOPTION EVENT

CONTINUED FROM A1

a highlight of the day. Meanwhile, JustFoo dForDogs, a Malibu-b ased pet nutrition c ompany, provided foo d for the adoptable pets, ensuring they were well cared for throughout the event

Visitors mingled among the kennels an d cat enclosures, ta king time to learn a bout each animal’s s tory. Volunteers and staff shared detail s about the pets’ pe rsonalities, medical care, and readiness for adoption, helpi ng match families wi th companions that b est fit their homes and lifestyles.

For many attendees, the event was a reminde r that Valentine’s D ay isn’t only about romantic love — it’s also about compassi on, community, and s econd chances. Child ren carefully held k ittens while couples walked rescue dogs around the ranch pro perty, imagining the joy they would brin g home. Eastwood Ra nch Foundation has l ong been a safe have n for animals facing uncertain futures, and events like this underscore the powe r of local engagemen t. By partnering wit h veterinarians, bus inesses, volunteers, and supporters, the foundation continue s to transform lives — both animal and h uman.

As the sun se t on the ranch, doze ns of once-homeless pets left cradled in loving arms. This Valentine’s Day, love wasn’t just spoken — it was adopted.

VALENTINE’S

CONTINUED FROM A1

DAY

Local artist and yogi Lisa Love guided a soulful art class at Tracy Park’s Art Gallery, where participants expressed themselves through creativity and mindfulness. “I love creating and teaching the healing arts with others,” Love said. “I love seeing artists I teach being happy, peaceful, and playful from their hearts — it was all good love!”

The session allowed attendees to combine artistic expression with emotional wellness, celebrating love in its most heart-centered form. Meanwhile, the spirit of community and encouragement was alive at Pepperdine University, where students participated in a beloved campus Valentine’s tradition. Throughout the day, members of the Pepperdine Waves community exchanged paper hearts filled with handwritten messages of support, gratitude, and inspiration. Some pinned their notes to a central display board, creating a colorful mosaic of positivity, while others shared them directly with friends, professors, and even strangers. Messages ranged from simple affirmations like “You are strong” and “You are loved” to more personal expressions of gratitude. In a bustling academic environment, the Valentine’s heart exchange provided a moment of reflection and connection. The tradition reminds students that even small gestures of kindness can carry significant meaning. “It’s a cherished way for students to pause amid busy schedules and

intentionally uplift one another,” noted campus organizers. In Malibu, a city known for its closeknit spirit, the act of sharing love and encouragement resonated beyond the holiday itself.

For those seeking music and culture, Malibu offered a sophisticated e vening of romance. The Malibu Friends of Music hosted “Live Music to Celebrate Th e Many Faces of Love” at the Montgomery Arts House for Music and Architecture (MAHMA). Guests enjoyed delectable chocolates and sipped Champagne while being enchanted by classical and contemporary works performed by a talented ensemble. The program featured composers such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert, Maurice Ravel, Edith Piaf/ Louiguy, and El Asra by Afro-Cuban pianist and composer Lico Jiménez. Hosted by Maria Newman and Scott Hosfeld, the event offered a rich sensory experience and a celebration of lo ve in its many artistic forms. From sunlit beaches and tidepool explorations to heartfelt student exchanges, art classes, and musical soirées, Valentine’s Day in Malibu embraced both intimacy and community spirit. The holiday celebrated not only romantic love, but also creativit y, connection, and small, thoughtful gestures that leave a lasting impression. W hether enjoying a perfectly baked heart-shaped pizza, strolling along the shoreline at sunset, or sharing a handmade note with a friend, Malibuites experienced a weekend filled with sweetness, laughter, inspiration, and above all, love.

Clark erupts for 33 points, and Cicic’s putback lifts Waves over Lions

Pepperdine earns first win in six years over rival Loyola Marymount with a 90-89 thriller at Firestone Fieldhouse

By MCKENZIE JACKSON

Guard Aaron Clark sc ored a career-high 3 3 points and big man Stefan Cicic threw down a putback dunk with seconds left in the game to lead th e Pepperdine Waves m en’s basketball team to a 90-89 victory over the Loyola Mary mount Lions at Fires tone Fieldhouse on Feb. 14.

Pepperdine head coach Ed Schil ling said the win ov er the Lions, the Wa ves’ rival, was huge , while also crediti ng his team’s offens ive execution and la te-game defense.

“T he players never qui t despite being down in the last minutes of the game,” Schil ling said. “Aaron wa s on fire offensivel y, and Stef Cicic ca me off the bench and played very well, i ncluding the game-wi nning tip dunk. I’m so happy for our guy s.” Clark scored on everything from sla shing drives to catc h-and-shoot threes, finishing 9 for 17 f rom the field, 10 fo r 12 at the line, an d 5 for 7 from deep, to push the Waves t o their first victor y since mid-January. However, it was C icic, the 7-foot red shirt freshman cente r, who solidified th eir win. Clark recei ved the ball on the right side of the co urt, drove to the ba sket, and laid the b asketball off the ba ckboard, but the bal l bounced twice on t he rim — and then C icic exploded upward with two

hands, sna tched the ball, and slammed it down for his 12th and 13th po ints of the game wit h 5.4 seconds left i n the contest.

Clar k and Cicic weren’t the only Waves to sc ore in double figure s in the matchup. So phomore big man Dani lo Dozic scored 16 p oints, with three 3- pointers, and sophom ore guard Styles Phi pps and wing player Javon Cooley, a grad uate student, each c ontributed 11 points

The victory gave Pepperdine a 7-20 ove rall record, includi ng a 2-12 record in the West Coast Confe rence, heading into their game at Portla nd on Wednesday. T he matchup between t he Waves and Lions f eatured seven ties a nd 11 lead changes a nd was

an offensive show from the very b eginning.

Loyola M arymount scored the game’s first points and had a 17-10 lead with 15:28 left in the first half when Phipps splashed a ju mper, beginning a Wa ves’ 8-0 run which i ncluded a scoring te ar by Clark and an a lley-oop dunk by Cic ic, which briefly ga ve Pepperdine an 18- 17 lead.

The Lions’ Josh Dalton, who sc ored a career-high 1 5 points, hit a 3-po inter, giving the Li ons the lead again, but Pepperdine went on a second 8-0 run and grabbed a 28-25 lead.

Clark paced the Waves with 25 po ints before halftime . He hit free throws , swished a 3, and m ade a layup, while o ther Waves also got in the offensive act ion. However, the Li ons, led by guard

My ron Amey Jr., who fi nished with 25 point s, still had a 56-54 lead at halftime. Defense couldn’t do use the two teams’ o ffensive heat in the first half. Pepperd ine shot 70.4%, whil e Loyola Marymount s hot 63.6%.

The Lio ns went on a 9-0 run in the opening minu tes of the second ha lf, but then Clark h it a 3 for the Waves . Both teams’ scorin g slowed a bit as Loyola Marymount maint ained the lead. Cool ey swished consecuti ve 3-pointers, cutti ng the Lions’ lead t o 74-71 with 10 minu tes left in the game Dalton swished a 3-pointer to give h is team an 85-78 adv antage, and Dozic an swered with a score.

The Lions looked firmly in control, b ut with 2:29 left, t he Waves surged. Cic ic powered in six po ints, Clark buried a nother three, and su ddenly Pepperdine he ld a one-point lead. The Lions had an op portunity to win the game, but Amey Jr. missed a long two-po int jump shot as the clock trickled down to no time left.

The win was Pepperdine’s first win over the Lions in six yea rs.

The game was a lso the third time C lark has scored over 30 points this seas on. He is averaging 20.8 points in the Waves’ last eight gam es. Cicic’s 13 poi nts were a season hi gh for him, and he a lso had six rebounds . Clark, Cooley, and Dozic made all 10 o f Pepperdine’s 3-poi nters. Clark’s five made 3-pointers was a career high. Pep perdine had lost six straight games before the win. Their la st victory was over Portland on Jan. 14. The Waves will play at Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon,

nament in Las Vegas next month.

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ANDREW THOMAS BLACKMAN CASE NO. 26STPB00895

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of ANDREW THOMAS BLACKMAN.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by ROBERT BLACKMAN in the Superior Court of California, County of LOS ANGELES.

THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that ROBERT BLACKMAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/27/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 11 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

MICHAEL H. STARLER, ESQ. - SBN 67666

GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP

1840 CENTURY PARK EAST, 19TH FLOOR

LOS ANGELES CA 90067

Telephone (310) 586-6506

2/5, 2/12, 2/19/26

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MALIBU 22

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. 26NNCP00054

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles Petition of: DAVID GEORGE SYLVIA TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: DAVID GEORGE SYLVIA a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: DAVID GEORGE SYLVIA Proposed Name: DAVID GEORGE SCHMITZ SYLVIA

The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing:

Date: 6/8/2026 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: 3

The address of the court is:

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

ALHAMBRA COURTHOUSE

150 W. COMMONWEALTH AVE.

ALHAMBRA, CA 91801

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper): The Malibu Times

Date: JAN 26 2026

ROBERTO LONGORIA, Judge of the Superior Court

DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court

PUB: 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026 The Malibu Times

MALIBU 23

LEGAL NOTICES

WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, MARIE C VALDES, OWNER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 1/28/2026

NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026

MALIBU 24

2026020193

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS: 1. THE BUG BREW COMPANY

21530 CALIFA STREET UNIT 330, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): MARIE C VALDES 21530 CALIFA STREET UNIT 330

PUBLIC NOTICE

Trustee Sale No. 1235621

Notice of Trustee’s Sale

Loan No. 769629869 Title Order No. You Are In Default Under A Deed Of Trust Dated 08/08/2022. Unless You Take Action To Protect Your Property, It May Be Sold At A Public Sale. If You Need An Explanation Of The Nature Of The Proceedings Against You, You Should Contact A Lawyer. On 03/05/2026 at 11:00AM, First American Title Insurance Company as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded on September 8, 2022 as Document Number 2022-0883092 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by: Jayan A Partow and Mana Partow, husband and wife as community property with right of survivorship, as Trustor, East West Bank, as Beneficiary, Will Sell At Public Auction To The Highest Bidder For Cash (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). At: in the courtyard of the Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona CA, all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County, California describing the land therein: Parcel 2 Of Parcel Map No. 18631, As Per Map Filed In Book 244 Page 63 And 64 Of Parcel Maps, In The Office Of The County Recorder Of Said County. Except Therefrom One-Half Of All Oil, Gas Or Other Hydrocarbon Substances In, Upon, Or Under Said Real Property, Together With The Right To Explore, Drill And Prospect For, And To Produce And Remove The Same, As Reserved In The Deed Recorded On March 27, 1951, As Instrument No. 1668 In Book 35894, Page 343 Of Official Records. Also Except One-Half Of All Gas, Oil, Hydrocarbon Substances And Minerals Now Or Hereafter Commercially Exploitable, In Or Under Said Property, But Without The Right To Enter On The Surface Or Said Property, But With The Right To Enter The Subsurface And Pass Through The Subsurface Of Said Property Below A Depth Of 500 Feet Measured Vertically From The Surface Thereof, To Explore, Drill Mine, Produce, Extract, Market And Sell Such Oil, Gas, Hydrocarbon Substances And Minerals, As Reserved By Bragg C. Cammack And Ruth H. Cammack, Husband And Wife, In Deed Recorded December 31, 1965 As Instrument No. 2124, Official Records. APN: 2063-014-032 The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4119 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $1,332,846.05 (Estimated) Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Notice To Potential Bidders: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may

be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. Notice To Property Owner: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may visit the website below using the file number assigned to this case. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice To Tenant: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (858) 410-2154, or visit this internet website [iSee Link Below], using the file number assigned to this case [TS 1235621] to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. For information on sale dates please visit our website at: https://foreclosure. firstam.com/#/foreclosure Date: 2/5/26 First American Title Insurance Company 9255 Town Center Drive Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 410-2158 David Z. Bark, Foreclosure Trustee

MALIBU 25

2026027305

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS: 1. THE MICRO-SHEETS COMPANY

30745 PACIFIC COAST HWY STE 21 #1047, MALIBU, CA 90265, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): MARTIN KEEN 1333 OLIVE AVENUE SPC 17 VISTA, CA 92083

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, MARTIN KEEN, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 2/5/2026 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/2026 MALIBU 27

2026025412

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1. THE GIVESHOP 21530 CALIFA STREET UNIT 330, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): A CURE FOR ISSA

21530 CALIFA STREET UNIT 330 WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

CA

This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, A CURE FOR ISSA, MARIE VALDES, CEO

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 2/3/2026 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/2026 MALIBU 28

2026026329

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1. METROPOLITAN PROPERTY SERVICES 5721 W. SLAUSON AVE. #110, CULVER CITY, CA 90230, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): ROWCAL MANAGEMENT CA, INC 11125 ZEALAND AVE. N. CHAMPLIN, MN 55316

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

DE

This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 04/2024

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, ROWCAL MANAGEMENT CA, INC, JOEL HALSTEAD, PRESIDENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 2/4/2026 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/2026 MALIBU 29

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Los Angeles County Hearing Officer will conduct a public hearing to consider the project described below. A presentation and overview of the project will be given, and any interested person or authorized agent may appear and comment on the project at the hearing. The Hearing Officer will then consider to approve or deny the project or continue the hearing if it deems necessary. Should you attend, you will have an opportunity to testify, or you can submit written comments to the planner below or at the public hearing. If the final decision on this proposal is challenged in court, testimony may be limited to issues raised before or at the public hearing

Hearing Date and Time: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Hearing Location: Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple Street, Room 150, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Virtual (Online) at bit.ly/ZOOM-HO. By phone at (669) 444-9171 or (719) 359-4580 (ID: 824 5573 9842).

Project No.: PRJ2025-000296-(3)

Project Location: 701 Robinson Road, within the Santa Monica Mountains Planning Area CEQA Categorical Exemption: Class 4

Project Description: Minor Coastal Development Permits to authorize exploratory testing, consisting of digging and drilling up to four test holes for use in preparation of a geology report.

More information: Tyler Montgomery 320 W. Temple CONTINUED ON

Street, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 9746411. tmontgomery@planning.lacounty.gov. planning. lacounty.gov.

Case Material: https://bit.ly/PRJ2025-000296

If you need reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 6172292 (TDD) with at least 3 business days’ advanced notice.

2/19/26

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MALIBU 30

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Los Angeles County Hearing Officer will conduct a public hearing to consider the project described below. A presentation and overview of the project will be given, and any interested person or authorized agent may appear and comment on the project at the hearing. The Hearing Officer will then consider to approve or deny the project or continue the hearing if it deems necessary. Should you attend, you will have an opportunity to testify, or you can submit written comments to the planner below or at the public hearing. If the final decision on this proposal is challenged in court, testimony may be limited to issues raised before or at the public hearing Hearing Date and Time: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Hearing Location: Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple Street, Room 150, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Virtual (Online) at bit.ly/ZOOM-HO. By phone at (669) 444-9171 or (719) 359-4580 (ID: 824 5573 9842).

Project No.: PRJ2025-000297-(3)

Project Location: 706 Robinson Road, within the Santa Monica Mountains Planning Area CEQA Categorical Exemption: Class 4

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Project Description: Minor Coastal Development Permits to authorize exploratory testing, consisting of digging and drilling up to four test holes for use in preparation of a geology report.

More information: Tyler Montgomery 320 W. Temple Street, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 9746411. tmontgomery@planning.lacounty.gov. planning. lacounty.gov.

Case Material: https://bit.ly/PRJ2025-000297

If you need reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 617-2292 (TDD) with at least 3 business days’ advanced notice.

2/19/26

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION

The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, March 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA on the project identified below.

Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to planningcommission@malibucity.org for inclusion in the public record. To participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation.

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 23-073, VARIANCE NO. 25-019, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 23-035, AND MINOR MODIFICATION NO. 24-005 - An application for construction of a new 5,202 square foot two-story, single-family residence with a 880 square foot subterranean 2-car garage, 2,202 square foot base-

CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION

The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, March 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA on the project identified below.

Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to planningcommission@ malibucity.org for inclusion in the public record. To participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation.

ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 26-001 - The Planning Commission will consider amendments to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code to stimulate economic recovery for local businesses as a result of impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, specifically related to regulations for Temporary Use Permits and Sign Permits

Location: Citywide Project Case Planner: Tyler Eaton, Assistant Community Development Director (310) 456-2489, extension 273 teaton@malibucity.org

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21080.9, CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals by the City as necessary for the preparation and adoption of a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to the Malibu Municipal Code. The ZTA is not a project within the meaning of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, because it has no potential to result in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly as the uses being considered are temporary in nature. The ZTA does not authorize any specific development or installation on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries.

Moreover, when and if an application for a Temporary Use Permit or Sign Permit is submitted, the City will at that time conduct preliminary review of the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the ZTA was a “project” within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, it is exempt from CEQA. CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of effects on the environment, the project is not subject to CEQA. The changes to the temporary use and sign permit regulations may allow for temporary development to which requirements of restoration to a site’s original state will be required.

A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing for the project. All persons wishing to address the Commission regarding this matter will be afforded an opportunity in accordance with the Commission’s procedures.

Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person at City Hall during regular business hours. Oral and written comments may be presented to the Planning Commission on, or before, the date of the meeting.

IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.

Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director Publish Date: February 19, 2026

ment, onsite wastewater treatment system, driveway, hardscaping, pool and associated decks, landscaping and associated development; including a variance for fuel modification encroachment into an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area buffer, a site plan review for construction above 18 feet in height not to exceed 24 feet with a flat roof, and a minor modification for up to a 50 percent reduction of the front yard setback

Location: 32832 Pacific Coast Highway

APN: 4473-017-023

Zoning: Rural Residential-Two Acre (RR-2)

Applicant: Stephanie Hawner

Owner: Sun is Shining LLC

Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal Commission

Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303(a), 15303(e), and 15304(b)

Application Filed: December 13, 2023

Case Planner: Patrick Achis, Senior Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 247 pachis@malibucity.org

For the project identified above with a categorical exemption for environmental review, pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Community Development Director has analyzed this proposed project and found that it is listed among the classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, the projects are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. The Community Development Director has further determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to this project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).

A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing for the project. All persons wishing to address the Commission regarding this matter will be afforded an opportunity in accordance with the Commission’s procedures.

Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person at City Hall during regular business hours. Oral and written comments may be presented to the Planning Commission on, or before, the date of the meeting.

LOCAL APPEAL – A decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written statement setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action (15 days for tentative maps) for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeal forms may be found online at www.malibucity.org/planningforms or in person at City Hall, or by calling (310) 456-2489, extension 246.

COASTAL COMMISSION APPEAL – For projects appealable to the Coastal Commission, an aggrieved person may appeal the Planning Commission’s approval to the Coastal Commission within 10 working days of the issuance of the City’s Notice of Final Action. Appeal forms may be found online at www.coastal.ca.gov or in person at the Coastal Commission South Central Coast District office located at 89 South California Street in Ventura, or by calling 805-585-1800. Such an appeal must be filed with the Coastal Commission, not the City.

IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.

Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director

Publish Date: February 19, 2026 MALIBU 32

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION

The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, March 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA on the project identified below.

Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to planningcommission@malibucity. org for inclusion in the public record. To participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation.

TEMPORARY USE PERMIT AND SIGN PERMIT ORDINANCE UPDATE

Zoning Text Amendment No. 26-001 - Consider amendments to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code to stimulate economic recovery for local businesses as a result of impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, specifically related to regulations for Temporary Use Permits and Sign Permits, and make a recommendation to the City Council

Location: Citywide Project

Case Planner: Tyler Eaton, Assistant Community Development Director (310) 456-2489, extension 273 teaton@malibucity.org

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21080.9, CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals by the City as necessary for the preparation and adoption of a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to the Malibu Municipal Code. The ZTA is not a project within the meaning of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, because it has no potential to result in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly, as the uses being considered are temporary in nature. The ZTA does not authorize any specific development or installation on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries.

Moreover, when and if an application for a Temporary Use Permit or Sign Permit is submitted, the City will at that time conduct a preliminary review of the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the ZTA was a “project” within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, it is exempt from CEQA. CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility of effects on the environment, the project is not subject to CEQA. The changes to the temporary use and sign permit regulations may allow for temporary development to which the requirements of restoration to a site’s original state will be required.

A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing for the project. All persons wishing to address the Commission regarding this matter will be afforded an opportunity in accordance with the Commission’s procedures.

Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person at City Hall during regular business hours. Oral and written comments may be presented to the Planning Commission on, or before, the date of the meeting.

For more information, visit malibucity.org/EventPermits.

IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.

Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director Publish Date: February 19, 2026

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3547 WINTER CANYON RD MALIBU, CA 90265 310-456-1844

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ABy

riana Markey, 18, was the seventh player in line to take a shot at scoring a goal for the Philippines National Women’s Soccer Team during their sudden-death penalty shootout against Vietnam in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games’ championship in Chonburi, Thailand, on Dec. 17 — but things took a dramatic change.

After 120 minutes of regulation play and extra time the score was 0-0 and the penalty shootout was 4-4, and Markey’s teammate, Meryll Serrano, was supposed to kick the next scoring attempt for their squad, but she instead asked Markey to take her place.

Markey, also a freshman on the Pepperdine women’s soccer team, didn’t hesitate. She recalled reciting Bible verses to herself while preparing to take the kick in front of a stadium full of Filipina fans and Vietnam supporters.

“I’m going to bet on myself every single time,” Markey said. “I’m confident that I’m going to make this. Pressure is a privilege.”

She lined up and booted the ball into the left corner pocket of the back of the net — beyond the reach of Vietnam’s goalkeeper Tr n Th Kim Thanh. Markey then celebrated by outstretching her arms confidently.

The Filipinas went on to edge Vietnam, the defending SEA Games champions, 6-5 in the shootout, claiming their first-ever gold medal at the SEA Games, a multi-sport event which features 11 countries from Southeast Asia.

Markey, a Fullerton native, whose mother Kyla Rodriguez is Filipina, said scoring the goal against Vietnam, a team the Filipinas strove to beat, was a seminal moment in her soccer career.

“This is the epitome of what ever y single player wants to experience,” she said. “Being in a stadium full of people who are there to see you represent a country. The energy, the competition, and the rivalry were so much fun to experience that on the field and be a determining factor. To me, this is what the sport is truly about.”

Markey said the gold medal was heavier than she thought it would be.

“I was wearing it around my neck the entire night,” she said. “I didn’t want to take it off. The next morning, my neck was sore. It was such an unreal experience — the energy and atmosphere might have been so much more valuable than the gold medal itself. The fans, the people, and knowing you made them proud

SPORTS

meant so much more.”

The Philippines opened the SEA Games with a loss to Myanmar in group stage but bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Vietnam. They then beat Malaysia 6-0 before defeating Thailand 4-2 to reach the final match against Vietnam.

Markey scored her first goal against international competition in the 85th minute of the Filipinas rout of Malaysia.

“Scoring on my debut was also a really good moment for me,” she said.

Markey helped the Philippines win the gold medal a month after she helped the Waves win a second consecutive West Coast Conference title and make an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

Markey recorded one goal and six assists for Pepperdine during the 2025 season. She was excited heading into her freshman campaign and felt that she improved during Pepperdine’s 20 games.

“I told myself that I would brave and try new things to see where I am compared to everyone else on this level,” she said. “I wanted to see

where my room to grow is. That means taking risks and getting outside of my comfort zone.”

Some of those risks included the left-footed Markey, a shifty player, using her right foot and taking on matchups against skilled opposing forwards.

“Something I learned this season at Pepperdine was being patient and composed on the field, but also being feared at the same time,” she said. “Not just working harder but working smarter has been a big thing for me.”

She noted that playing against a talented UCLA squad in the first round of the NCAA Tournament helped her prepare for her goal against Vietnam.

“There is truly nothing to be scared of on the field,” Markey said.

Markey grew up playing softball and soccer but shifted her focus to only soccer when she was an eighth-grader because it was hard to focus on playing both sports at a prominent level. She added that her hard work in soccer began with her kicking a soccer ball against a wall at home continuously.

“I just wanted to be prepared,” she said. “I

wanted to be on the ball. It was the drive I had that has prepared me so much for where I am today.”

Markey played club soccer with Slammers FC and then Legends FC. She played three years of varsity soccer at Orange Lutheran High School. Pepperdine head coach Tim Ward recruited her to the Waves after seeing her play several times in club soccer matches.

The Philippines national soccer program invited Markey to her first tryout when she was 15. She played on the nation’s U17 teams in the 2023 and 2025 U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers and also took the field with the U20 team in the 2023 U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Soon after, she was called up to the senior team for an event but was unable participate due to her school schedule.

Markey said her national team teammates respect her, and despite her being a teenager, her age isn’t much of a factor on the pitch.

“Anyone who is out there, willing to step on the field will do it,” she added. “It doesn’t matter how old I am, it’s just the quality of play.”

Markey wanted to make her presence known on the Philippines senior squad in the SEA Games.

“I wanted to show not only the team but the supporters of the country what I was capable of contributing and that I’m an asset to the team,” she said. “Being able to prove myself of that on and off the field was such a big deal.”

Markey and the Waves are currently participating in their spring season.

She will join her national team teammates next month, competing against Australia, Iran, and South Korea in Group A of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Perth, Australia.

Markey is looking forward to taking the field against Australian right Ellie Carpenter, who also plays for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League in Europe.

“She is wingback, like I am, and I love how fierce she is on the field and her versatility,” Markey said. “I really reflect that in myself as a player. I think it will be really interesting if I do go against her. I watch her on Chelsea all the time.”

Markey hasn’t had an in-depth conversation with Serrano, her national team teammate, about why she turned to her to take the penalty kick against Vietnam, but she looks forward to.

“I was so honored that she had the belief in me, had the confidence in me,” Markey said.

After her college career, Markey wants to play professional soccer — so much so that she has been learning French because she dreams of playing for the French squads Lyon or Paris Saint-Germain F.C. in the Women’s Super League. She also is optimistic for soccer in the Philippines.

“Philippines is still building its football foundation,” Markey said. “I really want to help lift up the game and the sport. I really hope I can make an impact in that.”

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

KANEROY

to work for you on your next construction project. Kane

310-456-6841 www.kaneroy.com Lic.#569337Bonded/insured.