SLOW DOWN ON PCH ENJOY THE CUISINE
M A LIB U ’S AWA RD W INN IN G N E WSPA P E R S I N CE 1 94 6 VOL. LXXIX • NO. XI
THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024
malibutimes.com • $.50 • WEEKLY
Nobu defies Malibu order
The Nobu restaurant went on with the party despite not having a valid permit from the city. Screenshot from social media
Restaurant moves forward with unpermitted July 4 ‘Red, White and Bootsy’ event Summer Wheaton’s 2019 MBZ four-door sedan (far right) was traveling east on Pacific Coast Highway when she crossed the center line and struck the 2020 Cadillac Escalade (left, on tow truck) head-on. The identity of the person killed has been identified as 44-year-old Martin Okeke, a ride share driver, who died at the scene. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Victim of head-on July 4 crash identified Riseshare driver, Martin Okeke died on scene; his young teenage passenger suffers injuries died at the scene on Pacific Coast Highway west of Carbon Canyon while driving a black 2020 Cadillac Escalade. Okeke’s vehicle was The identity of the victim killed in a head-on struck head on by a white 2019 Mercedes collision July 4 in Malibu has been identified. Benz traveling eastbound. The Los Angeles 44-year-old Martin Okeke, a rideshare driver, Sheriff ’s Department said in a statement that By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
a preliminary investigation found that the Mercedes Benz “crossed the center median for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac traveling westbound.” The driver of the Mercedes under PHOTOS ON PAGE A7
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
Despite having no permit, Nobu restaurant went ahead with its “Red, White, and Bootsy” July 4 bash. The venue was issued a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) from the city dated June 10 “pending an updated parking and site plan submitted to The (sic) Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department.” The TUP also expressly stated that “[a]pproval
of the event is pending approval of the LACFD” and “[a]pproval of the event is pending approval of the Sheriff ’s Department.” The TUP also expressly stated that “[t] he event’s approval will be pending an updated parking plan submitted to the Public Works Department.” Finally, the TUP expressly stated that“[i]f any agency approval, additional information, or signed agreements are still pending by June 26, 2024, the Temporary Use Permit will be null and void.” No appeals to the conditional TUP were filed. It appears appeals are expensive, at a cost of $750 to the appellant. Nobu was notified two weeks CONTINUED ON PAGE A5
INSIDE
this week
Doug Stewart takes the oath of office after being elected as mayor of Malibu at the City Council meeting on Monday, July 7. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Doug Stewart elected Malibu mayor, Malibu Film Society’s Summer Special Event Series coming to Marianne Riggins mayor pro tem City Hall |B1 City Council adjourns meeting in memory of driver killed on July 4, will address Nobu incident on Aug. 12 Residents of Point Dume ride the route during their annual Fourth of July parade. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Malibu celebrates the Fourth of July Two neighborhoods enjoy parades for Independence Day By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
Little Koa Funfar, 4, grinned happily as he drove his toy truck bedecked with red, white, and blue flags all by himself all the way down the street to where residents of Malibu West traditionally gather for their annual parade and Independence Day festivities. His smiling grandmother, Sabrina Downing, was close by overseeing Koa, of course. Koa was just one of many of the tiniest Malibuites celebrating their own independence on Independence Day. It’s a long way from grandma’s house to get to the end of the neighborhood! It’s an annual tradition in Malibu West for residents to decorate, well, almost any vehicle that moves, with flags and patriotic regalia. Then, after their joyous
parade, neighbors gather to communally indulge in one of the quintessential treats that Americans across Malibu and the country thoroughly enjoy on the Fourth of July — watermelon, of course! “The 4th of July is for the colors red, white and blue!” Koa happily declared, adding, “And, for a fun parade!” Meanwhile, little Luke Funfar, 2, happily sat on the grass, surveying all the mayhem as he gloriously enjoyed waving Old Glory. He loves those little flags!
By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
The election for the seats of mayor and mayor pro tem took place at the City Council meeting on Monday
night.Before the administration of the oath, outgoing Mayor Steve Uhring was acknowledged by the city and community for his service as the mayor. “He has worked diligently, and it has been an honor and pleasure to sit beside him here these past nine and a half months,” new Mayor Doug Stewart said. “It’s been good for all CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
Malibu City Council, MTC respond to Adrian Fernandez letter Assistant planning director still on leave from city after his claims of harrassment, death threats made public
The 23rd annual Point Dume parade Across town, the Point Dume community gathered By BARBARA BURKE for its 23rd annual Fourth of July celebration. Special to The Malibu Times Attendees lined up along the parade route, nestled comfortably in their beach chairs, chatting with The City of Malibu provided neighbors and craning their necks, hoping to catch The Malibu Times with a the first glimpse of all the decorated vehicles they rather perfunctory statement heard honking off in the distance. on July 3 responding to the CONTINUED ON PAGE A8 Times’ request for a comment
concerning the allegations set forth by Assistant Planning Director Adrian Fernandez in his June 24 letter to the City Council in which he stated that he wanted to “finally raise the curtain on abuses and collusion that [he] has both witnessed and personally endured within the City of Malibu.” Continuing, Fernandez stated that “the last few weeks have
CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
News Briefs . . . . . . . . . A3 • County investigating apparent animal cruelty case Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . A4 • Events Business . . . . . . . . . . . A5 • Business column: Sneakerheads and ice cream aficionados unite Real Estate . . . . . . . . . .A8 Malibu Life . . . . . . . . . B1 • World-renowned artist recreates her acclaimed Malibu land artwork People . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 • Ben Marcus: Malibu Castaway Consignment — Felicia and Electra team up for new Malibu consignment store Legals . . . . . . . . . . . . .B4 Business & Directory . . . B5 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . B5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .B8 • Waves women’s golfers advance in amateur tournament