It’s been a long slog for the City of Malibu in its decades-long effort to separate from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, but the team leading the effort presented a town hall last Wednesday to keep the community informed that the process is ongoing and making progress, albeit slowly.
Deputy City Attorney Christine Wood, who has been heading the strategic direction of the campaign for what is called“unification” in forming a stand-alone Malibu Unified School District (MUSD), led the discussion on the incremental steps being taken to form an MUSD.
After years of negotiations between city leaders and the district, both sides finally agreed in principle to separate. Mediation to untangle
After months of parental pressure and prolonged outages that forced campus closures, Malibu’s public schools finally have backup power systems in place. Representatives from the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and their contractor, Schneider Electric, briefed residents last week on significant progress made toward protecting Malibu campuses from Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and other outages — long a sore point for parents frustrated by lost instruction time.
The presentation, led by SMMUSD Sustainability Manager Austin Toyama and Schneider Electric Program Manager Marc Starkey, detailed the installation of new generator “quick-connect” systems, temporary and permanent generators, and long-term plans for solar-powered microgrids at all four Malibu school sites.
Toyama, who oversees alternative energy projects for the district, began by walking residents through
A Central Florida man accused of deliberately sparking the catastrophic Palisades Fire faces extradition to California, federal authorities announced last week. The arrest
of Jonathan Rinderknecht comes alongside the release of a damning 70-page Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) after-action review, which reveals that firefighters were ordered to abandon a smoldering underground fire despite on-scene warnings that it was still active — a
It’s a beloved annual tradition for Malibu High students, and this year, the annual homecoming game and dance on Oct.17 proved to be exciting and delightful and at times during the game, quite a nailbiter, which only added to the fun.
The festivities began with a dazzlingly impressive choreographed pep rally performed by the cheerleaders and the football team, followed by
decision crews later described as a “bad idea.” Adding to the scrutiny, a Los Angeles Times investigation published on Thursday, Oct. 30, based on reviewed text messages, shows that ground crews had warned their battalion chief as early as Jan. 2 that the site remained hazardous.
The convergence of these developments has brought the January wildfire back into the spotlight — rightfully so — intensifying calls for accountability from both the alleged arsonist and public safety officials. What began as a small 8-acre brush
the traditional Homecoming procession, establishing an energized vibe for the rest of the game. Nick Ortiz’ stellar performance of a rock-inspired guitar rendition of the national anthem was thoroughly enjoyed by all who packed the stands as students, families, and community members soaked in the festive atmosphere. Throughout the game, the drum line directed by Mr. John Kibler kept the crowd invigorated with dynamic beats, while the cheer team, led by Rachel Hébert, sparked school spirit with
choreographed cheers and nonstop enthusiasm.
Announcer John Meyers engaged the audience from kickoff to the final whistle, making the night a perfect blend of school pride and athletic drama.
Howdy’s served crowd favorites, drizzle funnel cakes that delighted sweet-toothed aficionados, and DJ Tracy Kies kept the energy high with a lively mix of music. Runyan Capital, a team sponsor, added extra fun with glow-in-the-dark
In a tense, sometimes chaotic session on Monday night, the Malibu Planning Commission voted 4-1 to approve a $55 million Caltrans project to repave and re-engineer 15 miles of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), including sweeping safety upgrades — but only after a long discussion of scaling back planned lights, conditioning a controversial Pepperdine sidewalk, and navigating a storm of grief, fury, and debate over the city’s rural identity. The commission’s recent meetings have often descended into disorder, with commissioners speaking over one another, demanding extra time to comment, and prompting multiple reminders from the city attorney to
MALIBU’S AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1946
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief Firefighters struggle to contain flames along Pacific Coast Highway during the Palisades Fire, after the LAFD pulled out days earlier following the Lachman Fire Photo courtesy of CalFire
The Malibu High Homecoming court (from left): Finn Agarwal, Maizee Marderosian, Stevie Clarke (Homecoming King), Reghan Marlow (Homecoming Queen), Ella Stabile, Diego Alvarez. Photo by Steve Clarke
In Case
You Missed it
Let’s Rebuild: A 10-day dare
In the wake of Malibu’s devastating fires, our community continues to show remarkable resilience. Recent weeks have brought an upswing in permit approvals, thanks to tremendous efforts by a few within the City Hall of Malibu, the “Permit Squad” as I would call them. We have seen a mindset shift toward expedited reviews. This progress however relies on incredible personal oversight to wade through an onerous system that may be unsustainable over long periods of time and as the volume of applications grow. We must remember that we are but at the start of a long road back home. It’s time to think big and institutionalize the efficiencies with an “Express Lane” — a bold 10-day permit review process for Like-for-Like and Like-for-Like +10% rebuilds.
Can we slash months of bureaucracy to just 10 business days? I say, YES. The plan’s three pillars, while radical on first blush, are completely feasible: 1. onsite meetings for
real-time alignment among city reps, homeowners, and designers, cutting weeks of back and forth to align on documents and studies that are needed, 2. consolidated feedback on applications from just two sources (all the Malibu city departments combined and the Fire Department) instead of five fragmented ones as is presently the case, and, 3. eliminating redundancies like repetitive forms, notarizations, administrative steps and late-stage surprises. These ideas are not new; they are grounded in precedent. Design professionals and members of the Malibu Rebuild Task Force have collaborated to develop a detailed, day-by-day execution plan to bring it to life.
Skeptics may label it ambitious, but if this moment doesn’t demand we shatter the status quo, then I don’t know what does. We’ve faced criticism lately — let’s flip the script by embracing innovation that upholds safety while accelerating recovery. This isn’t just about permits; it’s about rebuilding lives, homes, and our coastal spirit faster.
I urge the City Council to evaluate and adopt this vision. To residents and officials alike: let’s dare to dream beyond “business as usual.” A 10-day process could revolutionize rebuilding, igniting collaboration and renewed hope. It could spark the flywheel effect, drawing back fire victims who had all but given up. This is the Malibu we can achieve — and we deserve nothing less.
Four commissioners choose life, one chooses delay
Monday night, four planning commissioners — Leonard, Kamins, Riddick, and Peak — made a defining choice for Malibu’s future: they voted to support the $55 million Caltrans PCH reconstruction. They chose life and progress over paralysis and perfection.
We are merely visitors; Malibu endures. Our sacred responsibility is the safety of all citizens. Four commissioners understood this truth, putting life before personal beliefs.
Commissioner Mazza chose a detour. He selectively misquoted my bike lane research to oppose immediate safety fixes, then used the elusive master plan — a document requiring 20+ years — as his escape hatch from today’s tough decision.
This strategy was transparent to me and the other commissioners.
Let me be absolutely clear: My advocacy supports better solutions, never no solutions. I fully support this Caltrans reconstruction because it is the only chance for PCH safety improvements in our lifetime.
Mazza’s appeal to the master plan is a convenient deflection. While we debate perfection for two decades, real people die on the road we have now. That master plan is worthless if we lose the $55 million in allocated funding.
The moment was profound. Four commissioners grasped that this funding would vanish if we didn’t act, and with Caltrans facing a $1.6 billion deficit, the opportunity would not return. They knew we cannot sacrifice lives on the altar of perfectionist planning.
They saw through the political maneuvering and the master plan smokescreen. Stewardship means protecting today’s people, not waiting for an imaginary 2045.
To Commissioners Leonard, Riddick, Kamins, and Peak: thank you for your clarity and courage. Thank you for refusing to let the perfect be the enemy of the life-saving. Leadership is making difficult decisions now, not hiding behind distant blueprints.
Commissioner Mazza missed his chance at leadership. Instead, he misrepresented my work and hid behind a master plan offering no timeline, no funding, and no immediate safety improvements.
The project moves to the City Council with a 4-1 recommendation. Four chose action. One chose delay disguised as principle. Lives are at stake. The choice couldn’t be simpler.” Malibu will remember who chose action, and the families will remember who chose delay.”
AFrom the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
s we go to press this week, the results for Proposition 50 are still coming in, and we’ll have a full report on the outcome in next week’s issue. But today, as you read this on Nov. 6, I want to pause and reflect on the past year — a year that has tested Malibu in ways few of us could have imagined.
One year ago today, on Nov. 6, 2024, the Broad Fire ignited near South Malibu Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway, close to Broad Beach. Though it was a relatively small fire at 50 acres, the flames moved quickly, pushed by strong Santa Ana winds, and damaged at least one home before the Los Angeles County Fire Department contained it. I remember driving by the area days later, seeing blackened hillsides still smoldering and thinking how fragile our city can feel in the face of nature’s power. Yet even then, I was struck by the calm, determined professionalism of our firefighters and first responders.
Almost exactly a month later, on Dec. 9, the Franklin Fire broke out near Malibu Canyon Road. Unlike the Broad Fire, the Franklin Fire spread rapidly, ultimately consuming over 4,000 acres, destroying 20 structures, and damaging 28 others before it was fully contained on Dec. 18. I will never forget the stories of neighbors pulling together, checking on one another, and helping evacuate those in need. The flames were terrifying, but the acts of courage and kindness that emerged from the fire were inspiring.
Then, a few weeks later, in the new year, the Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7. Though it began in Pacific Palisades, the flames spread into Malibu within hours, raging for 25 days and leaving a lasting mark on our community. We watched anxiously as smoke filled the skies and familiar hillsides were scarred, many wondering if their homes and cherished memories would survive. Yet even amid the uncertainty, a profound sense of connection emerged. Local businesses opened their doors to displaced families, offering meals, supplies, and shelter — reminding us that Malibu is far more than homes and hillsides; it is a living, caring community
where neighbors truly show up for one another. This past year has been challenging, no doubt about it. Three wildfires in just three months tested our resilience, our resources, and our spirits — all while the city navigated these crises without a city manager in place. Despite this leadership gap, our city council and staff, local businesses, neighbors, and volunteers stepped up in extraordinary ways, helping to coordinate recovery efforts and maintain a sense of normalcy. In the midst of smoke and ash, Malibu showed that its strength does not rely on a single individual but on the collective heart of the community.
Our firefighters and first responders deserve special recognition. They ran toward danger while the rest of us were able to run away, facing conditions that most of us cannot imagine. Their courage saved lives, protected homes, and kept our community standing. They remind us that even in the darkest moments, hope and bravery endure.
As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Broad Fire, it is important to remember both the challenges and the triumphs. Recovery continues, and Malibu is rebuilding — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Local businesses are reopening, streets are coming back to life, and the city itself remains a beacon of natural beauty, culture, and community spirit. We are stronger because of what we have endured, and more connected because we faced it together.
Today, let us pause to reflect, honor our first responders and the lives we lost, support our local businesses, and celebrate the resilience that defines Malibu. May we carry the lessons of this past year into the months ahead — the importance of preparedness, the strength of community, and the enduring power of hope.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable city. Thank you for supporting your neighbors, for honoring those who protect us, and for believing in Malibu’s promise. Together, we have weathered the flames — and together, we will continue to thrive.
CORRECTION
Last week, we published Malibu High
photo credit. The photos should have been
provided the incredible images this week
High Football Senior Night.
Jen
Anthony Atkins
Judy Abel, Barbara Burke, McKenzie Jackson, Burt Ross, Benjamin Marcus, Michel Shane
Anthony McDemas
Karen Kagan
“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
— Winston Churchill
MICHEL SHANE COLUMNIST
ABE ROY COLUMNIST
School football photos with an incorrect
credited to Candace Kelly, who once again
from Malibu
Franklin Fire: Almost one year later
Eleven months after the Franklin Fire tore through the hills above Malibu, scorching more than 4,000 acres and leaving a trail of destroyed homes and displaced families, our coastal community is still confronting both the physical and emotional aftermath. The blaze’s origin remains a mystery, despite extensive investigations by state and local authorities — a lingering uncertainty that has frustrated residents and underscored questions about wildfire preparedness in an era of increasingly volatile weather.
The Franklin Fire erupted just before 11 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2024, near Malibu Canyon Road in Malibu Creek State Park, north of Pepperdine University. What initially appeared to be a manageable 30acre brush fire escalated overnight, fueled by Santa Ana winds gusting up to 65 mph and humidity levels plummeting to just 3%. By morning, the fire had consumed more than 2,600 acres, leaping over the Pacific Coast Highway and threatening Malibu’s neighborhoods.
In the days that followed, up to 20,000 residents — including high-profile figures like Cher and Dick Van Dyke — were forced to evacuate. Firefighters from 13 agencies, totaling 1,700 personnel, battled the flames under a rare “particularly dangerous situation” red flag warning from the National Weather Service. Aerial tankers and helicopters dropped more than 7,000 gallons of water and retardant in desperate attempts to contain the blaze, but the fire ultimately destroyed 20 structures, including six homes, and damaged 28 others. Miraculously, no fatalities or serious injuries were reported, thanks to swift evacuations and community resilience.
The fire was fully contained on Dec. 18, 2024, after nine grueling days, leaving 4,037 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains charred. Schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District closed temporarily, with Webster Elementary sustaining electrical and fire damage that delayed its reopening until Jan. 6. Power outages lingered for weeks, and smoke advisories remained in effect through mid-December.
Today, Malibu is a patchwork of rebuilding efforts and scarred landscapes. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s emergency proclamation in June
2025 unlocked state aid for debris removal and reconstruction, while a recovery center at City Hall assists residents navigating permitting and environmental clearances. Deadlines for debris removal were extended to May 30, for properties with structural damage, while charred vegetation on unaffected lots can be handled through standard green waste services. Yet, the emotional toll endures: horse farms were ravaged, Pepperdine students sheltered in place as flames approached the campus, and locals describe the experience as a “surreal nightmare” that tested the town’s famed spirit.
The unresolved cause of the fire remains a haunting question. From the start, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) and CAL FIRE’s arson investigators scoured Malibu Canyon for clues. Early theories suggested downed power lines, especially given Southern California Edison’s preemptive shutoffs, or an unattended campfire amid the dry brush. Utility companies have declined to comment while investigations continue.
As of June 5, 2025, Cal Fire still lists the cause as “under investigation.” Wildfire litigation experts, like the firm McNicholas & McNicholas, note that complex investigations can take 12 to 18 months, involving forensic analysis of burn patterns, weather data, and potential human factors. “The origin will dictate liability—whether it’s equipment failure, negligence, or something else,” said attorney Sean McNicholas. “For now, affected families are focused on insurance claims, but closure is key to true healing.”
Frustration among residents continues to mount. At a recent Malibu City Council meeting, Councilmember Steve Urhing asked whether authorities had determined the cause of the Franklin Fire and was told that the investigation had concluded without a definitive finding. However, photos taken by a local resident who visited Malibu Canyon shortly after the fire were submitted to the city and to Fire Captain Drew Smith, suggesting there may be evidence pointing to a cause other than “undetermined.” A response from officials is still pending.
For the latest recovery resources, visit malibucity.org/FranklinFire or fire.ca.gov. Anyone with information about the fire’s origin is urged to contact CAL FIRE at (800) 480-4540.
NEWS BRIEFS
ibu Canyon Road is known for its sharp turns and steep drop-offs, and authorities continue to remind motorists to use caution when driving through the area.
Caltrans announces lane closures on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu for week of Nov. 3-9
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced lane closures and traffic controls along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) through Malibu from Nov. 3 to Nov. 9, as crews continue slope stabilization, drainage, and fire damage repairs in multiple sections of the coastal route.
Current conditions and speed limits
Traffic cones and signage remain in place with speed limits of 35 mph between Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard, and 25 mph through active work zones between Sunset Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace. Closures may occur on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Planned lane closures
• Ventura County Line — Carbon Beach Terrace: Crews will perform work near Trancas Canyon Road to Guernsey Avenue and Corral Canyon Bridge, with possible night closures.
• Kanan Dume Road — Ramirez Canyon Rd: One northbound lane will be closed Nov. 6–7, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Latigo Canyon Road — Puerco Canyon Rd: One northbound lane closed Wednesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Las Flores Canyon Road — Sunset Blvd: Ongoing fire damage, slope, and drainage repairs; lane closures as needed 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
South of Big Rock Drive — One northbound lane closed weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Las Flores Canyon — Topanga Canyon Blvd: Southern California Edison (SCE) trenching work will result in northbound lane and shoulder closures weekdays 4 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekends 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., and overnight 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Southbound closures will occur weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekends 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., and overnight 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.
conditions and closures, visit the official Caltrans website at dot. ca.gov/caltrans- near-me/district-7/district-7-projects/d7-palisades-fire-repairs
Malibu adopts updated rebuild policies to speed recovery after fires
In a step to assist homeowners recovering from the Broad, Franklin, and Palisades fires, the City of Malibu has adopted 16 updated rebuild policies aimed at making the rebuilding process faster, clearer, and more flexible. The new policies cover areas including “like-for-like” rebuilds, bulk calculation methods, water tanks and pools, and compliance with the 10 percent increase allowance.
City officials say the updates are designed to reduce delays, provide certainty, and empower families to return to their homes as quickly and safely as possible. Rebuild statistics for the Planning and Building Safety Department are updated daily, while visitor data for the city’s Rebuild Center is updated weekly.
A key focus of the policies is the application status for Single-Family Residences (SFRs), which may include multiple structures on a property, such as the main dwelling, garage, or other related buildings. The reported totals reflect distinct properties submitted, which can include multiple structures per property. These numbers are subject to change as recovery and rebuilding efforts continue.
Permits can range from minor repairs to full property rebuilds. Homeowners seeking information or records can visit Malibu Rebuilds to request public records or assessor building records. The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office has provided the city with digital copies of property records for all fire-affected properties, including site plans and square footage, which are essential for establishing prefire conditions.
Fire, the 2024 Franklin Fire, and the 2024 Broad Fire, the Malibu City Council adopted Ordinance No. 524, the “Disaster Rebuild Ordinance” in March 2025. The ordinance provides relief to affected property owners while establishing clear regulations for rebuilding structures destroyed in these disasters.
On Oct. 15, the ordinance was updated to build on existing Malibu Local Coastal Program (LCP) and Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) provisions, allowing replacement structures to include up to 10 percent additional height, bulk, or square footage. The update ensures a balance between homeowner recovery, neighborhood character, and environmental protection.
Key provisions of the Disaster Rebuild Ordinance
1. ‘Like-for-like rebuilds with 10 percent allowance
Property owners can rebuild structures “like-for-like” with a 10 percent increase in height, bulk, or square footage.
• Bulk is defined as the total interior volume and is the constraining factor; the extra 10 percent can be allocated to height or square footage, but not both if it exceeds the bulk limit.
Design changes are allowed, e.g., a craftsman-style home can be rebuilt in a modern style if within 110 percent of the previous height, bulk, and square footage.
2. Rebuilding in the same location
Replacement structures must be sited within 50 percent of the original footprint and envelope.
• Relocations beyond 50 percent require a De Minimis Waiver or Coastal Development Permit review.
3. Calculating bulk
• Bulk is the total interior cubic volume measured from exterior surfaces.
• Replacement structures cannot exceed 110 percent of the previous structure’s bulk.
4. Lawfully erected structures
environmental areas.
8. No net loss of residential density
• To comply with California law (SB 166), replacement of multifamily structures with single-family homes requires equivalent replacement of lost units through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Flexibility may be allowed under state law, but overall residential capacity must be maintained.
9. Zoning compliance and site plan review
The 10 percent increases must comply with current zoning regulations.
• Non-beachfront structures over 18 feet or encroaching into required setbacks require a site plan review.
Ensures rebuilding respects both legal and environmental constraints while allowing modest expansion.
10. Beachfront properties
• Replacement structures are not considered “new development” under the LCP, so they are exempt from some rigorous coastal review requirements. FEMA floodplain regulations determine height for beachfront homes. Interior access stairs required by code due to elevated finished floors are excluded from the 10 percent square footage limit.
11. Rooftop decks
Permitted for both beachfront and non-beachfront homes.
• Deck furniture must not exceed railing height, and lighting must comply with the Dark Sky Ordinance.
• Surveys are required in the Planning Verification phase to confirm compliance with height, bulk, and square footage regulations.
A structure is considered lawfully erected if it had required permits or approvals at the time of construction, or existed prior to Malibu’s incorporation.
Canyon crash
Woman airlifted after Malibu
Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded early Saturday morning after a vehicle went over the side of Malibu Canyon. The crash occurred around 7:30 a.m., prompting a coordinated rescue effort involving Los Angeles County Fire Department, Malibu Search and Rescue, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’sDepartment, McCormick Ambulance, and California State Park Rangers.
Upon arrival, rescuers located a single occupant — a woman in her 30s — trapped in the vehicle. After a careful extrication, she was airlifted by Los Angeles County Fire Department Copter 21 to a local trauma center for evaluation and treatment of her injuries.
No additional information about the woman’s condition or the cause of the crash has been released. Mal-
South of Topanga Canyon Boulevard — Rock mitigation work will close one northbound lane from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, about half a mile south of Topanga.
Coastline Drive — Porto Marina Way: Retaining wall construction near the Getty Villa will close one northbound lane weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard (PCH to Grand View Drive)
• Closed to motorists midnight to 5 a.m. daily.
One-way traffic control with a pilot car in effect 5 a.m. to midnight between postmiles 2.5-2.8 for emergency repairs.
• Additional SCE trenching between postmiles 4.3-6.7, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Overnight SCE work from Grand View Drive to Topanga Town Center, 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday to Friday. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, reduce speed in construction zones, and be alert for workers and equipment.
For the latest updates on road
Property owners can request records by emailing MalibuRecovers@MalibuCity.org, while property representatives must submit an Owner Authorization Form. Additional records, including construction permits, geology, and environmental health documents, are available through the city’s OnBase electronic filing system. For hard copy plans, public records requests can be submitted electronically or via the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 456-2489 x297.
For records not held by the city, the California Coastal Commission’s South Central Coast District office in Ventura can provide documents dating back to 1977. Records can be requested via email at Julie. Reveles@coastal.ca.gov or Diana. Gonzalez@coastal.ca.gov, preferably including the assessor parcel number (APN), owner’s name, and property address.
These policy updates are part of Malibu’s ongoing efforts to support residents and rebuild the community efficiently in the wake of devastating fires.
Malibu updates disaster rebuild policies following wildfires
and natural disasters
In response to the 2025 Palisades
For structures destroyed in the 2025 Palisades Fire, lawfully erected also includes structures that existed immediately before the fire, provided they were not violating code enforcement or other applicable laws.
5. Basements and subterranean garages
Square footage for new basements and subterranean garages is included in the 10 percent allowable increase.
• This ensures total square footage limits are not exceeded while accommodating underground development.
6. Water tanks, pools, and fire safety infrastructure
Tanks and pools required or recommended by government agencies for fire safety are permitted.
• Square footage of water tanks is excluded from total development square footage to encourage fire-preparedness improvements.
7. Combining multiple structures
• Detached structures may be combined with main buildings if spacing requirements are met and original use is maintained.
• Ensures consolidation does not negatively impact views, neighborhood character, or sensitive
• Historical surveys, city records, and Coastal Commission data may supplement verification when discrepancies exist.
Special provisions for the 2025 Palisades Fire Certain rules apply only to properties affected by the 2025 Palisades Fire, reflecting state guidance through Gov. Newsom’s Executive Orders.
PF1: Pre-fire projects
• Projects deemed complete or approved before the fire may be built along with the replacement structure.
Any new square footage exceeding the prior allowance must adhere to approved plans; no additional 10 percent increase is granted.
PF2: Seaward projections
• Replacement structures cannot extend further seaward than the original home.
Square footage may be shifted within the existing “predominate seaward projection,” ensuring compliance with stringline rules.
PF3: Building code interior access Interior access stairs necessitated by new FEMA elevations are excluded from the 10 percent rebuild square footage limit.
PF4: Restrictions in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones The city will not accept applications under Government Code Sections 65852.21 or 66411.7 for
thu nov 6
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT DREAMLAND MALIBU
Open Mic Night at Dreamland Malibu will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the show starting at 6 p.m. PST at Dreamland Malibu, 22969 Pacific Coast Highway.
Hosted by Nelson Miller, this allages event offers performers the chance to showcase their talent in a welcoming environment.
Admission is free with RSVP, and guests can enjoy live performances throughout the evening. Valet parking will be available on-site. Performers planning to play with a band or seeking more information can contact Nelson at Nelson@ aviatornation.com. Attendees are advised that the show includes lighting and strobe effects.
URBAN TIDES WALK AT POINT DUME
Join the City of Malibu for a series of exciting environmental events this November! On Thursday, Nov. 6, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., attend the Urban Tides Walk at Point Dume State Beach. Explore the impacts of projected sea level rise on our community during a guided beach walk hosted by the City of Malibu and USC Sea Grant. To register, visit malibucity.org/ urban-tides-walk.
fri nov 7
MALIBU BUSINESS ROUND TABLE
The Malibu Business Roundtable will be held this Friday, Nov. 7, at 8:30 a.m. This gathering brings together community members to discuss important topics affecting the city, including rebuild efforts, the school district, the sheriff’s department, the Coastal Commission, and other key issues. Open discussions are encouraged. For more information or to be added to the email list to receive the Zoom link, please email us at office@malibutimes.com.
sat nov 8
MALIBU MUSIC SECOND SATURDAYS CONCERTS
Malibu Music will host its Second Saturdays Concerts on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. This new monthly live music series brings together world-class musicians, emerging talent, and a community of music lovers for intimate, unforgettable performances. Attendees can enjoy exclusive discounts, giveaways, and special perks while experiencing the growing live music scene in Malibu. The event will take place at Malibu Music, 30745 Pacific Coast Highway #8a. Tickets and reservations can be made in advance at malibumusic.com.
tue nov 11
26TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CEREMONY IN MALIBU
The 26th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Malibu will take place on Tuesday Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. Hosted by the City of Malibu in partnership with the Malibu Navy League, Pepperdine University, and the Malibu Association of Realtors, this free public event honors the
CALENDAR
men and women who have served in the armed forces. The ceremony begins at the symbolic 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the end of World War I and celebrating all who have defended freedom since.
Attendees will experience a color guard, musical performances by the Pepperdine University Choir, a guest speaker, and personal stories from veterans, providing insight into military service and its sacrifices. Following the program, refreshments will be served from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., offering an opportunity for the community to connect and celebrate together. This long-standing tradition brings together schools, businesses, and residents to honor veterans, fostering gratitude, unity, and civic pride.
wed nov 12
FIRESCAPING WORKSHOP AT MALIBU CITY HALL
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., join the Firescaping Workshop at Malibu City Hall. This interactive workshop, hosted by the West Basin Municipal Water District and the City of Malibu, focuses on fire-resistant landscaping and native plants. Dinner is included, the first 25 guests receive a special prize, and there will be a free rain barrel giveaway. To register, visit malibucity.org/firescapingworkshop.
thu nov 13
DESIGN PROFESSIONALS MEETING
The Meeting Series, Design Professionals Meeting will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Malibu City Hall, Council Chambers, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. This meeting will bring together
design professionals to discuss ongoing rebuilding efforts in Malibu, providing an opportunity for collaboration, planning, and updates on community projects. Participants will engage with city officials and fellow professionals to share insights, review designs, and address challenges related to the city’s reconstruction initiatives.
sat nov 15
THE RESILIENT PALISADES COMMUNITY REBUILDING CELEBRATION
The Resilient Palisades Community Rebuilding Celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST at Paul Revere Middle School, 1450 Allenford Ave., Los Angeles. This free event invites residents to a day of learning, connection, and creativity, highlighting what a cleaner, safer, all-electric future can look like in the Palisades.
Attendees can explore home hardening and electrification demos, see solar panels, battery storage, heat pumps, and induction cooking in action, and learn about microgrids and local clean energy solutions. Mini-talks and panels will feature experts, contractors, and neighbors discussing affordability, design, and how to get started. The celebration also includes family-friendly activities, music, face painting, community art, and opportunities to connect with organizations supporting the neighborhood’s recovery.
The event is presented by Resilient Palisades’ Electrify the Rebuild Campaign, in collaboration with the Department of Angels, Cosmic Building, TreePublic, MegaSolar, BASEStud.io, and the Palisades Recovery Coalition. More information and free registration are available at business.palibu.org/ events.
sun nov 16
OPENING RECEPTION: ‘LAND, WATER, AND SPIRIT,’ RICHARD REINER ART EXHIBITION
The City of Malibu Arts Commission invites the community to experience the captivating work of Richard Reiner at the Malibu City Gallery in City Hall. The exhibition will be on view from Nov. 17 through Jan. 2, 2026. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 12 p.m., with light refreshments served.
Born in the Bronx and raised in the Northeast, Richard Reiner developed an early appreciation for art through frequent family visits to museums and galleries. After a 25-year career as a talent agent in the entertainment industry, a chance opportunity reignited his passion for painting. An avid adventurer and lover of the outdoors, Reiner’s work captures the beauty, power, and serenity of nature. His paintings have also been featured on television productions, including CBS’s “The Mentalist” and NBC’s “This Is Us.” tue nov 18
FIRE REBUILD COMMUNITY SESSION
FOR FIRE REBUILD FAMILIES
The Fire Rebuild Community Session for Fire Rebuild Families will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Malibu City Hall, Council Chambers, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. This session invites families impacted by recent fires to join city officials and community partners for updates, resources, and guidance on rebuilding efforts. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn about available support programs, and connect with others navigating the recovery process, fostering a collaborative and informed approach to restoring homes and neighborhoods in Malibu.
sat nov 22
RAIN BARREL GIVEAWAY
On Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m., participate in the Rain Barrel Giveaway at Malibu City Hall (upper parking lot). Residents can receive up to two free 50-gallon rain barrels to help save water and reduce stormwater runoff. To register or for more information, visit malibucity. org/rain-barrel-giveaway or call (310) 371-4633.
thu nov 27
11TH ANNUAL PACIFIC PALISADES TURKEY TROT
The 11th Annual Palisades Turkey Trot, powered by XBP Global, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 27, at 8 a.m. in the heart of Pacific Palisades’ downtown area, starting and finishing at Palisades Green. This year introduces a new 5K course, offering a fresh experience while continuing a beloved community tradition that began in 2013. The event welcomes approximately 2,000 runners and walkers of all ages, from serious competitors to families enjoying a Thanksgiving morning stroll. Participants are encouraged to arrive early for check-in and prerace activities, which may include guest appearances from local figures such as Councilmember Traci Park and developer Rick Caruso.
While not a costume event, festive attire is often seen along the route, adding to the holiday spirit. Presented by XBP Global with support from Equinox and The Palisades Village, the Turkey Trot combines fitness, community, and celebration, with proceeds benefiting local initiatives. The race is expected to conclude before noon, leaving participants plenty of time to enjoy the rest of Thanksgiving. For registration, course maps, and updates, visit paliturkeytrot.com.
fire in Topanga Canyon on New Year’s Day quickly escalated into one of Los Angeles’ deadliest and most destructive blazes, destroying 6,837 structures, displacing more than 100,000 residents, claiming 12 lives, and causing billions of dollars in damage. For many, the path to recovery remains long, and their lives will never be the same.
Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old former Pacific Palisades resident now residing in Melbourne, Florida, under aliases including “Jonathan Rinder” and “Jon Rinder,” was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals during a traffic stop near the Sawgrass Lakes community on Oct. 8. He remains in federal detention pending transfer to the Central District of California, where he faces charges of destruction of property by means of fire — a felony with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and potential for up to 20 years, or life if linked to fatalities. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli described the allegations as stemming from “a single person’s recklessness” that “caused one of the worst fires Los Angeles has ever seen, resulting in death and widespread destruction.” The criminal complaint, supported by cellphone data, surveillance footage, and fire pattern analysis, alleges Rinderknecht maliciously ignited the blaze shortly after midnight on Jan. 1 in a remote area of the Santa Monica Mountains managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), which receives federal funding. Investigators paint a portrait of a man in distress on New Year’s Eve. Working as an Uber driver, Rinderknecht transported passengers through Los Angeles, with two riders reporting him as agitated and angry during trips between 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024. After dropping off a fare in his former neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, he allegedly detoured to the Skull
MALIBU PLANNING
CONTINUED FROM A1
Rock Trailhead in Topanga Canyon.
Cellphone geolocation data places him at a hilltop clearing known as the Hidden Buddha area around 12:12 a.m., where environmental sensors first detected flames. Prosecutors say Rinderknecht hiked to the site, recorded videos on his iPhone before and after ignition, and watched the fire grow for over a minute before departing. He attempted multiple 911 calls from the remote location but connected only after descending the trail, by which time a nearby resident had already reported the smoke.
Complicating the narrative, Rinderknecht then pursued responding fire engines at high speed, filming crews as they arrived at 1:02 a.m. The initial incident, dubbed the Lachman Fire after a nearby landmark, scorched just 8 acres by dawn and was declared contained by early Jan. 1. When interviewed by law enforcement on Jan. 24, Rinderknecht falsely claimed he spotted the fire from the trail’s base; carrier data contradicted this, positioning him 30 feet from the origin.
The Lachman Fire’s containment proved short-lived. LAFD and Los Angeles County Fire Department crews doused visible flames and patrolled the perimeter on Jan. 1, declaring it suppressed. However, a Los Angeles Times investigation, released on Oct. 30, based on reviewed text messages, reveals that ground crews warned their battalion chief on Jan. 2 that the site remained hazardous. “The ground was still smoldering and rocks remained hot to the touch,” one firefighter texted, urging against withdrawal.
Despite this, the chief ordered crews to pull out the day after the 8-acre blaze was contained — later adjusted from initial reports. “Their battalion chief ordered them to roll up their hoses and pull out of the area on Jan. 2... rather than stay and make sure there were no hidden embers,” the LA Times reported. One firefighter texted that the chief was told it was a “bad idea” to leave the burn scar unprotected, adding in recent
maintain decorum. During public comment, former Malibu City Councilmember Paul Grisanti delivered a stern rebuke. “I’m here to do something unpleasant,” he began. “Your behavior at the last meeting was atrocious. Sitting through a meeting where three of you are talking at once when only one has the floor is totally inappropriate. It’s not useful, it’s not a good way to run
weeks, “And the rest is history.” Mayor Karen Bass and current and former LAFD officials declined or did not respond to the LA Times’ requests for comment, though authorities maintain the fire was believed to be extinguished. Rank-and-file firefighters expressed stark disagreement in the messages. For six days, embers burrowed undetected into parched soil and eucalyptus roots in the steep, brush-choked terrain of Topanga State Park, part of the broader Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area overseen by the National Park Service. On Jan. 7, Santa Ana winds gusting to 100 mph fanned the holdover into an inferno. Smoke wisps erupted into a firestorm racing through the MRCA’s urban-wildland interface, consuming 37 square miles. Neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Malibu vanished; highways clogged with evacuees; power lines snapped. Containment came on Jan. 31, but not before 12 deaths, several missing persons, and unprecedented destruction.
The LAFD’s After-Action Review Report (AARR), released Oct. 8 alongside Rinderknecht’s arrest, dissects the first 36 hours with unflinching candor. Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva termed it a “perfect storm” of nature and human oversight, praising heroism while demanding reform. The document, available on the LAFD website with a fact sheet and chief’s remarks, commends evacuating over 30,000 residents, including vulnerable populations, amid gridlock.“For every structure lost, two were saved,” it states, highlighting adaptive tactics and interagency coordination. Critiques dominate, however. Staffing shortages left one-third of resources idle due to flawed reimbursement estimates. Off-duty recalls failed; crews worked 3648 hours straight, risking exhaustion and toxin exposure. Communications broke down, with resource tracking relying on ad hoc decisions. No dedicated medical unit formed; evacuation alerts delayed across
meetings, and it’s certainly not a good look for the person who keeps interrupting everyone else. Try not to do that anymore. Try to have an orderly meeting.”
Monday’s meeting, continued from the Oct. 20 session, came with an urgent deadline.The city had until Dec. 1 to secure a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) or risk losing the federal and state funds entirely. Caltrans confirmed that funds would be reallocated to other districts, leaving Malibu with a repaved road but without the promised lights, lanes, or sidewalks that could prevent future tragedies.
jurisdictional lines. A Sept. 25 LA County review echoed these, blaming outdated policies for laggedwarnings. Logistics faltered: 20% of hydrants lost pressure despite preemptive measures by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Weather monitoring used an antiquated citywide index, ignoring microclimates; real-time tools like drones were absent.
Central to the report is the Lachman mop-up failure. LAFD Station 69 crews used visual sweeps and “cold-trailing” — manual heat probes — adequate for tiny blazes but insufficient for duff layers where embers sink 18 inches. Thermal imaging, available but not routine for minor incidents, was skipped to conserve resources. Citywide red-flag alerts diverted focus; shift changes limited patrols. Winds had calmed on Jan. 1, masking urgency; forecasts missed the Jan. 7 surge. No infrared aerial or ground monitoring followed, as the commander deemed it out. “Mop-up was incomplete because they didn’t dig deep enough or monitor longterm,” the AARR states, citing low-acreage classification bypassing extended oversight. Interagency silos minimized federal or county follow-up. Broader issues include California’s megadrought desiccating landscapes and training prioritizing speed over scrutiny.
Legal ramifications loom. Under California Penal Code § 451, Rinderknecht bears liability for all foreseeable harms, including response errors — the “but-for” causation is undeniable. The “eggshell skull” doctrine prevents deflecting blame onto imperfect containment. Federal ties to MRCA and U.S. Forest Service land could yield life sentences if deaths are proven with malicious intent.
More than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed against the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and alleged arsonist Robert Rinderknecht, seeking damages related to the January wildfires. Courts may ultimately
The stakes were deeply personal. An empty chair on the dais honored Emily Shane, the 13-year-old killed by a hit-and-run driver on PCH in 2010. Her father, Michel Shane, spoke with conviction. “I’ve lived with this void for 15 years,” he said. “Approve with conditions. Force Caltrans to do better. Perfection is the enemy of life.”
The memory of four Pepperdine students — Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams — who were killed by a speeding driver in October 2023, hung heavily in the room. Bridget Thompson, a friend of the students, fought back tears as she implored the commission: “Every time I drive past that spot, I can’t breathe. Do it for Niamh. Do it for Peyton. Do it for Asha. Do it for Deslyn.”
The grief was echoed by Celeste Rivera, mother of 26-year-old Burt Chuck, who perished in a rain-slicked crash near Sycamore Canyon in January 2025. She wept as she addressed the commission: “It was dark. It was raining. No lights. No barrier. My son burned alive.
Please — make PCH safe.”
A statement from a Malibu firefighter, read aloud by a Pepperdine junior, Brooke Doherty, was equally blunt: “I’m tired of telling families their child is gone. I’m tired of failing this community.”
The Project: Safety or “Urbanization”?
Caltrans District 7 Deputy Director Nancy Lee and project manager Mustafa Ali presented the plan, pared down since the Oct. 20 continuation, designed to deliver immediate safety improvements without overhauling Malibu’s cherished rural character. Key components include:
27 Dark-Sky-compliant LED lights, clustered at high-collision intersections such as Ramirez Mesa, Heathercliff, and Bonsall, down from 42 originally proposed.
• 10 miles of Class 2 bike lanes (painted, not protected), reduced from 15 due to parking conflicts and Coastal Commission rules.
6,956 feet of new sidewalks, including a contentious 2,000-foot segment in front of Pepperdine’s Alumni Park.
• 19 guardrails, 22 ADA curb ramps, three retaining walls, 15 miles of repaving, plus radar speed signs and left-turn pocket extensions.
“This is an interim safety project,” Lee stressed. “The repaving is happening regardless. These add-ons cost pennies compared to rebuilding the same deadly road.”
The Pepperdine Sidewalk
The proposed sidewalk in front of Pepperdine’s Alumni Park — which functions as a heli-pad and wildfire staging zone — became the night’s most emotional flashpoint. Pepperdine COO Nicole Taylor urged its removal. “It ends abruptly at John Tyler and Malibu Canyon. It may lure pedestrians into danger. LASD feedback says it reduces safety,” she said.
Caltrans argued that the south side is blocked by Chumash cultural sites and that the sidewalk is required for ADA compliance (SB 960) and to provide safe access to Bluffs Park and bus stops. Mountable curbs were included to preserve emergency access.
After hours of debate, commissioners reached a compromise: the sidewalk would only be approved if Caltrans gathers input on public safety design from LASD, LA County Fire, and Pepperdine, with city staff confirming communication before permits are issued. Dark Skies vs. Dark Accidents Environmentalists and dark-sky advocates pushed back against increased lighting. Pat Healey of Slow Growth Malibu remarked, “Zuma Beach has no lights. ESHA beaches stay dark. Prove lighting prevents crashes — most happen in lit Eastern Malibu.” Tiffany Murray, a resident and Environmental Commission member,
divide responsibility — perhaps assigning 80 percent to the arsonist and 20 percent to public agencies — following precedents like the Camp Fire, where PG&E paid billions in settlements. Federal ATF affidavits reportedly trace “DNA” evidence to the trailhead, solidifying Rinderknecht’s alleged role, while admissions from AARR could limit municipal liability.
In response, the City of Los Angeles has launched significant reforms. Thermal imaging is now mandatory for all vegetation fires, mop-up operations must extend at least 100 feet beyond burn perimeters, and a 72hour “holdover protocol” is now required in high-risk areas.
In a letter dated Oct. 31, Mayor Karen Bass addressed Interim Chief Villanueva, emphasizing the urgency of continued accountability and reform:
“This week’s report about the Lachman Fire is tremendously alarming and underscores the reforms and new leadership we have been bringing to the Los Angeles Fire Department since January. Make no mistake, our city’s firefighters are heroes every day. We owe it to them and the people of Los Angeles to make sure that their fire department is led, organized, and ready for whatever emergencies may arise.”
The mayor called for a full investigation into the Lachman Fire response, noting that a clear understanding of what transpired is essential to ongoing reforms aimed at improving pre-deployment protocols, interagency coordination, communication systems, and training across all staff levels. Reforms are underway. Thermal imaging is now mandatory for vegetation fires; mopup extends 100 feet beyond perimeters; a 72-hour “holdover protocol” applies in highrisk areas.As Rinderknecht’s extradition proceeds and Los Angeles grapples with these revelations, the Palisades Fire stands as a stark reminder of individual malice, systemic vulnerabilities, and nature’s fury.
echoed this sentiment: “Light doesn’t slow cars. Design does. Since lane narrowing and speed drops in East Malibu, zero fatalities.”
Ann Jones, a 36-year resident of Pt. Dume, added, “I’ve never needed lights at 4 a.m. Don’t urbanize our stars.”
In response, Caltrans reduced the number of lights by 80%, promising fully shielded, downward-directed, 3,000K fixtures with no trespass onto adjacent properties or environmentally sensitive areas unless deemed necessary. A new condition requires Caltrans to inspect the lights at its cost to ensure compliance with Malibu’s Dark Sky ordinance.
Bike Lanes: Paint Today, Protection Tomorrow? Cyclists were split on the value of painted versus protected bike lanes. David Cranston, who regularly rides PCH, said, “Class 2 lanes beat potholes and car doors. Paint saves lives today. Protected lanes? Years away.” Damian Kevitt of Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) agreed, noting that Class 4 separated lanes remain a goal but that this interim project is the first real redesign chance in decades.
The Malibu Township Council, represented by Jo Drummond, urged approval with conditions: targeted lights, rural-appropriate sidewalks, future protected lanes, and reclassifying PCH as “Pacific Coast Boulevard” rather than an arterial highway.
Commissioner John Mazza, who is also a lifelong resident said he has driven PCH more than 20,000 times over 54 years, emerged as the lone dissenting voice. “Caltrans experts don’t drive this highway 20,000 times. They aren’t locals. They don’t understand lighting in rural areas,” he argued, citing federal data showing 40–55% more cyclist deaths without protected lanes. Mazza cautioned that approving an imperfect plan risked “abdicating responsibility.” He was the only commissioner to vote no. Chair Drew Leonard, Vice Chair Elizabeth Riddick, and Commissioners Marni Kamins and Skylar Peak all voted in favor.
The approved resolution (PC Resolution 25-69, as amended) includes:
• Dark Sky compliance to the maximum extent feasible: fully shielded, 3,000K, downward-directed lights, with no trespass beyond city limits unless required for ingress or egress.
Conditional approval of the Pepperdine sidewalk, requiring input from LASD, LA County Fire, and Pepperdine on safety design.
• Updated project plans (E-29 to E-37, dated Oct. 31, signed Nov. 3).
Categorical exemption from CEQA.
• Installation of 27 new light poles as proposed. Chair Leonard closed the session with a note of gratitude. “Everyone who came out tonight, who wrote letters — you were participants in the system. You made a difference,” he said.
Yet the vote was far from a final resolution. Protected bike lanes remain a distant goal, the Pepperdine sidewalk still hinges on interagency coordination, and even the scaled-back lighting plan will alter Malibu’s famously dark skies.
Caltrans Deputy Director Nancy Lee reminded attendees that this is only “an interim safety project.” For grieving parents, firefighters, students, and stargazers alike, “interim” may not feel like enough. But with $55 million at stake and a firm Dec. 1 deadline, the commission ultimately chose progress over perfection. For now, PCH will be repaved. Lights will be installed. Sidewalks will be poured. And Malibu will continue to fight — for the next phase, the next master plan, the next life saved. As Michel Shane reminded the room, standing beside the empty chair representing his daughter Emily: “Perfection is the enemy of life.”
footballs.
A new king and queen are crowned!
The highlight of halftime was when Stevie Clarke and Reghan Marlow were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. The senior court also included Finn Agarwal, Maizee Marderosian, Ella Stabile, and Diego Alvarez.
Throughout the game, the cheerleaders’ spirit kept the fans’ attention. The halftime excitement carried into the second half of the game, which kept fans on the edge of their seats with a thrilling overtime finish. Laguna Blanca struck first during overtime, but missed the two-point conversion, and the Sharks resoundingly answered when senior Tanner Kies powered into the end zone for a clutch touchdown to tie the game.
“During overtime, I knew we only had probably three more chances to get in the end zone and I knew I had to go strong against all of their players,” Kies told The Malibu Times later.
Tanner’s mother, Tracy Kies said, “Somehow, Tanner broke through every tackle. They just couldn’t bring him down — it was quite incredible!”
After Tanner scored, with ice in his veins, junior Maxson Chiate nailed the extra point, securing a dramatic 43–42 victory. When the game was over, Kies had capped an extraordinary night with six touchdowns and 319 rushing yards. Wow!
“The homecoming football game was one of the most exciting games in the history of Malibu High School football!” Coach Mike Halualani said. “That’s according to former MHS football coach Richard Lawson!”
Haluanlina noted that Tony Martinez, a linebacker, and Xavier Godbille, along with Kies contributed greatly in holding down the defense, both in the homecoming game and at the game the following week when MHS celebrated Senior Night.
Senior Night saw the Sharks prevail against Villanova Prep 30-20, sending MHS to the playoffs for the third year in a row!
“We had a great game and a great evening on senior night!” Halualani exclaimed. “The parents for both the cheer team and the football team went all out.”
Kies scored three touchdowns in that game. Wow!
Proudly, Haluanlina added, “MHS is going to playoffs for the third year in a row! That hasn’t happened in many years at our school!”
Indeed, both Halualani and Tracy Kies noted that not long ago, MHS was having a hard time fielding a football team.
the recent electrical upgrades completed over the summer. Working with Schneider Electric, the district installed “Quick Connect” camlock boxes at all Malibu campuses. The infrastructure allows maintenance crews to rapidly connect generators during outages.
“When I started coaching the team three years ago, we had a hard time getting enough young men to try out for the football team,” Halualani noted. “Now, we’re folding between 20 and 30 guys each year! It’s wonderful!” Read fullarticle on B1.
Athletic Booster Club’s efforts brings excitement and community back to MHS sports
“I’m very proud and honored to have been part of my son Tanner’s football journey,” Tracy Kies said.
“When he joined as a freshman, Malibu almost didn’t have enough kids for a team. Coming out of COVID, school spirit was at a low, and very few students even went to games.”
Slowly the school spirit and the team rebuilt.
“Tanner was all in from day one, and his passion made me want to get involved too,” Tracy shared.
“Through the Malibu High Athletic Booster Club (the ‘ABC’), we worked to bring excitement and community back to Malibu sports.”
Tracy took on DJ duties for the games, creating playlists, matching the music to the themes of each
“The quick-connect systems let our staff switch from utility to generator power within minutes,” Toyama explained. “All four electrical switchboards — one at each elementary school and two at Malibu Middle and High — are now equipped and operational.”
The installations were completed late September following staff training and site inspections. The improvements come after years of disruption from wildfire-related shutoffs, when schools often lose power for days at a time.
In a first for the district, Southern California Edison (SCE) stepped in to support Malibu’s energy resiliency this fall. The utility loaned two large generators to the district through February 2026 — one installed at Malibu High School and another at Malibu Elementary School — along with automatic transfer switches that
allow the power source to switch over seamlessly within 30 seconds of an outage.
“Automatic transfer means our schools can keep running without waiting for someone to manually activate the backup power,” Toyama said. “It’s a huge step forward for reliability.”
At Webster Elementary, the district rented a temporary generator while awaiting delivery of its own newly purchased units. Those district-owned generators began arriving in late September, and are being permanently connected in phases.
The district’s long-term goal,
game night, and“trying to make every Friday night feel like an event,” she explained. “ABC launched themes for home games, brought in food trucks, and built an Instagram presence to highlight all the athletes, not just those playing football, but those playing all sports!”
Concurrently, Rachel Hébert’s work to bring cheerleading back to MHS “was absolutely huge for school spirit,” Tracy declared. “We’re all parent volunteers doing this out of love for our kids, wanting them to have the kind of high school experience they’ll always remember.”
Tracy noted that “six of the 10 seniors on this year’s team started together as freshmen, and through their leadership they’ve completely turned the program around. To see it all culminate like this — and now to make the playoffs for the third straight year — it’s just incredible! I’m so proud of this group of boys, and so grateful to have played a small part in helping build something that brought the whole community together.”
It was the last homecoming and Senior Night for this year’s seniors, who are the first class to graduate
Toyama said, is to install automatic transfer switches (ATS) at all Malibu switchboards, eliminating the need for maintenance staff to drive from Santa Monica during emergencies — a critical concern raised by parents.
“We’ve been coordinating with local contractors who can be on call,” Toyama said. “The idea is to reduce any delay in keeping schools powered and open.”
from the new high school. The senior cheerleaders are team captain,Marielle Hébert, Ella
Chloe Harrington, Kaia
Kylie
ra,
and
Three cheers for them! “Cheerleading has always had such a special place in my heart,” Marderosian said. “My mom was a professional cheerleader and when I was younger, I cheered for the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush team. Being a part of the MHS cheer team has been an amazing experience because the positivity, encouragement, and love is truly remarkable.”
Reflecting for a moment, Marderosian added, “I believe we made our mark on our high school by being the first cheer team in years and bringing so much pep to our football games and homecoming performance!” All in all, she summed up the sentiment of many of the students: “Homecoming with the new school was so much fun — with the dressing up for spirit week, to the HOCO pep rally performance, our senior class was so lucky to get such a memorable and great last homecoming!”
When asked how long each generator could sustain school operations, Toyama said he would provide detailed specifications, noting that each unit has a large fuel tank maintained through the district’s contracted refueling service. “They’re designed to run entire campuses, not just critical systems,” he assured.
Schneider Electric’s Marc Starkey outlined the next phase of the district’s long-term energy strategy — creating solar-powered microgrids with battery storage at Malibu schools, beginning with Malibu Middle and High schools.
While Toyama could not confirm whether the generator purchases were funded directly through Measure M — the Malibu-specific school bond approved by local voters — he said the units are now district assets and will remain on-site permanently. The SCE loaned generators will stay in place until Schneider Electric’s ATS installations are complete, ensuring uninterrupted readiness through fire season.
The generators are all diesel-powered, though Toyama said future projects aim to incorporate renewable energy and battery systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The high school’s hillside above the campus is slated to host a 534-kilowatt solar array, paired with a battery energy storage system and an Energy Control Center, which Starkey described as “the brains of the microgrid.”
The system will allow the school to operate independently from the utility grid during outages, using renewable power to sustain operations.
“This is about making each campus its own island of resiliency,”
the complicated financial structure of the district has been ongoing since 2022, but that inched forward and backward frustratingly numerous times. It’s been agreed that both districts are to remain financially whole under a complicated projected tax formula that has Malibu paying Santa Monica for years to come in the divorce agreement. Finally, after three core agreements were drafted concerning revenue sharing and separation, officials are waiting on ratification. Before the end of the year, SMMUSD should vote on those agreements.
Mayor Marianne Riggins, who herself attended SMMUSD schools, reiterated what local parents have been saying for years, that “Santa Monica is just a different community, and it’s wholly different than Malibu in every way, shape, or form. After the many decades that we’ve been going through this, it’s finally becoming a realization and reality to everyone. Hopefully, we’re getting closer to the finish line. Both sides agree that the separation is in the best interest of the students.”
Riggins, who serves on a school separation committee recently attended an in-person mediation session and reported,“It was a very productive meeting and very collegiate. I think that being in the same room, we were able to talk about our differences and come to a conclusion on those. So, I’m hoping that we are going to be able to make those 2025 dates. Nearing the end of the year we’ve got holidays and stuff that occurs, so everybody is checking their calendars, and we are working towards having those dates set so that we can hopefully wrap this up and have a New Year’s
Starkey said. “Between solar generation, battery storage, and smart controls, Malibu schools will be able to continue instruction even when SCE’s lines are down.” The project is currently in design and under review by the City of Malibu’s Coastal Development Permit process. Schneider has completed biological and geotechnical studies, and Starkey said the system could be installed in summer 2026, with completion by the end of that year. Battery systems for Webster and Malibu elementary schools are in earlier design stages and could follow in 2027.
Residents attending the meeting thanked district staff for finally addressing the issue, though some voiced frustration over the yearslong delay. One parent chided that SMMUSD previously dismissed community requests for generators, citing air-quality restrictions that were later proven unfounded.
“We missed a month of school last year,” Malibu Elementary PTA President Mark DiPaola said. “It didn’t have to be this hard, but I’m glad it’s finally happening.”
Eve celebration of moving on to our next step.” Wood explained that Malibu’s effort to separate from the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) stems from a 2021 visioning study showing that more than 90% of Malibu residents support local control and accountability in their schools. The study found that Malibu families feel their students’ needs are not being met because most district resources and decisions center on Santa Monica, where the majority of students live. Residents want a stronger voice in shaping and overseeing local education, noting that Malibu and Santa Monica are distinct, noncontiguous communities separated by over 20 miles. Malibu is taking two separate parallel paths to achieve its goal for unification that Wood outlined. Path A is a formal petition filed with Los Angeles County, now under review by the California State Board of Education — the only body authorized to grant local control. But that review will likely take three to five years, especially with upcoming statewide elections that may reshape key decision-makers. Meanwhile, Path B involves mediation and negotiated agreements with SMMUSD to achieve an amicable and faster separation. Recent mediation produced agreements in principle that both sides expect to ratify soon. However, Malibu will continue pursuing Path A until Path B is fully completed and recognized by the State Board. Importantly, Wood emphasized that Malibu’s feasibility study shows the city can fund its own district without burdening the state, meeting the intent of all state criteria. She concluded that Malibu remains committed to both paths until local control and equity for Malibu students are achieved.
Malibu High School football coaching staff (from left): Jonny Palmer, Mike Halualani (head coach), Jerrel Hamilton, and Daryl Adams posed early on and then enjoyed a Sharks’ homecoming win on Halloween night, Oct. 31. Photos by Steve Clarke
Celebrating 100 years of friendship in one of LA’s most enduring hidden treasures
History, entertainment, and creativity are celebrated weekly in Los Angeles at the unusual Los Angeles Breakfast Club
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
The atmosphere wasn’t so friendly in Malibu 100 years ago. Malibu’s so called “queen” May Rindge was in a bitter battle with the state and county of Los Angeles eager to open the tightly controlled coastline and construct Roosevelt Highway, now known as Pacific Coast Highway. Then known as Rancho Malibu-Topanga Sequit, the paradise was under lock and key with armed guards — strictly off limits!
However, just miles away in Los Angeles, the atmosphere was much different. In fact, 100 years ago, the multigenerational community institution known as “The Shrine of Friendship” was born. And today marks the centennial for the Los Angeles Breakfast Club (LABC), a quirky brand of fellowship that has become a small but colorful thread in the tapestry of Los Angeles’ social history.
This year marks a remarkable milestone for LABC. The group is celebrating a full century of breakfast meetings, song-singing, ritual handshakes, and what’s now become a wacky weekly variety show. And the public is invited.
Founded in 1925, the club started as a morning gathering of horse-riding businessmen. Early membership included Hollywood and business luminaries: film-industry leaders such as Cecil B. DeMille and Louis B. Mayer, along with oil magnate Edward L. Doheny. Walt Disney later joined.
According to history, a group of businessmen and equestrians who rode in nearby Griffith Park decided to extend its morning camaraderie into a more formal weekly gathering. What started as “we ride horses and we’ll have breakfast together” soon acquired its own character. Club members adopted fun traditions, pseudo-secret rituals, and a sense of irreverence and fun that
projects within high-risk fire areas affected by the Palisades Fire.
Summary of benefits for residents
Ordinance No. 524 provides multiple benefits for residents recovering from disasters:
• Flexibility: Allows homeowners to rebuild with modest expansion while maintaining neighborhood character.
• Fire safety compliance: Encourages fire-preparedness infrastructure without penalizing square footage limits.
• Design freedom: Permits modernizing rebuilds while remaining within bulk and height restrictions.
Housing preservation: Ensures no net loss of residential units in compliance with State law.
• Streamlined process: Clarifies policies for like-for-like rebuilding, survey requirements, and site plan reviews.
• Beachfront considerations: Accommodates FEMA and coastal regulations while providing practical guidance for replacement structures.
What Malibu residents need to know
continues today. One early description calls the club: “Not a church, Not a Lodge, Not a Service Club… but: The Shrine of Friendship… the Democracy of Ham & Eggs, where everybody knows everybody.” It’s true. If you purchase a ticket on their website for a Wednesday breakfast, (note 7:30 a.m. start time, attendees file in before 7 for good seats!), you’ll be
• Replacement homes must remain within 110 percent of previous height, bulk, or square footage.
• Bulk calculations are based on interior cubic volume, and the extra 10 percent may be allocated flexibly.
Structures must be sited in substantially the same location; relocations beyond 50 percent of the original footprint require additional review.
Multifamily structures converted to single-family must replace lost units with ADUs to maintain residential density.
• Pre-existing projects approved before the fire may be constructed alongside replacement structures.
• Rooftop decks, pools, and water tanks are allowed within specific regulations, supporting safety and lifestyle enhancements.
Special provisions apply to the 2025 Palisades Fire, including limitations on seaward expansion and application restrictions in high-risk zones.
Malibu’s updated Disaster Rebuild Ordinance reflects the city’s commitment to balancing recovery, safety, and environmental stewardship. By providing clear guidance, the city ensures residents can rebuild efficiently, responsibly, and in compliance with both local and state regulations.
City officials emphasize the importance of working closely with planning staff, licensed engineers, and architects to navigate the rebuild process. The ordinance aims to empower families to return home quickly after disasters while preserving the natural beauty, safety, and community character that make Malibu unique.
As wildfires and other natural disasters remain a persistent threat, Malibu’s policies provide a roadmap for resilient recovery and sustainable development. Residents affected by recent fires now have clearer options to restore their homes, incorporate modern safety features, and maintain compliance with zoning, environmental, and coastal regulations.
In summary:
Ordinance No. 524 provides relief for disaster-impacted homeowners and updated rebuild standards.
• Allows like-for-like replacement with up to 10 percent increase in height, bulk, or square footage.
• Ensures structures remain in the same location, comply with zoning, and maintain community character.
greeted with a “secret” handshake and a “Hello Ham” greeting, which you should follow with a “Hello Egg!”
After a group stretch, sing-a-long with live piano accompaniment and announcements the crowd recites the following cryptogram: “FVNEM? (Have we any ham?) / SVFM (Yes, we have ham) / FVNEX? (Have we any eggs?) / SVFX (Yes, we have eggs) /
long-term environmental and community goals.
MRCA, LA and Ventura fire departments ramp up brush clearance
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department, is taking proactive steps to protect communities in and around the Santa Monica Mountains from wildfire. Beginning in September, crews have been conducting critical fuels reduction projects to reduce fire danger as the 2025 fire season continues.
The work is funded by $3.2 million in early action Proposition 4 fire prevention grants, awarded to the fire departments by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. This funding is part of $181.1 million allocated in April 2025 to state conservancies for wildfire prevention and forest resilience projects. The City of Malibu has applauded the effort as a direct and effective measure to enhance community safety.
far this season.
OICVFMNX! (Oh, I see we have ham and eggs!)”
Everyone wears a nametag and even first-timers will be greeted by friendly members. For those wanting to become an official member, which includes discounted breakfasts, there is a century-old initiation process still in place.
New members are blindfolded while sitting astride a sawhorse named “Ham,” and place their hand on a plate of sunny-side-up eggs while taking a pledge, all in good fun and camaraderie.
Then an entertaining speaker will hold court, typically present a slide show, and take questions from the audience. Recent speakers have included Dr. Demento, AMC’s Eddie Muller, presentations on silent film star Harold Lloyd’s gigantic Christmas tree, and tributes to the Muppets and Sid and Marty Krofft. It’s part variety show with a playful, old-school spirit, part civic gathering and social club — an eccentric but warm institution in LA’s landscape.
One hundred years has seen just a little change for the LABC. Women were invited to join in 1978, but what hasn’t changed is LABC remains a place where status, politics, and religion are left at the door — a “democracy of ham and eggs.” Even in a city of fame and ambition, this little club preserves a humble, friendly tone.
In a city that often emphasizes being first, fastest, or newest, the Los Angeles Breakfast Club quietly reminds us of the value of simply showing up each Wednesday morning, saying “Hello Ham!”, sharing a plate of eggs, listening, and connecting.
Here’s to another 100 years of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club — 100 years of bacon, (even vegetarian bacon!) eggs, singing, handshakes, guest lectures, and friendships. In the grand mosaic of Los Angeles history, the club may not be the flashiest piece, but it is perhaps one of the most charming: an enduring tradition of welcome and enjoyment in a city always chasing the new.
A centennial celebration is being held Saturday night, Nov. 8. Tickets are available at labreakfastclub.com
For updates, including weekly progress reports, visit MRCA Critical Fuel Reduction (mrca. ca.gov/statewide-critical-fuel-reduction-projects/)
Horvath urges immediate action on SNAP benefits amid government shutdown Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath is calling for the immediate distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following a federal court ruling ordering the Trump Administration to continue funding food assistance during the ongoing government shutdown. The ruling directs the federal government to release SNAP funds immediately, averting a crisis for roughly 42 million Americans — including nearly 1.5 million residents in Los Angeles County — who rely on CalFresh to feed their families.
beginning Saturday, Nov. 1. The county emphasized that receiving these notices does not terminate benefits, and residents are encouraged to continue complying with reporting requirements to ensure timely issuance once funds become available.
During discussions at the Board of Supervisors, Horvath highlighted that Los Angeles County and its partners are rapidly mobilizing to address the potential gap. The County’s network of more than 600 partners and 940 food distribution sites — coordinated through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank — will be central to the response.
Key county actions include:
• $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to expand food purchasing for November, establish pop-up sites, and create drive-through pantry locations. Nearly all funding will be used to distribute food through existing pantries.
,
Accommodates fire safety measures, FEMA elevation requirements, and coastal restrictions.
• Preserves housing density through ADUs where multifamily units are replaced with single-family homes.
• Offers special provisions for 2025 Palisades Fire properties, including seaward limitations and pre-fire project completion. Through these measures, Malibu is creating a framework for rebuilding that is safe, equitable, and consistent with the City’s
In Los Angeles County, recent projects have focused on Santa Maria Road and the Summit-to-Summit Fire Road. Ventura County efforts include grazing programs in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve. During the week of Oct. 21, a “Masticator” machine cleared 20 feet of brush along both sides of the Calabasas Peak Motorway for 1,494 feet. In Ventura County’s North Crummer area, herds of goats and sheep cleared 8.2 acres of brush, adding to a total of 46.54 acres cleared so
Supervisor Horvath is urging residents to access local food resources as CalFresh benefits face delays. “No one in Los Angeles County should go hungry because Washington refuses to act,” she said. “The federal government’s failure to fund CalFresh puts approximately 1.5 million families and children at risk — and that is unacceptable. In the absence of federal leadership, Los Angeles County will do what it always does: step up. Everyone deserves the dignity of access to food and care.”
CalFresh recipients began receiving notifications from the state on Oct. 24 that November benefits would be delayed, with distributions initially disrupted
• L.A. Care Health Plan commitment of up to $5.4 million in nutrition support, including grocery gift cards and fresh food distribution in partnership with local organizations such as Food Forward® and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.
• Additional departmental support: Public Social Services and Children and Family Services are contributing $2 million each; Parks and Recreation and the Department of Mental Health are setting up temporary food programs for clients. Residents seeking food assistance, volunteer opportunities, or more information can visit lafoodbank.org/findfood or call 2-1-1.
Celebrities like Walt Disney (top left photo), Leo Carrillo (top right, front row right), and Joe DiMaggio (center right) became members of the
century-old Los Angeles Breakfast Club. Photos courtesy of Los Angeles Breakfast Club
STAND
ATTENDEES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025
Tanner Kies powers the offense as the Sharks gear up for playoff showdown against Desert Christian
By MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
The Malibu High football team punched its ticket to the playoffs for the third straight year, capping the regular season with an emphatic Senior Night victory.
The Sharks play at Desert Christian in Lancaster on Friday at 7 p.m. in the opening round of the 2025 CIF-SS Ford 8-Person Football Division 2 Championships.
Malibu running back Tanner Kies said qualifying for the championships is great.
“Making the playoffs is the goal going into every season,” he said. “Hopefully, we can win some games.”
Friday’s playoff clash marks a rematch between the Sharks and the Knights, who handed Malibu a 32-15 defeat on Oct. 11.
The winner of the game will play the victor of the Hesperia Christian and Academy of Careers & Exploration matchup on Nov. 14.
The Sharks fell in the opening round the past two years — to Milken in 2023 and Lancaster Baptist last season.
Malibu sealed its postseason bid with a 30-10 win over Villanova Prep on Oct. 31.
Kies powered the offense with three rushing touchdowns, while senior wideout Omar Izquierdo added a score through the air. On defense, linebackers Tony Martinez and Xavier Godbille anchored a unit that contained Villanova Prep’s offense.
Sharks head coach Mike Halualani said Kies led the way.
Malibu Life
“He is our workhorse — not even workhorse, our thoroughbred,” he explained. “He is our Secretariat. Give him the ball and let him go. Plus, our offensive line — Hudson Wilcox, Lucas Nunez, and Dan Morris — played outstanding all year. Tanner wouldn’t rush for 1,500 yards without them. They are outstanding.”
Kies followed Halualani in thanking the “big boys” for his success running the football.
“Everything they have done has helped me out so much,” he added. “I really appreciate them.”
The game doubled as Senior Night, a
MALIBU’S BEST SHT
celebration of the team’s veteran leaders. Fans and teammates honored Izquierdo, Godbille, Kies, Martinez, Morris, and Nunez along with their classmates on the team — Stevie Clarke, Evertt Arce, Topher Hilling, and Quinn Kelly.
Kies felt a range of emotions at the beginning of the game, but he was elated when the Sharks won.
“It was my last-ever home game,” he noted. “To finish it off was really cool. To look out at the view from the field — it was a perfect Senior Night in every aspect.”
Godbille, who had 14 tackles on defense and five receptions for 81 yards
on offense, said all of the Sharks were motivated to play for the seniors.
“Senior Night showed how united we are as a team, and personally — for me — it opened up my eyes even more about the love for my teammates and coaches,” he reflected. “It made me realize that this year’s football team is like a second family to me.”
Martinez, who had 11.5 tackles, including one sack, won’t forget Senior Night because it was a victory in front of Malibu’s supporters.
“I will always remember playing for the Malibu Sharks and rocking the number 27,” he explained. “I will miss the grace
of winning and agony of defeat.”
Kies hopes the seniors were good examples for the Sharks’ younger players.
“I think we did our best,” he said. “We gave it all we had.”
Halualani, Malibu’s head coach of three years, said the seniors set the bar high for the underclassmen.
“Their work ethic,” Halualani said of the seniors. “They’ve stuck with the program; they’ve been extremely successful. Three years in a row of going to the playoffs and continuing to grow the program is big.”
Malibu ended the regular season
Malibu football secures playoff spot with Senior Night win Like a phoenix, Malibu’s new businesses rise from the ashes
A wave of new openings is delighting locals and invigorating the city’s commercial scene
By BARBARA BURKE Of The Malibu Times
The Malibu High football team and coaches pose for a photo following their hard-fought victory over Villanova Prep on Senior Night, Oct. 31. Photo by Candace Kelly
PEOPLE
Hollyween
MALIBU SEEN
By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor
A long Malibu Weekend, from B***d Street to the Dodgers to Billy Idol.
One lesson learned over a long, “Hollyween” weekend was the censor chip on an Android phone is so wokily, politically correct it doesn’t allow the name D*** van D*** to be spelled out, both because D*** and D*** have negative, vulgar connotations. Here in this highly sensitive 21st century, where even text messages are censored, the list of black-asterisked words is long and still includes George Carlin’s Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television: s***, p***, f***, c***, c*****r, motherf****, and t. But in this touchy modern world, the forbidden lexicon has expanded to include slang for bodily functions, insults toward identity or appearance, and even certain terms once used in political or cultural debate. Words referring to gender, race, or orientation can trigger filters; so can slang for violence, self-harm, or drug use. Android keyboards now tend to muffle phrases like “k*** myself,” “w**d,” “L*D,” or “d***k,” and may flag or autocorrect charged terms such as “f*t,” “c***y,” “s****d,” or “s***e.” Even mild modern slang like “th*t,” “s**p,” or “K***n” sometimes vanishes behind polite asterisks.
These are the days of miracles and wonders.
This story details the many happenings around the Malibu from a commercial shoot at B***d Street Oyster Co. on Friday, then Game Six of the World Series on Saturday, bailed on to attend D*** van D***’s Halloween blast on Saturday night, and then the Malibu Colony on Halloween. On Saturday there was that epic Game Seven won by the Dodgers and then on Monday, an appearance by Billy Eilish at the Composer’s Breakfast Club. A big weekend for the Malibu, but in all of this, we’re going to substitute DVD for D*** van D*** so as not to offend anyone’s sensibilities.
On Friday morning around 7 a.m. a small army of PAs, camera operators, directors, assistant directors, directors of photography, hair and makeup, talent, extras and other busy bees gathered in the parking lot at B***d Street Oyster to film a commercial for the Square Point of Sale System. Anyone who has used this system knows it is solid and reliable and — like the Dodgers in fact — comes through when the going gets tough. It was pretty amazing how many well-paid men and women and expensive machines were mobilized for one shoot, and one insider said just that one day would have cost more than a hundred G’s. Geez! But that’s showbiz.
That Friday was a hot day verging on the 90s on the penultimate day of October, but they got it done from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Your Humble Narrator was there as an extra and
background and managed to swipe a year’s worth of snacks from craft services. Trick or treat!
Thanks to Jenna and Chris for the opportunity. Despite COVID and firestorms and economic downturns, these two have worked hard to build a seafood empire which now includes Huntington Beach Pier, Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, State Street in Santa Barbara, Grand Central Market and Smorgasburg in Los Angeles, and don’t forget B***d Street Coffee right here in Malibu.
(There’s another facet of this 21st century I find frustrating. On Sunday, I arrived at Zinqué just before 10 a.m. to begin this elaborate column and watch the Five-Time World Champion San Francisco Football 49ers beat the Doga** New York Giants. Monsieur handed me the remote and that thrust me into a labyrinth of thousands of channels and options: Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Samsung TV, Fox, ESPN. All I wanted was a Pepsi! All I wanted was 49ers vs. Giants on CBS but in all of that mess of button pushing and SEARCHing I couldn’t find it. So after about 10 minutes of swearing, I gave up and drove to Sparky’s Sports Bar with their eight screens. But they were closed on a Sunday, d**n it. Howdy’s had CBS on, but it was the Chargers vs. Whoever, so now I am back at Zinqué trying to find the Niners on Paramount+ but no go. How about a radio b***dcast? KNBR? KSAN?
Just ads and yadda yadda yadda so far. It should not be that difficult. All I wanted was a Pepsi! This modern world can be frustrating. Third quarter started, Niners are up 17-7. I tell millennials there was a time when there were only 11 TV stations: not 11,000. That was it. Easy peasy.)
Where was I? Saturday. Halloween. A big night in Malibu which I call “Hollyween” because you may or may not be aware there are a lot of show biz people in town with easy access to elaborate costumes and set decorations and ghoulish animatronics and lots of accoutrement to crank Halloween to 11.
I’d heard about D***VD****’s Halloween party for years but never attended. Suzy Q said DVD and crew were going “bigger than ever” this year, so the plan was to get to Zinqué at cinque to watch Game Six, rally all the people I invited to both places, then suit up and get after it around Golden Hour.
SeaNOLA is a hotelier, restaurateur, and bon vivant who has done well for himself in New Orleans, but once a month flies in to enjoy the surf and the sun from a home on Malibu Road. Thought he might stick around NOLA for Halloween, but he flew in late Saturday and came to Zinqué in a pirate suit with dreadlocks — the Dwead Piwate Woberts? — with a female friend dressed in a striped catsuit.
Tina Turner? Nope, Scary Spice. Around 7:15, The Gal Formerly Known as Swims With Dolphins was fleeing Newbury Park for the
coast. “I’m en route … be there at 7:10 … Going as a piece of art. Will be fun to see who can guess what it is.”
I guessed Mona Lisa. Botticelli’s Venus? The statue of David? Guernica? The N***d Maja?
TGFKASWD said: “Very cool… But no. The only issue I had was ordering pieces for the outfit last night on Amazon, so the dress is slightly misleading, but hopefully you or someone will be able to guess who I am.”
Relieved she would arrive fully clothed and not cause a scene, I chatted with Dwead Piwate Woberts and Scary Spice until TGFKASWD came in with a blonde wig, black and white dress, and trailing a red balloon.
Didn’t know that one and as I was Googling it, SeaNOLA nailed it: “Girl With Balloon.”
“Yes!” Jennifer said, stoked there was a sophisto in the house.
“Banksy,” SeaNOLA explained to clueless onlookers. “Someone tried to sell me that piece in New York.”
TGFKASWD looked cool. I reassured her that Malibu Colony was full of sophistos who would understand and dig her Banksy costume, and she shouldn’t be surprised if someone yanked her by the arm and pulled her into an entryway to show her the real thing — hanging between a Picasso and a Pollock.
I was struggling to wear a furry Chewbacca mask which made it almost impossible to see or breathe, which was fun. But I managed to crack my standard Chewie joke to anyone who would listen.
Q: What do you call a liberal, bluestate Chewbacca?
A: A Wokie!
Hahahahaha. Sorry.
Took a photo with Lucky Laetitia, who was dressed as a mermaid: “Beauty and the Beast!” she said, and she was right.
Girl With Balloon had her Jeep, so we jumped in and headed for Serra Retreat. The Gate Guard succumbed to a Jedi trick and let us pass into the domain. Our mojo was good all evening and we got a parking space at the intersection of Cross Creek Road and Mariposa de Oro, and a short walk led us into the Halloween extravaganza of DVD.
Girl With Balloon had never broached the perimeter of Serra Retreat before, and I explained that when you pass through the guard gate and go across the bridge, Serra Retreat is a whole different atmosphere than the rest of Malibu, kind of like Ramirez Canyon and other nooks and crannies of Malibu that have their own microvibes.
Walking along and looking up, you could see the lighted cross at Serra Retreat, which was a contrast to a night many of my Christian friends refuse to celebrate because of the S****ic connotations. Whatever.
Pretty cool. There was a guy on stilts who could jump rope, then pulled some kids out of the crowd to try it tandem — which didn’t
work too well. There were lots of animatronic and human ghosts and ghoulies and at one end a giant p*t of full-size candy bars and other treats.
That big black p*t full of full-sized candy was DVD going BIG. It was a typically perfect autumn night and spirits were good, but Suzy Q said the crowd was down from past events, maybe because of Game Six. Didn’t catch a glimpse of DVD, who was probably in costume, but it always feels special back there. Soaked up the atmosphere and watched some more semi-s**y shows at the little theater, then walked back to the Jeep and headed for the Colony.
I had put a lot of names at the gate with a patient Colony citizen and had been juggling all that for a couple of days — several people jumping in at the last minute and me risking annoying our host who kept having to update the list.
Colony Halloween is pretty good to a Boomer who remembers trickor-treating in the 1960s and 1970s when the streets were full of kids. That isn’t the case in a lot of places these days, but the Colony people also go BIG, as a lot of them are show business folks who have access to elaborate costumes and displays. Halloween is happening in Malibu and it always seems to be on a perfect fall night. Some day Elon Musk should consider doing a Starlink launch to give it all even more atmosphere.
There were food stands, a Michael Jackson impersonator, lots of candy, great costumes. There were two trains — one going west and one going east — so Girl With Balloon tucked her balloon into one train and we headed to the wild west end, looking for familiar faces, me pointing out homes of the anonymously rich and famous, dropping names and digging the scene with a gangster lean.
Our patient host had explicitly asked everyone on the list to NOT knock on the door and thank him.
Burt’s Eye View: Eternity
PERSPECTIVE
By Burt Ross, Contributed Column
Now, lest there be any misunderstanding, when I refer to eternity, I, of course, am referring to the near-endless, marathon 18-inning ordeal which finally concluded thanks to Freddie Freeman, who makes a habit of hitting walk-off home runs. (That was a very long sentence.) Even though these palm tree-hugging Dodgers bear almost no resemblance to the erstwhile Dodgers whom I loved dearly until they deserted me and broke my heart in 1957 when they moved from Brooklyn, I cannot help but root for any players who wear the Dodger blue uniforms. (That was another very long sentence).
These two long sentences bring me to the point I want to make. My friend Phil Bellomy took our
mutual friend Gary Peterson to that historic Game III of the World Series. I watched the game on television, and when I saw Ohtani blast two home runs, I confess that I felt a pang of jealousy and wished Phil had taken me to the game. That pang of jealousy quickly dissipated as the game wore on, and when the game went into extra innings, the jealousy had completely vanished, only to be replaced with a growing sense of relief.
By the time the clock was approaching midnight,
I thanked God I had not been invited to the game. It was so past my bedtime that I prayed that somebody, make that anybody, would end the game, and Freddie Freeman mercifully answered my prayers. I did some quick calculations and figured that from the time my friends had left Malibu and driven to Dodger Stadium, watched 18 innings of baseball, and then driven home, I could have flown to Europe. As fate would have it, and again for the better,
I said we were all going to reenact the entire video for “Thriller” in his carport, but that was a bluff.
One of our forewarned number transgressed that unwritten law and did thank the host. That pulled him away from Game Six: “I was intrigued to see, so I stepped out to the front door at the bottom of the ninth score 3-1 and when I came back it was over.”
And for that we ate The Transgressor’s liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.
Halloween at the Colony seemed to be a bit more low-key than other times, and that also could have been because of Game Six. Wasn’t the weather, which was perfect, as always.
A few days before, a woman came to the bar at Zinqué wearing the uniform for Clark’s, the new kid in town oyster bar at Cross Creek Ranch. She talked to the Zinqué people a bit, and after she left, I emailed the owner and made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that the employees of Zinqué might also wear uniforms: Those horizontal-striped Breton shirts, snappy berets, suspenders for les hommes: Ooh la la and very tres chic.
That idea didn’t go over too well with the employees, but that turned the conversation toward this new place, Clark’s, another oyster bar in a town that already has B***d Street Oyster Co. and that inspired the thought: Is Malibu on the verge of having too many restaurants?
Considering one-third of the town is no mas and currently being rebuilt, can the Town That Closes at 10 p.m. support more eateries?
Went to sleep buzzing about Game Seven of the World Series, with everything on the line, all pitchers active from Ohtani to Kershaw.
And it didn’t disappoint, boy howdy.
I was born in San Francisco and have lived in San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, Berke-
nobody invited me to the fifth game of the World Series, also at Dodger Stadium. After the longest game in World Series history, this game for all practical purposes was over in the first few minutes after three pitches by the Dodger pitcher resulted in two home runs. The Dodgers never scored two runs in the entire game. I noticed on television that the Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax, now 89, was sitting in the stands. We most certainly could have used him for that game.
The final game was perhaps the most entertaining of all. I could not believe that at one point when the Dodgers were trailing, I was actually hoping the game would go into extra innings which it did again.
After seven nail-biting games, our Dodgers finally emerged victorious and repeated as world champions, something no other team has accomplished in 25 years, and something my Brooklyn Dodgers never did. A well-earned congratulations!
ley, and Tiburon so I am genetically, culturally and environmentally predisposed to think them Dodgers is bums.
But holy s**t. That game was as epic as a baseball game can be. The Dodgers were inches and seconds and a couple of pitches away from being upset several times, but guys who don’t hit home runs hit home runs, Pages made a play at center that combined Willie Mays with Clyde Crashcup, Rojas almost went from hero to goat by barely, barely, barely making that throw to home. Game of millimeters.
That was as good as baseball gets, even if it wasn’t the Eight-Time World Champion San Francisco Baseball Giants, who needed only five years — not six — to win three World Series from 2010–2014 — hats off to the Dodgers for pulling off miracles.
Would have been cool if they had let Kershaw finish it off, but it was too close to risk that. His playoff and World Series mojo isn’t too good. So many social occasions, so little time. Now it’s Monday the 3rd and I’m under the first tent at B***d Street Oyster Co., hacking this out, trying to watch the Composer’s Breakfast Club on Zoom — another 21st century convention that allows someone busy to be in more than one place at one time. And it wasn’t Billie Eilish, but Billy Idol. That’s cool.
So, a big weekend around this hopping little town of Malibu: Ad shoots, free lobster rolls, a new restaurant, epic baseball, Halloween, Billy Idol. For people actually brave enough to actually leave Malibu, there are victory parades for the Dodgers somewhere in Los Angeles.
Orel Hershiser was just on AM radio talking about that as he was driving in.
Hmm, the spell checker allowed me to spell Orel. Weird.
Scenes from “Hollyween,” including the Girl With Balloon (center) and her inspiration (lower left). Contributed photos
with a 4-5 record.
The team lost its first two games but then beat United Christian Academy and East Valley. The Sharks followed the wins with two losses — including the one to Desert Christian — before they beat Laguna Blanca in a thrilling overtime matchup. Malibu was defeated by Thacher a week before their Senior Night triumph.
Malibu High’s playoff momentum isn’t limited to the gridiron. Across campus, other Sharks squads are making postseason waves.
The Sharks girls tennis team, the defending CIF-SS Division 7 champions, faced Twentynine Palms in the first round of the playoffs on Tuesday. The winner advanced to the second round on Thursday.
The Malibu boys water polo team played Glendora in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 3 Boys Water Polo Championships. The winner also moved on to a match on Thursday. The Sharks opened the postseason with a 14-8
victory over Millikan.
The Malibu girls volleyball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 8 Girls Volleyball Championships. The Sharks beat Firebaugh 3-1 in the first round and downed Wildwood by the same score in the next round before falling to Foothill Tech 3-1 on Oct. 29.
Back on the gridiron, Malibu hopes to reverse its first-round playoff woes.
As the Sharks prepare for their rematch with Desert Christian, Martinez emphasized the importance of not making mistakes.
“If we keep the same energy and focus we had on Senior Night, we’ll give ourselves a real shot at winning,” he stated.
Halualani called the Knights an “extremely talented” team.
“We played really well against them the first time,” he said. “We will have to play one of our best games of the season.”
Godbille said a motivated Sharks team can claim victory.
“Whether we win or lose, I will love every single one my teammates and coaches,” he said, “and I will never forget my senior year of high school football.”
clothing they prefer,” Taylor said when asked about why he launched the shop.
“We carry boards for everyone — long, short, mid-length and standup paddle boards. We’re also a skate shop that is located one-half mile away from the new Malibu Skate Park.”
Taylor emphasizes that The Bunker is community-focused and that he will offer discounts to lifeguards and high school and middle school surf teams. The venue also offers surfboard and wetsuit rentals as well as surf lessons. Readers can find out more about Taylor’s The Bunker Surf & Skate by calling (310) 589-2143 and visiting @bunkersurfskate.
Clark’s Oyster Bar opened on Oct. 28 in Cross Creek Ranch. Offering a beautifully curated venue featuring both indoor and outdoor dining, the new eatery showcases a full raw bar, wood-grilled oysters, linguine with clams and lobster rolls. The eatery, which is extremely popular back east, also is known for its roasted black angus burger with sauce gribiche and gruyere, daily catch offerings, and a fun happy hour. Visit Clarksoysterbar.com for more information.
Miami also opened in Cross Creek Ranch recently with a bright and breezy all-day eatery that offers a diverse menu of balanced, nutritious menu items reflective of the restaurant’s ethical and sustainability practices. The menu is inspired by owner Omer Horev’s Mediterranean roots, and many dishes can be tailored to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free needs. Vegetarians and vegans are also delighted with this addition to Malibu’s cuisine scene. For more information, Puravida.
com
Driving west on the Pacific Coast Highway a bit, one will find the newest venue opened by Chef Oren Zroya, once the head chef at Malibu’s long-shuttered Beau Rivage. Zroya is well-known for serving delicious Mediterranean food at PitaBu in central Malibu. Now, he and his team have ventured into Point Dume, opening Paparazzi Pizza to the delight of pizza fans.
As one approaches the pizza place, the aromatic scents entice!
and tomatoes, and we use sourdough that is started using slow fermentation which helps contribute to the extreme flavor. Importantly, we use a very minimal amount of yeast because sourdough made that way is better for the digestive system. We also bake some bread, and we have beautiful products from Italy and Sicily for customers to take home and different olive oils, vinegars, tomatoes, and even Italian cookies.”
Commit to be fit!
tendee Ruth Ziemba, a holistic health chiropractor in Malibu.
The City of Malibu contributed to the energy and excitement of opening the new business as Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins and city employees attended the ribbon-cutting. Visit malibucolonypilates. com for more information.
Point Dume has been graced with a new boutique — Laya, offering gorgeous luxury swim and resort wear, including bikini briefs, sarongs, coverups, bubble towels, beach bags, hats and sunglasses — everything you need for a fantastic, fun, fashionable day at the beach! Laya is a luxury brand born on the tropical island of Mauritius with headquarters in Los Angeles.
Proprietor Witney Laya Tucker prioritizes offering beach wear and accoutrements of an exceptional quality at an affordable price. For more information, visit layaofficial.com or call (424) 493-4312.
Malibu Toffee, a delightful brand of handcrafted and beautifully packaged English toffee that is slow-cooked to perfection, blending rich flavors and a delicious crunch. To see the toffee and learn more, go to Malibutoffee.com or call (310) 8695153.
Wellness and lifestyle brand Pura Vida
“The best pizza we feature is one I call ‘Doctor it up!’ I use stracciatella cheese which I put on arugula, jalapenos and hot honey and it’s fantastic! Come try it!” Chef Oren said. “Paparazzi is not just a regular pizza place — it is a boutique Italian deli that serves foods that have the highest quality ingredients, including organic flour
Attendees gathered for a ribbon-cutting event on Oct. 29 celebrating the opening of Malibu Colony Pilates, a woman-owned business founded by Haylee Joseph, a third-generation Malibuite and her father, executive producer Paul Joseph. The studio provides an array of pilates classes for beginners and advanced customers as well as Mom & Me and pre- and post-natal classes. The pilates studio offers classes of all levels so that patrons can develop core body strengths offered by certified instructors. Private sessions and pilates teacher certification are also available.
“I was warmly greeted by Shelley Woods, one of the instructors, and the energy of the studio and all of its instructors was very uplifting,” said at -
“We are excited to also open Shaun DeWet, a coastal luxury menswear store,” Tucker shared, noting that DeWet is an experienced, successful model knowledgeable in all things fashionable menswear, and, most importantly, “We are excited to be part of the Malibu community!” For more information, visit Shaundewet.com or call (917) 859-0900.
Just in time for the forthcoming holidays, Malibuite Sheri Swist has relaunched
Spoiler alert: a new eatery for Malibu! Finally, it’s always fun to get a spoiler alert: Malibuites will soon be able to enjoy the delicious cuisine served by Prima Cantina, an eatery in Pacific Palisades that many diners rave about. The restaurant will soon take over the space that used to house Tramanto’s Restaurant and Juju Asian Kitchen. A recent liquor license application reveals that guests in the new venue can enjoy the same full bar offering delicious cocktails and craft margaritas as they do at the eatery’s other locations. As it does in its other locations, Prima Cantina will offer “Fiesta hours” featuring discounted menu items.
To find out more, call (310) 459-8118 or visit Prima Cantina’s website, primacantina.com. There you can peruse the delicious menu offering bowls, tacos, burritos, and grilled fare from Baja.
As the calendar year winds down, Malibu’s commercial sector is beginning to soar, providing a testament to the resilience of Malibu businesses and entrepreneurs. MALIBU’S
Pepperdine Athletics Hosts Spooky Fun in Malibu
(Top left) Players Adham Abduh (#52) and Xavier Godbille (#28) in action during Friday’s game. (Top right) Malibu High seniors Dan Morris (#77), Quinn Kelly (#21), and Adham Abduh (#52). (Bottom right) Punter Maxson Chiate. (Bottom left) Quinn Kelly with cheer captain Marielle Herbert. Photos by Candace Kelly
PUBLIC NOTICE
Title Order No. : 99100325 Trustee Sale No. : 88260
Loan No. : 399515937 APN : 4460-007-014 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 4/25/2024 . 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 11/12/2025 at 10:30 AM, CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALISTS, AS TRUSTEE as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 5/10/2024 as Instrument No. 20240309389 in book ////, page //// of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by: CHRISTOPHER L. STANN, A SINGLE MAN , as Trustor AGI LOGISTICS HOLDINGS LLC, A DELAWARE LLC , 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: Behind the fountain located in Civic Center Plaza located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766, NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE – continued 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: See Exhibit “A” Attached Hereto And Made A Part Hereof. 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: 27950 WINDING WAY MALIBU, CA 90265. 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 trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $3,081,445.77 (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 of Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation.
DATE: 10/9/2025 CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALISTS, AS TRUSTEE, as Trustee 8190 EAST KAISER BLVD., ANAHEIM HILLS, CA 92808 PHONE: 714-2832180 FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: www.stoxposting.com CALL: 844-477-7869 PATRICIO S. INCE’, VICE PRESIDENT CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALIST IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. “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 on 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 the outstanding lien 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 call 844-477-7869, or visit this internet Web site www. stoxposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case T.S.# 88260. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.” For sales conducted after January 1, 2021: 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 (844) 477-7869, or visit this internet website www.STOXPOSTING.com, using the file number assigned to this case 88260 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
LEGAL NOTICES
a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid; by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code; 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. Disclosure In compliance with CA civil code 2924f(F), the opening bid for the foreclosure sale is based on a valuation provided t the trustee by the lender of the lender’s representative. The trustee does not determine, verify, or opine on the accuracy of this valuation and makes no representation regarding the market value of the property subject to foreclosures (the “Property”). The trustee’s compliance or non-compliance with CA civil code 2924f(f) shall not be construed as an opinion, warranty, or representation regarding (i) the priority of the deed of trust being foreclosed, (ii) the condition of title to the Property, or (iii) any other matters affecting the Property, Including the value of the Property. The trustee relies solely on the trustee’s sale guaranty and/or Information provided by the lender regarding the lien priority and title condition and does not Independently verify such Information. All bidders are solely responsible for conducting their own Independent due diligence regarding the loan, the Property, its value, the lien priority of the deed of trust being foreclosed, and the condition of the title to the Property. The trustee assumes no liability for the accuracy or completeness of any information provided by third parties, including the lender. The valuation used to determine the minimum opening bid applies only to the Initially scheduled sale date. Any postponement or continuation of the sale does not obligate the trustee to obtain or rely upon a new valuation, nor does It alter the trustee’s limited role in the process. EXHIBIT A LEGAL DESCRIPTION THE LAND REFERRED TO IN THIS GUARANTEE IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: PARCEL 1: THE SOUTHWESTERLY 238.88 FEET OF LOT 12 IN BLOCK 1, OF TRACT NO. 12935, AS MEASURED ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF SAID LOT, IN THE CITY OF MALIBU, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 248 PAGES 39 AND 40 OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT THEREFROM THE MINERALS, OIL, GAS, AND OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES LYING BELOW THE SURFACE OF SAID LAND. PARCEL 2: AN EASEMENT FOR PEDESTRIAN TRAVEL, BATHING AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR CAMPING, ERECTING TENTS OR BUILDINGS, MAINTAINING CONCESSIONS, LIGHTING FIRES OR CONSTRUCTING AND MAINTAINING PIERS, DOCKS, WHARVES, GROINS OR ANY STRUCTURES INTERFERING OR TENDING TO INTERFERE WITH SAID TRAVEL IN OCEAN WATERS, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT IN THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF THE 80 FOOT WIDE STRIP OF LAND DESCRIBED IN THE DEED FROM T. R. CADWALADER ET AL., TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, RECORDED IN BOOK 15228 PAGE 342 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, SAID POINT OF BEGINNING BEING EASTERLY 71.46 FEET ON THE ARC OF A CURVE CONCAVE NORTHERLY AND HAVING A RADIUS OF 4340.00 FEET FROM ENGINEER’S CENTERLINE STATION 681+05.48 AT THE EASTERLY EXTREMITY OF THAT CERTAIN COURSE DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED AS NORTH 87° 39’ 55” EAST 1511.31 FEET; THENCE EASTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF SAID 80 FOOT WIDE STRIP A DISTANCE OF 100.00 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED CURVE TO THE CENTER OF ESCONDIDO CREEK BRIDGE; THENCE SOUTH 01° 24’ 05” EAST TO A POINT IN THE MEAN HIGH TIDE LINE OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN, THENCE WESTERLY ALONG THE MEANDERINGS OF SAID MEAN HIGH TIDE LINE TO THE INTERSECTION OF SAID TIDE LINE AND THAT LINE WHICH BEARS SOUTH 01° 24’ 05” EAST FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 01° 24’ 05” WEST TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. Assessor’s Parcel Number: 4460-007-014 MALIBU 233
2025191909
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: MASON PARK 6260 WEST 3RD ST APT 403, PACIFIC PALISADES, CA 90036, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): PIPES CANYON LLC 1147 EMBURY ST PACIFIC PALISADES, CA 90272
If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization CA
This business is conducted by: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 09/2025
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, PIPES CANYON LLC, MARC REID, MANAGING MEMBER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 9/16/2025 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: 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13/2025
MALIBU 235
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee’s Sale No. CARCS-25021181 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 5/25/2021. 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 PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. 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 29249 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 call 714-730-2727 or visit this Internet Web site www. servicelinkasap.com, using the file number assigned to this case, CA-RCS-25021181. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. On November 12, 2025, at 11:00:00 AM, AT THE COURTYARD LOCATED AT, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, in the City of POMONA, County of LOS ANGELES, State of CALIFORNIA, PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC., a California corporation, as duly appointed Trustee under that certain Deed of Trust executed by GLENN DATZ AND AIMI DATZ, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP, as Trustors, recorded on 5/28/2021, as Instrument No. 20210861250, of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, State of CALIFORNIA, under the power of sale therein contained, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The 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 the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Property is being sold “as is — where is”. TAX PARCEL NO. 2079012-009 LOT 43 OF TRACT NO. 30366, IN THE CITY OF CALABASAS, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 740, PAGES 14 TO 17 INCLUSIVE OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT THEREFROM ALL OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND OTHER HYDROCARBONS, BELOW A DEPTH OF 500 FEET, WITHOUT THE RIGHT OF SURFACE ENTRY, AS RESERVED IN INSTRUMENTS OF RECORD. From information which the Trustee deems reliable, but for which Trustee makes no representation or warranty, the street address or other common designation of the above described property is purported to be 22633 TOWN CRIER ROAD, CALABASAS, CA 91302. Said property is being sold for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, including fees and expenses of sale. The total amount of the unpaid principal balance, interest thereon, together with reasonably estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale is $873,039.99. 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 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 877-237-7878, or visit www.peakforeclosure.com using file number assigned to this case: CA-RCS-25021181 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. NOTICE TO PERSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any perspective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC. by 5:00 PM on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth above. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of the first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale will be entitled only to the return of the money paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchasers sole and exclusive remedy. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SALE INFORMATION LINE: 714-730-2727 or www.servicelinkasap.com Dated: 10/10/2025 PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICE, INC., AS TRUSTEE By: Lilian Solano, Trustee Sale Officer A-4855816 10/23/2025, 10/30/2025, 11/06/2025 MALIBU 236
2025213180
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: GOLDEN CAPE
6220 TRANCAS CYN RD., MALIBU, CA 90265, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): DEXTER HALL LLC 6220 TRANCAS CYN. RD. MALIBU, CA 90265
If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization
CA
This business is conducted by: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 10/2025
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, DEXTER HALL LLC, KAMALA HARMONY, CEO
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 10/10/2025 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: 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20/2025 MALIBU 243
PUBLIC NOTICE
On August 20, 2024, the Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission ordered that Fred Glick, license no. RM423794, of Malibu, CA, be given a Reprimand as well as levied a civil penalty in the amount of 1,500.00, because Glick having been disciplined under a real estate licensing law of another jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, having a license suspended or revoked, a fine or revoked, a fine or penalty imposed or being censured or reprimanded publicly or privately. MALIBU 246
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Case No. 25SMCP00552
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Petition of: LAURA MORRISON ROCKWELL TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: LAURA MORRISON ROCKWELL a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
Present Name: LAURA MORRISON ROCKWELL Proposed Name: LAURA HAND ROCKWELL
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: 12-05-25 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: K
The address of the court is:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
1725 MAIN STREET, SANTA MONICA, 90401
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: OCT 22, 2025
LAWRENCE H. CHO, Judge of the Superior Court
SHERRI R. CARTER, Executive Officer/Clerk of Court
PUB: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2025 The Malibu Times
MALIBU 247
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Case No. 25SMCP00557
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Petition of: BROOKE TRUDY HODGSON TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: BROOKE TRUDY HODGSON a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: BROOKE TRUDY HODGSON Proposed Name: BROOKE TRUDY COLLIER
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: DEC 12, 2025 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: K
The address of the court is:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
SANTA MONICA COURTHOUSE
1725 MAIN STREET, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401
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: OCT 24, 2025
LAWRENCE H. CHO, Judge of the Superior Court
DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court
PUB: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2025 The Malibu Times MALIBU 248
2025199148
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: SUNNY SIDE UP THERAPY
2531 TURNBULL CANYON ROAD, HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA 91745, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): THE CHUTHERS, INC., 2531 TURNBULL CANYON ROAD HACIENDA HEIGHTS, CA 91745
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, THE CHUTHERS, INC., COLLEEN OHLMAN, SECRETARY
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 9/24/2025 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: 11/6, 11/13, 11/20, 11/27/2025 MALIBU 249
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION
The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, November 17, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA on the projects identified below.
Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to planning commission@malibucit y.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 DEVE LOPMENT PERMIT NO. 2 3-045, MINOR MODIFICATION NO. 25-003, AN D CODE
VIOLATION NO. 24-068 - An application for an afterthe-fact interior and exterior remodel to an existing 2,405 square foot single-family residence, involving conversion of an existing 608 squa re foot attached garage and covered area s, with a 205 square foot single-story addition, resulting in a 3,746 square foot single-family residence and 400 square foot attached guest house, with additio nal construction of a detached 663 squa re foot three-car ga rage, detached storage structures, trellises, landscaping, and associated site development; including a minor modification for up to a 50 percent reduction to the front yard setback
Location: 6800 Wildlife Road
APN: 4466-005-004
Zoning: Rural Residential-One Acre (RR-1)
Applicant: Stephanie Hawner
Owner: 6800 Wildlife LLC
Appealable to: City Council and Cal ifornia Coastal
Commission
Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15301(a), 15301(e), 15303(e), and 15304(b)
Application Filed: July 24, 2023
Case Planner: Rick Casswell, Contract Planner (619) 483-3950 rick@casswellconsultinginc.com
EXTENSION OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 19-078 AND DEMOLITION PERMIT NO. 21-020
- A request to extend the Planning Commission’s approval for demolition of an existing single-family residence and associated development and construction of a new single-family residence and associated development
Location: 6400 Merritt Drive
APN: 4469-023-019
Zoning: Rural Residential-Two Acre (RR-2)
Applicant: Susan Emerling Owner: Merritt Drive LLC
Appealable to: City Council
Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15301(l), 15303(a), and 15303(e)
Extension Filed: October 13, 2025
Case Planner: Courtney Brown, Associate Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 268 cbrown@malibucity.org
For the projects 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 these proposed projects and found that they are 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 these projects (CEQA
Guidelines Section 15300.2).
Extension requests will be presented on consent calendar based on staff’s recommendation but any person wishing to be heard may request at the beginning of the meeting to have the application addressed separately. Please see the recording secretary before start of the meeting to have an item removed from consent calendar.
A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing for the projects. All persons wishing to address the Commission regarding these matters 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: November 6, 2025 MALIBU 250
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION
The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, December 1, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA on the projects 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 AMENDMENT NO. 24-005 - An amendment to Coastal Development
Permit No. 21-068 to allow for the installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system to replace an existing onsite wastewater treatment system
Location: 30215 Morning View Drive
APNs: 4469-017-901 and 4469-018-904
Zoning: Institutional (I)
Applicant / Owner: Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District
Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal Commission
Environmental Review: Environmental Impact Report for the MMHS Campus Specific Plan (State Clearinghouse No. 202008350)
Application Filed: May 31, 2024
Case Planner: Austin Silva, Contract Planner (925) 989-5864 asilva@4leafinc.com
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 23-040 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 21-008 - An application for a change of use from an existing, multi-family structure to a conforming, visitor-serving motel use and utilization of the existing, vacant commercial structure as an ancillary motel manager’s office
Location: 22800 Pacific Coast Highway
APN: 4452-004-032
Zoning: Commercial Visitor-Serving-One (CV-1)
Applicant: Pacific Coast Management, LLC
Owner: Carbon Investments, LP
Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal Commission
Case Planner: Adam Pisarkiewicz, Contract Planner (949) 489-1442 pisarkiewicz@civicsolutions.com
EXTENSION OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 17-001, VARIANCE NO. 19-004, AND SITE PLAN
REVIEW NOS. 17-005 AND 19-062 - A request to extend the Planning Commission’s approval for construction of a new 6,697 square foot, two-story, single-family residence with a 1,647 square foot subterranean garage and basement, swimming pool, spa, pool decks, landscaping, hardscaping, retaining walls, fire department turnaround, driveway improvements, and an onsite wastewater treatment system; including a variance for construction on slopes steeper than 2.5 to 1 and site plan reviews for construction up to 24 feet for flat roof and an exemption from hillside development standards
Location: 5924 Zumirez Drive
APN: 4467-008-034
Zoning: Rural Residential-Five Acre (RR-5)
Applicant: Schmitz and Associates, Inc.
Owner: Izad Family Trust
Appealable to: City Council
Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303(a) and (e) and 15304(b) Extension Filed: October 14, 2025
For the projects 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 these proposed projects and found that they are 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 these projects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).
Extension requests will be presented on consent calendar based on staff’s recommendation but any person wishing to be heard may request at the beginning of the meeting to have the application addressed separately. Please see the recording secretary before start of the meeting to have an item removed from consent calendar. A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing for the projects. All persons wishing to address the Commission regarding these matters 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 CH ALLENGE THE CITY’S A CTION 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: November 6, 2025 MALIBU 251
published in the order in which they are received.
NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.”
ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, ancestry or national origin or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertisements for real estate in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
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Schilling’s system takes center court as Pepperdine tips off new season
With a revamped roster and lessons learned from last year’s late surge, Waves head coach Ed Schilling looks to fast-track his team’s mastery
By McKENZIE JACKSON
When the Pepperdine Waves men’s basketball team finally grasped head coach Ed Schilling’s flex offense late last season, they got hot — winning three straight games in the West Coast Conference Championships in March.
The Waves opened their 202526 campaign Monday, hoping their largely new roster will grasp the flex offense faster than last year’s squad.
Schilling stressed that learning the patterned offense, which typically features constant player movement and screening to create easy scoring chances, isn’t as simple as learning to make an open layup.
“We run a pretty complicated offensive system that takes time,” he said. “Last year, we really started to get it in the WCC Tournament and won the three games in three days. Hopefully, the implementation will be quicker this year because we have some carryovers.”
The second-season Waves head coach noted that all of Pepperdine’s assistant coaches — Jeremy Grubbs, Josh Calbert, Mike Doig, Scott Rigot, and Tyus Edney — are also experienced in teaching the offense.
“Continuity of the staff and some players are back,” he said. “Hopefully, that leads to the players catching on quicker than last year.”
Schilling’s words came before Pepperdine’s season-opening contest against Life Pacific. The Waves play at 12th-ranked UCLA on Friday before hosting Lincoln University on Nov. 11 and Northern Colorado on Nov. 15. Pepperdine finished the 2024-
25 season with a 13-22 record. The squad had a five-game losing streak at the end of the regular season but turned things around when they stepped on the court at the WCC tournament in Las Vegas. Pepperdine defeated Portland, Oregon State, and Santa Clara before falling to Saint Mary’s in the tournament’s semifinals.
Schilling recalled the Waves being the talk of college basketball during that winning stretch and people framing Pepperdine’s season as a success. But actually, the coach noted, the season was a challenge because of the cancelled practices, rescheduled games, and other logistical issues caused by the Franklin Fire in December 2024 and the devastating Palisades Fire the next month.
“Because of the fires we were stunted a bit a couple of different times,” Schilling remembered. “It was really challenging. We won a good game where we dominated Pacific on the road and then we couldn’t practice because of the fire.”
The postseason run was the highlight of the Waves’ season, but the only returning players include sophomore forward Danilo Dozic, a starting player, and redshirt junior guard David Mager, who saw a bit of playing time.
Redshirt sophomore guard Aaron Clarke and graduate student Javon Cooley, a wing player, were also on the roster, but both didn’t play due to injuries.
Schilling said Cooley, a fouryear starter at Marist before transferring to Pepperdine, emerged as a leader during the preseason. At WCC media day last month, Cooley, 23, echoed his coach.
“I’m the oldest guy on the team and I’m trying to be that guy that glues everybody together,” he said.
The cast of 11 first-year Waves on the 15-man roster is rich in experience both domestically and internationally. The highly-touted freshmen with international experience include forward Nikola Radovanovic, guard Luka Vudragovic, and forward Vladimir Sudar, along with redshirt sophomore Pavle Stosic.
Radovanovic, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, won a league championship with KK Mladost in 2023 and averaged 15.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for Serbia in the 2019 FIBA U16 European Championship.
Schilling said Radovanovic, who has had ankle injuries including one his first week on campus, is a special player with
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phenomenal athleticism.
“Nikola is the headliner,” he said. “We are hoping we can get him healthy because he is one of those guys that is a game changer for us. He is the game changer and can put you on another level.”
Stosic, a talented shooter, played for club teams in Europe’s Champions League and was on the roster of the Serbian U18 team four years ago before spending time at Gonzaga and Utah State the past two seasons.
Vudragovic, also a skilled shooter, played club basketball for KK Metalac VL last year and represented Serbia at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup and the FIBA U18 European Challengers.
Sudar, who had a knee injury during the preseason, played on the Montenegrin National Team that won the U18 Division B Euros in 2023 and U20 Division A Euros the next year.
Sophomore forward Yonatan Levy also has international and college hoops experience. He played 13 games for Green Bay last season, averaging 7.8 points and 6.1 rebounds. He also played two seasons in the Israeli Basketball Premier League and competed with Israel at the 2021-2022 U20 European Challengers.
Pepperdine’s other first-year additions include graduate student forward Preston Phillips, who averaged over 10 points a game for Bethel the past two seasons; redshirt freshman forward Pasha Shemirani from Fresno State; 7-foot center Stefan Cicic, a redshirt freshman from Tulane; and sophomore guard Styles Phipps, who helped Grand Canyon win the WAC Championship last season.
Freshman guards Ty Virgil, a high scorer from Hillcrest Prep, and Anto Balian, who starred at Pilibos Armenian School, ranks 15th all-time in points scored in California high school basketball history, and is on the Armenian National Team, round out the team.
Schilling said Pepperdine got bit by the injury bug during the preseason, but the roster is stacked with players who have size, skill, and experience.
“We have some talented guys,” he said. “We have some potential, but the adjustment has been stifled a bit because of these early-season injuries. If we get everyone healthy, then we can start making that transition better and better.”
“It’s going to take a lot of repetitions for them to get it without thinking,” he explained.
The Waves were predicted to finish 11th in the 12-team WCC standings by the conference’s head coaches.
But if the Waves execute Schilling’s vision, they could rise well above expectations.
“We are going to be guys sharing the basketball, playing hard, and playing together,” Schilling said. “We are going to be much greater than the sum of our parts because the guys are going to utilize each other. There is going to be player movement — everyone sharing the ball and playing inside and outside. It’s a fun style to play and a fun style to watch.”
The Waves spent the preseason learning the flex offense’s reads and options. Schilling said the squad will have a handle of the offense — a version of which helped Auburn become the nation’s topranked team last season — when they run it naturally.
Special to The Malibu Times
Pepperdine Waves men’s basketball head coach Ed Schilling has spent the preseason teaching his team the flex offense.