The Malibu Times • February 12, 2026

Malibu and county officials celebrates major milestone in Pacific Coast Highway safety with smart signal synchronization

City officials and partners mark completion of a $19 million project along 8-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway

City of Malibu officials, agency partners, and traffic safety advocates celebrated the completion of part of a $19 million project synchronizing 12 traffic signals along an approximately 8-mile section of Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon

Boulevard and John Tyler Drive with a ribbon-cutting on Feb. 4. Part of the synchronization project is held up by ongoing fire repairs in Eastern Malibu.

Synchronization of the traffic signals enables Caltrans Management Center to remotely adjust signal timing in real time, optimizing signal coordination to reduce speeding and congestion to improve traffic flow and minimize delays at signaled intersections. The goal is to improve roadway safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians along the PCH. Attendees gathered at PCH and Webb Way in the city-owned triangle lot.

Malibu City Council installs new leadership, defers action on mobile home rent changes

The Malibu City Council opened its Feb. 9 meeting with heartfelt tributes, ceremonial transitions, and the formal installation of new leadership, marking the city’s annual mayoral rotation and reorganization.

The evening blended recognition of longtime public servants with contentious public testimony on proposed updates to Malibu’s decades-old Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance. By the end of the night, the council had unanimously installed a new mayor and mayor pro tem — and deferred any decision on rent control amendments after hearing from dozens of residents.

The evening began with an emotional tribute as the council honored longtime public safety advocate Chris Frost with a City of Mali-

Characterizing the initiative as the city’s most significant investment in PCH safety and mobility to date, Malibu Mayor

Marianne Riggins said, “The innovative system leverages cutting-edge technology and collaborative traffic safety planning to fulfill the city’s commitment to making PCH safer. The project will transform the PCH into a ‘Smart Corridor.’”

The effort, which was approved by the City Council at its regular meeting on May

On Tuesday, Feb. 3, HRL’s employees, California agencies, Los Angeles and Ventura county officials, and city officials in Malibu and nearby communities were informed that HRL (formerly Hughes Research Laboratories), Malibu’s largest employer, will lay off 376 employees working at the Malibu, Lost Hills, Camarillo, Westlake, and Santa Monica campuses. The notice stated that affected employees will be laid off effective April 3, adding, “These layoffs are expected to be permanent.”

The notice informed that, “HRL may close satellite campuses and relocate existing staff to Malibu or to one of the remaining satellite campuses as a result of the RIF

After a group of local scientists from UCLA, USC, and other nonprofits — calling themselves CONSORTIUM (Community-Oriented Network for Scientific Observation, Recovery, and Tracking of Impacts from Urban Megafires) — released

initial findings after a year of testing for toxins in the Eaton and Palisades burn scar areas, the group presented insights on how to remediate properties affected by the wildfires.

CONSORTIUM underscored that there would be wide variability in harmful chemicals across each property tested and “that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for remediation,” according to iO Wright of the nonprofit PostFire.org, which presented the findings last week.

By BARBARA BURKE

“Terrifyingly embarrassing,” “inexcusable,” “perplexing,” and “infuriating.” Those phrases describe the feelings expressed by many Malibuites concerning the inoperative restrooms at Surfrider Beach and other Malibu beaches that force beachgoers to use port-a-potties.

“It’s awful for Malibu’s most iconic beach, Surfrider, to have non-working toilets and a large port-a-potty taking up parking spaces in the small parking lot!” said Andy Lyons, a Malibu native and community advocate.

The problem is not new. The problem is not news to the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors. The problem offends and inconveniences locals and visitors alike. In Lyons’ view, the problem should not exist and should be immediately addressed.

“Malibu’s beaches deserve real stewardship, not slide decks!”

Noting that Malibu’s public beach restrooms have been closed for years and septic tanks continue to need repairs, Malibu Councilmember Haylynn Conrad has doggedly pressed Beaches & Harbors to address Malibu’s unsanitary and unsightly beach bathrooms.

“Our community and visitors deserve real facilities, regular maintenance and consistent trash pickup on our beaches and we need to demand better. Malibu’s beaches deserve real stewardship, not slide decks,” Conrad declared. “I have been pushing Beaches & Harbors for

Letters to the Editor In Case

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The top stories from last week you can read at MalibuTimes.com

Supervisor Horvath fires back at Trump: ‘Put your money where your mouth is!’

As president orders federal preemption of permitting for LA wildfire recovery, local leaders and fire victims push back

Fitness marks 40 years with community celebration

Founded in 1986, gym will mark four decades of fitness, friendship, and community with a public party

group

Another

*Letters to the Editor may not reflect the view, opinion and/or ethics of The Malibu Times. They are however, letters from the people of Malibu. We support your right to express your opinion. Submit your letter to editorial@ malibutimes.com or visit malibutimes.com.

Why I’m not running as a Democrat for U.S. Congress in California’s 32nd District

Dear Editor,

For too long, politics in California — and across our nation — has been driven by division instead of direction. The loudest voices on both sides have drowned out the sensible middle, where most of us actually live. I’m running for U.S. Congress as a moderate Republican because I believe it’s time to bring balance back — not by fighting old battles, but by focusing on practical solutions that make life better for working families, small businesses, and our communities.

Many people have asked me, “Why are you running as a Republican in California?” It’s a fair question — and one that deserves an honest answer.

Malibu prides itself on resilience, local control, and high safety standards. But more than a year after devastating wildfires destroyed over 600 homes, those values are being tested — not by reckless rebuilding, but by a recovery system that has become stalled by its own processes.

I write this not because I lack a permit — I have one, one of only 29 issued out of more than 200 applications — but because most fire survivors still don’t, and the system is not moving fast enough for them. Families remain stuck paying mortgages, property taxes, and insurance on empty lots, waiting for a recovery that has yet to arrive.

To the city’s credit, there has been an effort to address this. Former Item 8.A — a proposal to facilitate the expeditious, efficient, and economical rebuild of structures destroyed by wildfire — was a thoughtful attempt to clarify how Malibu handles true like-for-like fire rebuilds while preserving safety and local control. Brought forward by then-Mayor Bruce Silverstein and Councilmember Haylynn Conrad, it acknowledged a simple truth: recovery is not the same as new development. That idea deserves revival — and action.

I grew up believing that public service is about stewardship — about leaving our communities stronger, freer, and more prosperous than we found them. The Republican Party I identify with is one rooted in personal responsibility, fiscal common sense, and a deep respect for individual liberty. It’s the party of Ronald Reagan — one that believed in optimism, opportunity, and the idea that government should empower people, not control them.

That’s the spirit I want to restore.

Now, let me be clear: I’m not running against Democrats. I’m running for Californians — for safer neighborhoods, better schools, and an economy that rewards hard work and innovation. California is a state full of talent and promise, but too often, the decisions coming out of Sac-

A federal wake-up call, not a threat

The president’s recent wildfire recovery executive order should be understood for what it is: a wake-up call. It reflects growing federal concern that post-disaster recovery is moving too slowly in many communities, often due to procedural barriers rather than safety issues.

This matters because FEMA reimbursement is increasingly evaluated based on tangible progress — permits issued, construction underway, families returning home. The longer recovery stalls, the more scrutiny builds, and the more risk Malibu assumes with the more than $20 million in federal reimbursement it is seeking. Most importantly, Malibu should not want its rebuilding dictated from Washington, D.C. The best way to preserve local control is to demonstrate that our city can take recovery seriously, remove unnecessary bottlenecks, and move families home safely and efficiently on our own terms.

Acting decisively to streamline recovery is not about surrendering authority — it is how Malibu protects it.

The real bottleneck: geotechnical review

The single biggest obstacle to rebuilding in Malibu today is geotechnical review, particularly for like-forlike rebuilds on previously developed lots where homes stood safely for decades through storms, earthquakes, and prior fires.

This is not an argument for lowering safety standards or eliminating soils analysis. That would be irresponsible.

What  is needed is a prescriptive, standardized pathway, where technically appropriate, that relies on conservative assumptions and the extensive geotechnical data Malibu already has — instead of forcing each rebuild to re-litigate the same condi-

From the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

— Margaret J. Wheatley

ramento and Washington make life harder, not easier. Our cost of living is through the roof. Small businesses are overregulated. Families are being priced out of the communities they helped build.

These aren’t partisan problems — they’re California problems. And they require balanced leadership to solve them.

As a moderate Republican, I can bring a fresh perspective to Washington. I can work with both parties to hold government accountable, ensure tax dollars are spent wisely, and help make California competitive again.

tions again and again.

Prescriptive engineering does not mean “less engineering.” It means more rigor upfront: defining conservative, code-compliant parameters that licensed professionals can design to, while allowing city staff to review projects efficiently and consistently.

Item 8.A creates room for the city to consider whether, in appropriate cases, the building official can rely on standardized, professionally developed criteria, while still requiring full verification and oversight by the applicant’s licensed geotechnical consultant during construction.

Right now, there is no clear or predictable pathway at all — and that uncertainty is what is stalling recovery.

Ironically, prolonged permitting delays are already pushing risk in the wrong direction. The Small Business Administration has warned that if permits are delayed beyond 60 days, contractors or borrowers may self-certify construction — a far less safe outcome than a properly designed prescriptive framework.

While many in Washington talk about unity, I intend to practice it — by listening more than I speak, and by finding common ground where others see only political opportunity. Some will say, “Wouldn’t it be easier to run as a Democrat?” Maybe. But easier isn’t the same as right. California needs a stronger two-party system, not one where every idea comes from a single perspective. When one party dominates unchecked, we lose balance — and with it, the incentive to innovate and reform. That’s why I’m proud to run as a Republican: because I believe in restoring that

Delay has consequences

Item 8.A was voted down earlier this year with the suggestion that it be revisited once the new city manager arrived. That delay has left families in limbo — not because their projects are unsafe, but because staff has not been given clear policy direction.

Former Item 8.A is not a technical mandate; it is a council policy. Its purpose is to give staff clear direction to treat wildfire rebuilds as recovery — not new development — and to use existing discretion under state law to move projects forward safely and efficiently. By not advancing this policy, the city is not preserving safety; it is leaving recovery without a clear framework, which in practice stalls families’ ability to return home both quickly and safely.

Item 8.A does not mandate a single technical solution. It simply affirms three reasonable principles:

• Wildfire rebuilds are recovery, not new development Licensed professionals should be deferred to where reasonable • Discretion should be used to

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balance, not to fight the other side, but to make both sides better. At the end of the day, I’m not asking for your vote because of the letter next to my name. I’m asking for your vote because I’ll fight for you — for affordability, accountability, and opportunity for all Californians. Let’s move beyond the extremes and focus on what unites us: the shared belief that our best days are still ahead. Let’s get back to common sense.

Larry Thompson Candidate for U.S. Congress CA-32

move projects forward when safety is not compromised • That is not radical. It is responsible governance.

A path forward Malibu has a real opportunity to lead — as communities like Santa Rosa have done — by demonstrating that post-disaster rebuilding can be both rigorous and humane, efficient and safe.

The city already has the data, the professional expertise, and the legal tools needed to move recovery forward. What is needed now is clear direction that aligns policy, staff, and rebuilding families around a shared goal: helping people return home safely and without unnecessary delay.

Acting now allows Malibu to guide its recovery on its own terms, strengthen public trust, and show that local leadership can deliver results when it matters most.

Jo Drummond is a 13-year Big Rock resident and a founding member of the Malibu Rebuild Task Force.

Hayley Mattson

Hayley Mattson

Cami Martin

Michael Chaldu

Judy Abel

Jen Rodman, Anthony Atkins

Judy Abel, Barbara Burke, McKenzie Jackson,

Burt Ross, Benjamin Marcus, Michel Shane

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Cami Martin

Teenager identified in fatal crash in Malibu Canyon

A teenage boy has been identified as the victim of a solo car crash in Malibu Canyon on Wednesday morning. Police say 16-year-old Hunter Langley was driving a red Tesla northbound on the winding canyon road Feb. 4 when it suddenly made a sharp turn near Potter Drive and careened over the side of the canyon. Emergency responders were called to the scene at 7:40 am and found the vehicle tumbled 30 feet down a steep embankment. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other passengers in the car, according to authorities.

Langley was a student at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth and may have been on his way to classes, although the school is 30 miles away from Malibu. School officials say he played basketball for Sierra Canyon. A Mission League boys’ basketball tournament final and all other school athletic activities were canceled last Wednesday night following the tragedy. The school shared a statement expressing deep sorrow and offered support services for students and faculty affected by the loss.

Judge ordered phone handover in Pepperdine crash murder case

A Los Angeles judge has ordered prosecutors to relinquish a cellphone belonging to Fraser Bohm, the 24-year-old charged with the murders of four Pepperdine University students killed in a devastating crash on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Judge Thomas Rubinson, presiding at LA Superior Court in Van Nuys on Tuesday, issued a compromise ruling requiring the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to deliver the device in a sealed bag to the laboratory of a defense-appointed technical expert. Prosecutors will be permitted to observe the data extraction to ensure, in the judge’s words, that “nothing nefarious” occurs.

Bohm has pleaded not guilty to four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with the 2023 crash that claimed the lives of Niamh Rolston, 20, Asha Weir, 21, Peyton Stewart, 21, and Deslyn Williams, 21, on a stretch of road some have called “Dead Man’s Curve.”

Authorities seized the phone after Bohm allegedly declined to provide its passcode following the accident. Prosecutors, who have been unable to access the device’s contents as a result, had opposed returning it, citing concerns that Bohm could “modify, alter or delete” potentially critical data. His defense attorneys countered that information stored on the phone could prove vital to their case.

Judge Rubinson also ordered the District Attorney’s office to hand over thousands of pages of documentation relating to 128 non-fatal crashes recorded at or near the same location in the 10 years preceding the incident, along with records of all speeding citations issued on that stretch of highway in the two years prior to the crash.

Deputy District Attorney Nathan Bartos pushed back against the scope of the order, arguing the material was “irrelevant, overbroad and unduly burdensome,” adding, “That’s 128 accidents that have nothing to do with this case.“

Bohm, who is currently out of jail on $4 million bail, appeared in court with his parents on Tuesday.

Bohm’s next court hearing is scheduled for April 9.

Malibu reports steady progress in Palisades Fire rebuilding efforts

The City of Malibu continues to see steady momentum in rebuilding efforts following the Palisades Fire, according to a progress update delivered by Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy at the City Council meeting on Jan. 26.

Bundy reported that, as of early February, 532 building permits have been issued within the fire incident area, signaling continued forward movement for affected homeown -

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ers and businesses.

On the planning side, 70 applications are currently under review, while 153 planning applications have already been approved, reflecting significant progress through the city’s entitlement process.

Rebuilding activity is also accelerating at the construction phase. The city is currently reviewing building plans for 47 single-family homes, and 29 building permits have been issued for residential rebuilds. Of those, at least 20 homes are already under construction, marking visible signs of recovery in fire-impacted neighborhoods.

The city’s Rebuild Center, which opened in March to provide centralized assistance for fire survivors, continues to play a key role in the recovery process. Since its opening, the center has hosted 2,018 appointments, averaging approximately 45 appointments per week.

Bundy noted a recent uptick in activity, reporting that 144 families were assisted in the past 25 days alone, an increase that reflects growing momentum as more residents move forward with rebuilding plans.

City officials emphasized that staff remain focused on streamlining reviews, supporting property owners, and maintaining coordination across departments and partner agencies to help Malibu continue its recovery in the months ahead.

LA Mayor Karen Bass denies editing Palisades Fire afteraction report

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is vehemently denying reporting by the Los Angeles Times that she ordered the LAFD’s Palisades Fire after-action report to be softened at her request. The newspaper first uncovered that the report, released in October, had been edited to downplay criticism of department failures.

Residents who lost homes and businesses have condemned the LAFD’s lack of pre-deployment of fire crews ahead of repeatedly forecast high-risk wind conditions, as well as the department’s performance in battling the catastrophic blaze that killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,800 structures throughout Pacific Palisades, Topanga, Malibu, and unincorporated Los Angeles County. The after-action report was commissioned to learn what steps the department could improve upon and what lessons could be learned in fighting future wildfires.

In a series of scathing reports

faulting the LAFD’s handling of the fire and subsequently watering down the final draft of the after-action report, the Times latest allegation is that Bass herself ordered the altering of the report to lessen the city’s exposure to legal liabilities due to oversights or negligence.

Two anonymous sources who provided the accusations against Bass said the mayor is not telling the truth about her involvement in the editing of the report. They also claimed that although she was involved, they could not pinpoint whether the instructions to water down the report were lineby-line edits or a general directive. Both sources told the newspaper they would testify under oath should the matter proceed to court.

Extended mortgage relief announced for fire survivors

Survivors of the devastating 2025 Los Angeles-area fires will receive additional financial relief under a new agreement announced today, extending mortgage forbearance options for impacted homeowners.

State Sen. Ben Allen announced that more than 160 mortgage lenders have committed to providing extended mortgage forbearance to qualified fire survivors, offering critical breathing room as families continue recovery and rebuilding efforts.

“This is an important commitment to financially support Los Angeles fire survivors so they may continue focusing on a safe return home,” Allen said. “In the absence of needed federal support, the state remains dedicated to finding creative financial solutions that will ease recovery for these communities.”

The announcement builds on a previous statewide effort launched last year that provided a 12-month mortgage forbearance period for borrowers affected by the fires. Under the new agreement, eligible homeowners may receive at least one additional 90day forbearance period through a streamlined process designed to reduce stress and administrative barriers.

Borrowers seeking the extension are encouraged to contact their mortgage lender directly. The request requires only a verbal explanation of hardship related to the fires; no additional paperwork or formal applications are required.

State officials emphasized that while the extension is a meaningful step, recovery efforts are far from complete.

“While this is another positive

development, we know more will continue to be needed,” Allen added. “The state is continuing to engage with the mortgage and banking industry for additional support, including options such as low-interest financing gap loans.”

The extended forbearance program is intended to help fire survivors remain financially stable as communities across Los Angeles County and surrounding areas continue long-term recovery following one of the most destructive fire seasons in recent history.

Shake-up occurs in Los Angeles mayoral race

A major shake-up has occurred in the race for Los Angeles mayor. In a surprise move, a longtime ally of Mayor Karen Bass filed papers at the eleventh hour to run for the city’s top office.

Councilmember Nithya Raman, who represents the 4th District — covering Hollywood, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, and stretching to Reseda in the San Fernando Valley — had given no public indication that she was considering a mayoral run. In fact, the 44-year-old Democrat and member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has long been an ally of Bass, who is seeking reelection. As recently as last month, the Harvard University and M.I.T.-educated Raman endorsed Bass for a second term. As a member of the DSA, if she wins, she would join New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as the leader of the one of the two largest cities in the U.S. Her sudden entry into the race signals a change of heart amid renewed criticism of the mayor over her handling of the disastrous Palisades Fire.

For more than a year, Bass has faced mounting scrutiny for decisions made during what became the city’s largest disaster on record. The Palisades Fire destroyed thousands of homes across Pacific Palisades, Topanga, Malibu, and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. During the crisis, Bass was on a diplomatic trip to Ghana — approximately 7,500 miles away — despite pledging during her first campaign that she would remain close to Los Angeles and never leave the country while in office. By the time she returned, evacuation plans in Pacific Palisades were reportedly lacking, a key reservoir was out of service, fire hydrants had run dry, and entire neighborhoods had burned.

In the aftermath, Bass fired Fire Chief Kristen Crowley, claiming Crowley failed to warn her of the imminent fire risk despite forecasts of powerful winds in the days leading up to the blaze. Additional criticism followed Bass’s

appointment of Steve Soberoff as the city’s rebuild czar. Soberoff’s 90-day tenure drew backlash due to his initially reported $567,000 salary, which he later waived after public outcry.

Scrutiny intensified last week when the  Los Angeles Times reported that Bass had ordered the Los Angeles Fire Department to edit its after-action report on the fire. The allegations include downplaying the lack of pre-deployed fire crews during extreme fire danger and minimizing the significance of the Lachman Fire on Jan. 1, 2025, now believed to have been the ignition source of the deadly Palisades Fire. Bass has strongly denied ordering any changes to the report.

Raman’s last-minute entry into the mayoral race also follows a turbulent week leading up to the Feb. 7 filing deadline. Just days earlier, Bass’s most prominent challenger, former Los Angeles schools superintendent Austin Beutner, withdrew from the race following the death of his 22-year-old daughter, Emily. Her body was found along a highway in Palmdale, with authorities initially stating she appeared to have suffered a medical emergency. Her death is now being investigated as a possible homicide. In announcing his withdrawal, Beutner said he was grieving and emphasized that “family always comes first for me.”

The volatility continued when former mayoral candidate Rick Caruso briefly reconsidered another run, despite having announced a week earlier that he would not seek the mayoralty or the governorship of California — both offices the billionaire businessman has previously contemplated.

Another potential contender, Third District County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, also opted out of the race. Horvath, who represents Malibu and has been an outspoken critic of Bass, announced on Feb. 6 — just one day before the filing deadline — that she would not run for mayor. While she reaffirmed her commitment to representing the county, she reiterated her belief that Los Angeles needs bold, new leadership.

Bass now faces a crowded field of roughly 40 challengers, most of whom are relatively unknown. Higher-profile candidates include reality television personality Spencer Pratt, a Republican who lost his home in the Palisades Fire and has been a vocal critic of Bass; Democratic socialist Rae Huang; and Democratic tech entrepreneur Adam Miller.

The 2026 Los Angeles mayoral election will be held on June 2. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff election will take place on Nov. 3.

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

The Malibu Times

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

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

THU feb 12

PALIBU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONNECTIONS

BREAKFAST

Connections Breakfast takes place on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at OLLO Malibu, located at 23750 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. The morning begins with a coffee mixer from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m., followed by breakfast and a featured presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with local business professionals and are encouraged to be prepared with a 30-second introduction of their business, bring business cards, and, if desired, a small raffle item that showcases their work.

The featured speaker is Kasey Earnest, who has served as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu for 21 years. Under her leadership, BGCM operates three after-school sites and four school-based Wellness Cen-

(reduction in force).”

ters across all Malibu public schools, providing no-cost, trauma-informed mental health services to more than 1,200 students and families annually. Following the 2024–25 fires, BGCM partnered with the American Red Cross to deliver long-term disaster recovery services for Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Topanga, and currently case-manages more than 2,500 fire survivors. In April 2025, Earnest and her team established the Malibu Community Long-Term Recovery Group. BGCM also hosts the annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off, welcoming more than 20,000 community members to the beloved, community-driven event each year.

‘PARK TALES: LOVEBUGS’ — IN-PERSON PROGRAM

BLUFFS PARK (HOSTED BY MALIBU LIBRARY)

“Park Tales: Lovebugs” is a fun and educational preschool storytime held outdoors at Bluffs Park on Thursday, Feb 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. Designed for children ages 2 to 5, this family-friendly program invites kids and their caregivers to enjoy stories narrated by a Malibu Library librarian, participate in a creative art activity, and enjoy a complimentary snack.

Advance registration is required and available online at Malibu-

Laid off employees in the Cabinet Makers, Millmen and Industrial Carpenter’s, Local #721 will be impacted. Employees were notified that HRL is providing commercial outplacement services to support impacted staff and that such job search support will be provided by Local Workforce Development Boards and their partners.

CALENDAR

City.org/Register. Bluffs Park is located at 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu.

sat feb 14

CAFFEINATED VERSE: POETRY OPEN MIC — IN-PERSON PROGRAM

Join Malibu Poet Laureate Charlotte Ward for “Caffeinated Verse: Poetry Open Mic,” a welcoming gathering celebrating original poetry by local writers on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy readings from community poets and bring a poem of your own to share during the open mic. This program is designed for adults and offers a relaxed, creative space to connect through the spoken word.

This event is part of the City of Malibu’s free poetry workshops, presented in partnership with Malibu Library, the Malibu Poet Laureate Committee, the Malibu Arts Commission, and the Friends of the Malibu Library. The series provides community members with engaging and educational opportunities to explore self-expression through poetry alongside a renowned local poet. To be held in the Malibu Library, Meeting Room.

A total of 258 Malibu-based employees will be laid off, including a director of information systems, numerous engineers, chemical and gas handlers, scientists, and support staff.

The RIF’s effect on Malibu HRL’s laying off of 258 workers in its Malibu campus couldn’t happen at a more trying time in the city. Clearly, it is too early to quantify the mass layoffs’ monetary effect on the City of Malibu’s coffers, local businesses, Malibu schools, and possibly, the local real estate market. HRL’s reduction

sun feb 22

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

On Sunday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST, the Malibu–Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce will host a Recovery Expo to support residents and business owners navigating the recovery process. The event will bring together a strong lineup of regional agencies and industry experts, offering essential resources under one roof, including one-on-one guidance from building professionals and recovery specialists, direct access to regional agencies to get specific questions answered, opportunities to connect with neighbors and fellow business owners in a supportive environment, and the latest strategies for rebuilding stronger, safer, and more sustainably. The Recovery Expo will take place at Alma Real Drive and La Cruz Drive in Pacific Palisades. RSVP at palibu.org

thu feb 26- sun mar 1

MALIBU MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL: ‘SHREK’

Malibu Middle Schools students bring the beloved musical “Shrek” to the stage in this funfilled production for the whole community to enjoy. Perfor-

mance dates run from Feb. 26 through March 1.

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

ONGOING

MALIBU FARMERS MARKET | SUNDAYS

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

MONDAY COMPOSERS BREAKFAST | MONDAYS

The Monday Composers Breakfast takes place weekly at Dreamland Malibu, located at 22969 Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu, every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. with a simultaneous Zoom option for those unable to attend in person. Guests are encouraged to check in or join the mailing list for

in force is occurring when the city, which a few years ago enjoyed a large surplus, is dipping into some of its reserves to address infrastructure repairs and improvements after the Palisades Fire and to assist those who are rebuilding as the city awaits reimbursement from FEMA for its fire response expenditures.

The EPA and SBA are in town focusing on expediting permitting

In late January, President Trump signed Executive Order 14277, entitled “Addressing State and Local Failures to Rebuild Los Angeles After Wildfire Disasters,” mandating that the Small Business Association and the Environmental Protection Agency take over permitting authority for Eaton and Palisades fire victims who are rebuilding. The order authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the SBA Administrator to promulgate regulations allowing builders to self-certify that construction has met “state and local substantive health, safety, and building standards.”

The order strongly criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom’s and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ pre-fire preparation, wildfire response, and rebuilding procedures. “This marked one of the greatest failures of elected political leadership in American history, from enabling the wildfires to failing to manage, and it continues today with the abject failure to rebuild.”

Several federal, state, county, and local officials voiced strident opposition to the executive order, with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously voting to oppose the federal government usurping jurisdiction over rebuilds and Newsom pointing out that the state, counties and cities are “STILL waiting for the president to grant disaster recovery funding.” Newsom’s response added, “He should keep LA out of his mouth unless he is planning to grant the disaster funding they need.”

Brad Sherman, Malibu’s congressman, discussed relevant principles of federalism and questioned both the constitutionality and feasibility of the federal government assuming control of local permitting. He noted, “The Tenth Amendment reserves to the states functions not expressly given to the federal government and permitting has always been in the purview of local and county governments.”

the latest updates on upcoming meetings, CBC events, member performances, and more.

KNITTING | MONDAY AND FRIDAY

Join Malibu’s Community Services Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to noon. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat, blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size 8 needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal. Visit malibucity.org for the location.

TOTAL

BODY WORKOUT | TUESDAYS

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

Sherman’s strong reservations also center on concerns that building along Malibu’s coastline and on the land side, where there are landslide and slope stability concerns involve special considerations and allowing self-certification could literally lead to disasters.

Nevertheless, the SBA issued a new “Regulatory Guidance to cut California’s red tape and expedite the Los Angeles rebuild” on Jan. 29. The guidance allows builders to self-certify compliance with substantive state and local rebuilding requirements for SBA disaster borrowers who have waited 60 or more days for their permits and other rebuilding-related approvals. Accordingly, the new guidance will allow wildfire survivors to bypass permitting delays and to begin rebuilding using the $3.2 billion in SBA disaster relief that has been approved for Eaton and Palisades fire-afflicted communities. According to the SBA, it approved 12,600 disaster loans for Los Angeles totalling $3.2 billion in disaster relief, “representing over half of all disaster aid approved in fiscal year 2025.”

The SBA’s guidance elaborated, stating, “Yet despite this unprecedented federal response, less than 25% has been drawn down by borrowers due to enormous permitting backlogs that prevented survivors and their builders from beginning the rebuilding process.”

Borrowers interested in the self-certification option to “bypass local bureaucracy are required to submit just two documents to the SBA: A disaster loan modification application and a builder’s certification,” according to both the guidance and letters SBA has sent to borrowers. Once those submittals are approved by the SBA, those documents formally amend the borrower’s loan authorization agreement, replacing the language that would otherwise require local permits before rebuilding can begin.

The guidance informs, “While this action immediately addresses permitting delays affecting California wildfire survivors, the same process will apply in the future to any local jurisdiction whose permitting systems prevent survivors of presidentally declared disasters from moving forward with recovery.”

Readers interested in learning more about the bypass option can visit sba. gov/funding-programs / disaster-assistanc e/options-bypass-permitting delays.

months to finally repair the public bathrooms in Malibu so we are not forced to rely on porta-potties that the county is already paying for. I drove to Marina Del Rey to attend the Beach Commission meeting on Jan. 28 in person when they finally put Malibu on the agenda. They voted to allocate $1.3 million to repair our beach bathrooms which I am pleased about — I’m grateful to see that move forward.”

At the commission meeting, Beaches & Harbors staff provided data regarding beach bathroom closures. The data reveal that bathrooms at Surfrider and Topanga beaches have been closed since June 2024. Bathroom number four at Zuma Beach has been closed since April 2022. Zuma Beach bathroom number seven has been closed since July 2023. September 2024 marked the last time that beachgoers could use Zuma bathrooms numbered one and eight. Bathroom numbers three, six, and nine are open on Zuma Beach as are the bathrooms at Zuma lifeguard headquarters and Zuma yard.

Addressing dysfunctional septic tanks on Malibu beaches Staff from Beaches & Harbors informed commissioners and the public that common septic tank issues at Malibu beaches include sewage leaks and spills, sewage backups, and the need for emergency pump-out services. The commission is taking a phased approach to repairing the restrooms that are not open and to upgrading restrooms at Point Dume, placing Surfrider on the fast track, with that project slated for completion by the end of this month. The projected completion for repairing and upgrading Zuma bathrooms one and nine, as well as three restrooms at Point Dume is December 2026. Plans are being developed to repair and upgrade restroom facilities at Zuma lifeguard headquarters, Zuma Yard, and Zuma

NEW LEADERSHIP

bu tile — an award typically presented after seven years of service.

Presenter Councilmember Doug Stewart joked that the tile was “well overdue.”

Frost served 22 years on the Public Safety Commission, including roughly a decade as chair.

Stewart described him as a mentor to fellow commissioners and a constant presence during emergencies. In the city’s early years, before the establishment of a formal public safety department, Frost effectively served as a volunteer public safety director.

Representatives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department emphasized Frost’s handson involvement during wildfires and other crises, his encyclopedic knowledge of Malibu’s geography, and his well-known ability to locate every RV parked along Pacific Coast Highway.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station presented Frost with a signed surfboard and a special plaque typically reserved for retiring elected officials.

Frost credited former Mayor Jeff Jennings for encouraging him to enter civic service 25 years ago and thanked Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas, fire liaisons, Volunteers on Patrol, Community Brigade members, and his wife, Terry.

Quoting late Commissioner Andy Cohen, Frost concluded: “I don’t want to talk about public safety. I want to do it.”

Although stepping down from the commission, Frost will remain active in the Community Brigade as a safety officer.

The council also recognized departing commissioner Keegan Gibbs, who received a surfboard and reflected on his experience learning “the pace and guardrails” of local government.

New Leadership

The meeting continued with warm tributes to outgoing Mayor Marianne Riggins, who served as mayor for most of 2025–26 and previously worked for the city for 17 years before joining the council.

Council members praised Riggins’ institutional knowledge and steady leadership during a year marked by wildfire recovery efforts and prolonged closures of Pacific Coast Highway.

Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Silverstein highlighted her role in managing post-emergency recovery, saying she helped “clean up the mess” in

bathrooms two, three, six, and eight. Commission staff listened to a presentation regarding the department maintaining and operating 18 septic systems in Malibu. Repair assessments were conducted by a certified septic system vendor, and locations for repair were selected based on the extent of repairs needed at each location. Septic repairs involve replacing floats and pumps, PVC check valve relief and piping as well as replacing fans, filters, chemical pumps, blenders, UV lights and housings, flow meters, lids and concrete surrounding lids, installing new electrical conduit, splice boxes, and ensuring watertight connections, according to the presentation.

Malibuite Madelyn Glickfeld has served on the Beach Commission for two and a half years and was appointed by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. She explained that budgetary limitations are requiring a phased approach to the beach bathroom repairs and upgrades in Malibu. “The county’s budget is in dire straits,” Glickfeld stated. “There is not enough money to complete the project to repair all of Malibu’s beach bathrooms in 2026.”

The Zuma underpass and other Malibu bridge concerns

Glickfeld, who has lived in Malibu for 35 years, has previously served on the Wastewater Advisory Board, is a former commissioner who served on the Coastal Commission, and has worked on the water resources working group. She addressed another agenda item at the beach commission meeting, to wit, conditions at the Zuma underpass.

“We want to make sure that the sand coming from the mountains makes it all the way to the ocean because that is how beaches are replenished,” Glickfeld explained. “Over the years, Caltrans has dumped dirt from its projects. All up and down the coast, we are facing an engineering issue as bridges are no longer sufficient to allow sand to go through. At the Zuma underpass, water collects when we get

the aftermath of the Palisades and Franklin Fires and helped organize the city’s response during a challenging period.

Riggins thanked her family for their patience and support and reflected on her lifelong ties to Malibu. “This is the community where I grew up, where I raised my family, and where my parents lived most of their lives,” she said.

The council presented Riggins with a plaque recognizing her “outstanding service and dedication” as mayor. A representative from Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office offered virtual congratulations and said an official calligraphy certificate would be presented in person at a later date.

Following the tributes, the council unanimously elected Bruce Silverstein as mayor for his second term in the role.

Stewart nominated Silverstein, quoting President Lyndon Johnson with a smile: “When the burdens of the president seem unusually heavy, I always remind myself what could be worse. I could be a mayor.”

Steve Uhring was elected mayor pro tem by acclamation after being nominated by Silverstein, who praised Uhring’s professionalism and composure during a previously contentious period on the council.

Rent Stabilization Debate Draws Packed Room

The tone shifted as the council took up proposed amendments to Malibu’s Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance, prompting impassioned testimony from more than 30 speakers — most of whom urged the city to leave the current rules unchanged.

Residents from Malibu’s two mobile home parks, Point Dume Club and Paradise Cove, filled the chamber, alongside park management representatives and community advocates.

The ordinance, originally adopted in 1991 following Malibu’s incorporation, was shaped in part by the 1994 federal court case Adamson Companies v. City of Malibu. That decision struck down certain provisions — including an eightyear rent rollback and specific rent freezes — while upholding annual Consumer Price Index-based caps, vacancy controls, and determining that the ordinance did not effect a categorical taking on its face.

From 2008 to 2025, the Rent Stabilization Commission was largely inactive due to lack of quorum, with most allowable rent increases handled administratively by city staff. The commission was reactivated and convened an ad hoc

as little as 2 inches of rain and we have to close it. They haven’t raised the bridges at Bonsall and Busch either.”

Glickfeld explained that the Beach Commission, “Has no regulatory authority, merely advises the county supervisors and only holds four meetings a year.” The commission expresses concerns to Beaches and Harbors, which then brings matters to the attention of the Los Angeles Regional Water Board, she added.

Debris on beaches

The commission also addressed what Glickfeld described as the ever-increasing problem of beachgoers dumping garbage on beaches. “We need to stop grooming beaches with tractors because doing so hurts natural beaches and pre-dune habitats and their ecosystems,” she emphasized. Another priority for the commission in Glickfeld’s view is for the county to more strongly address sea level rise, large wave protection, and beach retention, especially at Zuma Beach so that sand collects at Westward Beach naturally.

“The county is working on three pilot projects,” she stated. “Zuma, Point Dume State Beach, and Westward beaches are one project and Topanga Lagoon restoration is another. The third pilot project is at Dockweiler.”

Glickfeld acknowledged that people are very frustrated with the management of Malibu’s beaches, and she encourages citizens to show up at commission meetings as well as to send commissioners and county supervisors letters and to make telephone calls expressing their concerns.

Collection of fire debris on East Malibu beaches

Conrad and Glickfeld both voiced extreme concerns about the amount of debris on Malibu’s beaches due to the fire and recent rains.

Conrad directed The Malibu Times to Darren Graves, who is spearheading efforts to clean up debris caused by the Palisades Fire.

committee to review and propose updates.

City staff recommended retaining the existing CPI cap of 2% to 5% annually, a 15% vacancy increase upon sale or transfer, and a 15% sublease surcharge, while clarifying administrative roles and limiting retroactive refunds to three years.

The commission’s recommendations went further in some areas, including proposed sublease rent caps and expanded commission authority — proposals that drew sharp criticism from residents.

During public comment, speaker after speaker emphasized that the current ordinance has provided stability for more than three decades.

Residents cited cooperative relationships with park owners, a lack of documented excessive rent increases, and the importance of predictability for seniors and fixed-income homeowners.

Several criticized the process, saying they received short notice and had limited opportunity to participate before the item appeared on the council agenda.

Others warned of unintended consequences, including depressed home values, mass sales, reduced rental availability, and potential impacts on school enrollment. One speaker noted that approximately 25% of Malibu Elementary School students live in Point Dume Club.

Steve Stein of Greenberg Glusker, legal counsel representing the longtime family owners of Paradise Cove, called the proposed amendments unnecessary and unfair, arguing that the existing rules have maintained stability while allowing homes to command high sale prices.

Ken Kravenas, chief operating officer of Hometown America, which purchased Point Dume Club in late 2024, said the company supports preserving what he described as a balanced framework.

Only a small number of speakers supported moving forward with the commission’s recommendations or called for stronger enforcement measures.

Discussion also focused on two pending state bills

AB 768, which has passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate Rules Committee, would amend the Mobilehome Residency Law.

The most recent version would maintain rent stabilization protections for units used as permanent housing by homeowners or approved tenants, but remove protections for seasonal or short-term rentals.

Multiple council members and

Graves characterized his and other volunteers’ efforts as addressing, “The ongoing saga of fire debris removal from public lands beyond the realm of private property in Eastern Malibu from Duke’s to Topanga Boulevard.”

“Starting in March of 2025, we started pulling fire debris from the ocean and I would estimate that we removed between three to five tons within three months,” Graves said. “When there were storms, the beach sand dropped between 7 and 8 feet, and debris was exposed.”

The all-volunteer crew is primarily composed of the Sutton sisters, Graves explained, noting that Julie Sutton Bacino, her spouse and Suzie Sutton Rottman and her spouse, “removed debris because no one else did. We in Malibu are stewards of the environment — Malibuites always clean up the beach.”

“The ocean in Malibu is hurting.”

Last year, The Malibu Times reported that Barbara Gentile, co-owner of Malibu Divers and the company’s director of education, was spearheading an effort to address Palisades Fire marine debris. Gentile is extremely worried about the status of the marine ecosystems and coral reefs along the Malibu coastline after the fire and subsequent rains, both of which deposited toxic debris near and on coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Gentile is also a public safety diver for the Los Angeles County Sheriff Reserve Dive Team and American Academy of Underwater Sciences diver with Reef Check.

At the Beach Commission meeting, Gentile gave a presentation entitled, “The Blue Force™: Mobilizing citizen divers for local ocean recovery.”

“Our aim is to restore our shores and utilize a collaborative effort to rebuild and protect Malibu’s marine ecosystem,” Gentile explained to commissioners and that on April 1, 2025, she led a scuba diving operation focusing on surveying the debris afflicting the coastline from Carbon Beach to Chautauqua Boule-

staff clarified that full-time primary residents would not lose protections under current law or the likely final version of AB 768.

AB 1543 would impose statewide CPI-based rent caps on mobile home parks, potentially overriding local ordinances.

Many residents urged the city to formally oppose AB 768, arguing it could erode local control.

After nearly two hours of testi-

vard. “Due to the fire and extreme rainfall, debris, an estimated nine miles of coastline were negatively impacted. The ocean in Malibu is hurting. Fires. Floods. Runoff. All of those are endangering marine ecosystems, which could collapse.”

The Palisades Fire ocean recovery area includes the Rustic Canyon storm drain, the ocean along Chautauga Boulevard, Temescal Canyon Road, Coastline Drive, and Las Flores, Gentile informed. “Solving these real problems requires more than testing — it also involves lobbying for funding and it takes observation, empathy and action! Environmental action is what we need to do because our ecosystems need us.”

“The ocean needs our help. Doing nothing is not the answer”

Gentile’s call to action involves activating The Blue Force to demonstrate that, “we value where we live and address underwater debris damage in service to Malibu and our planet.”

The Malibu Times asked Gentile about necessary next steps to activate The Blue Force. She explained the need to focus on identifying the experts needed, funding a boat equipped with side sonar that can detect debris, recruiting qualified divers and determining a cleanup plan focusing on team organization and funding.

“At the end of the day, we need funding to pay for the effort because we need professional staff and boats,” Gentile noted. “We need to restore the reefs. If a person has garbage in his backyard, he wouldn’t use it for planting vegetables to eat. The concerns along the shoreline are analogous — the settlement and debris settle and poisons the marine environment. There is no doubt in my mind that we need to take action now! Recovery is the missing step between assessing the damage and resiliency — assessing the damage without recovery is an incomplete response to this disaster. The ocean needs our help! Clearly, doing nothing is not the answer.”

mony, council members expressed appreciation for the turnout and acknowledged widespread calls for additional transparency and engagement.

Stewart proposed deferring action to allow further review, possibly through the council’s existing ad hoc committee on mobile home issues, and suggested directing staff to devote resources toward opposing AB 768.

The entire council collectively echoed the call for caution, saying no action should be taken without broader understanding and input. The council reached a consensus to postpone any decision on the proposed local ordinance amendments, sending the matter back to the ad hoc committee for additional review and outreach. The item will return for consideration at a future meeting.

8, 2017, and is a major step towards achieving the top priority of the City’s PCH Safety Study, was funded by Los Angeles County Measure R, which approved Highway Operational Improvements and by Measure M. The project involved more than seven years of planning and coordination between the city, Caltrans, and Los Angeles County.

In a press release, the City of Malibu explained that the project includes new closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras at each intersection to afford real-time verification of corridor and traffic conditions so as to enable faster response times. Contractors also installed emergency vehicle preemption technology as well as wires that are embedded in pavement to detect the presence of vehicles and to trigger changes in traffic signals. Additionally, contractors installed improved controller cabinets with both battery backups and Bluetooth capabilities, replaced existing signal poles with new ones, made street improvements and upgrades complying with the Americans With Disabilities Act consisting of installing ADA curb ramps, as well as installing ATCS sensors and changeable message signs. Midblock sensors will enable Caltrans to monitor traffic flow and speed and then remotely adjust signal timing. The press release noted that signal interconnectedness provides a very high, uninterrupted bandwidth for communication, and the system can expand to more devices in the future.

Forthcoming efforts to further improve PCH safety include employing a speed citation camera system at high-risk locations along PCH as authorized by Senate Bill 1297, and installing quickbuild temporary roundabouts at El Matador State Beach and Encinal Canyon Road, an infrastructure

upgrade that is slated for completion in the spring or early summer, Riggins stated. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath also spoke at the event and commended the collaborative efforts between Caltrans, the county, and the city.

Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts and Deputy Director of Traffic Safety and Operations Rafael Molina attended the ceremony, with Roberts noting that completion of the project marks an important step toward improving safety on PCH and highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration. “What makes this project special is the usage of installed systems to render PCH more safe and it is the first system of its kind to be installed by Caltrans,” Roberts stated. Future improvements will include automated speed cameras and increased law enforcement patrols.

Representatives for State Sen. Ben Allen and Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, as well as from LA Metro and the California Highway Patrol, also spoke and lauded the combined efforts of many agencies that were instrumental in completing the project.

That the celebratory event occurred across from the White Tires memorial that honors those who have died in PCH accidents was not lost on either the speakers or attendees. Michel Shane of the Emily Shane Foundation spoke and noted that the celebration was sombered by a fatality on PCH on Feb. 2 and by a 16-year-old driver dying after his Tesla careened over Malibu Canyon on Feb. 4. Damian Kevitt of Streets are for Everyone (SAFE) also made remarks, with Kevitt honoring Shane’s efforts “that have directly influenced completion of this project.”

For more information about ongoing PCH safety initiatives, visit Malibucity.org/PCHsafety

However, CONSORTIUM discussed two remediation options for soil that they claim are widely trusted.

The first is scraping your lot, which was carried out by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that removed six inches of topsoil from ash footprints of burned homes. Depending on lot size, this could leave untouched soil that a property owner may wish to have scraped by a contractor for disposal at a hazardous waste facility. This remediation method typically involves testing the soil for toxins until a safe threshold is met, so fresh, clean soil can be laid over the top. “That is

remediation,” said Wright. However, the scraping method can be expensive. An alternative is bioremediation — sometimes called ecological remediation — a much slower process, but drastically cheaper than scraping a lot. The process mimics nature by drawing on principles of ecology to not only address pollution but also restore ecosystem function and biodiversity. Ecologists work with nature’s own cleaning systems by using living organisms — fungi, bacteria, and plants — to clean up polluted soil and water. Certain fungi are especially good at starting this process. They can attack tough contaminants like oil or pesticides and break them into smaller pieces. Once the fungi get started,

to finish the job. It’s like nature’s assembly line for cleaning up messes.

When ecologists arrive at a contaminated site, they start by testing the soil and water to identify which pollutants are present. Once that is determined, they choose the right organisms for the job — selecting specific fungi, bacteria, and plants known to break down those particular contaminants. The site is then prepared by adding nutrients, adjusting pH levels, or mixing in materials like compost to help organisms thrive. If the site-specific organisms are not already present, ecologists may add fungal spores, bacterial cultures, or plant-specific vegetation. The process can take a year or more,

ularly testing contamination levels and adjusting conditions as needed. By using multiple species rather than just one — since different organisms tackle different pollutants and work better together — ecologists can prioritize local species that naturally grow in the area and ensure the most important “cleanup species” are present and healthy, allowing nature to do the heavy lifting of restoration. Because urban wildfires create toxins from burning plastics, batteries, and synthetic materials, and because toxicity levels can vary across different areas of one site, property owners may wish to use a combination of both methods to facilitate a rebuild: using the scraping method for the

tomized bioremediation for other areas of their lot through controlled human intervention that can speed up natural processes.

UCLA professor Dr. Shaily Mahendra of CONSORTIUM said bioremediation is “just the way nature cleans and heals itself. It is a slow process. That’s how earth restores and renews itself. As a technology, we are referring to what we call enhanced or engineered bioremediation … that means what nature would take hundreds of years to do, we could do in one year and speed it up … nature will take care of it. This is a little more monitored, more documented. This is a ramped-up, custom solution that would be very useful in certain areas,

Dr. Danielle Stevenson, founder of the nonprofit Centre for Applied and Ecological Remediation (CAER), stated that CAER, which partners on bioremediation services in collaboration with landscape architects, uses EPA methodology. “We follow all the steps needed to be in compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, which is really an important thing to consider when selecting a remediation option for your site. Just to ensure that whoever you contract is going to give you the data you need — that will help you with a lawsuit or insurance claim, or if you plan to sell the lot down the line — it’s going to be really important to have the right types of documentation about the remediation process

Malibu Life

ABy BARBARA

midst the cacophony inherent in our modern world and a multitude of challenges faced by residents as they valiantly soldier through the rebuilding process, Malibu is blessed because joyously, one thing remains constant — our youth are inherently optimistic, striving to find their niche in life and to contribute their positivity and talents for the greater good.

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu is as constant as the northern star in supporting students and their families to enable the next generation to have the opportunities they need and the confidence to achieve their goals.

As one entered the room at Third Space, the club’s innovative gathering space and long-term recovery center, he was welcomed by a sense of excitement and anticipation for

the club’s 21st Youth of the Year award.

The panel of judges was charged with the obligation to select a winner from among the eight outstanding candidates who were nominated on the basis of their academic excellence, leadership, and positive role modeling. Those civic leaders, whom the club’s CEO, Kacey Earnest lovingly calls, “the embracers,” included Dr. Antonio Shelton, superintendent of Santa Monica Malibu School District; two philanthropists, Staci Richard

of Direct Relief and Elisa Perlman of the Change Reaction; a banker, Mona Vince of Bank of America; Pepperdine University’s COO Nicolle Taylor; and Fox Sports Senior Vice President Wendy Luckenbill. The panel listened intently to presentations by eight teens who shared their lived history, their inspirations and aspirations, and all panelists were very impressed and hard-pressed to choose just one winner because in the judges’ minds, all competing are winners.

The students’ stories depicted a microcosm of teens’ lives in America. One, the child of two chefs, wants to attend the Culinar y Institute of America in New York and ultimately, to open up a communal gathering space to serve food because he intends, “To cook from a space of love because food connects and the Boys & Girls Club has taught me the value of having a community.” Another struggled with an eating disorder,

TBy MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The

he Pepperdine Waves women’s basketball team had a good thing going in the first half of their game against the visiting Washington State Cougars on Feb. 7 at F irestone Fieldhouse — they were playing at a kinetic pace and sharing the basketball. Oh, they also held a 16-point lead

Still, at halfti me, Brian Porth, the squad’s stand-in head coach, told the team they needed to figure out how to

win the contest — which mainly involved deciphering Washington State’s various defensive formations.

“ They did a good job of figuring that out,” Porth said of Pepperdine.

The Waves caused a Cougars turnover in the opening moments of the third quarter and then point guard Taija Sta. Maria found guard Meghan Fiso for a fast-break layup. Guard Elli Guiney scored a layup after the Waves passed the ball around like a hot potato, giving Pepperdine a 20-point advantage.

In the end, the Waves rolled by the

Cougars to a 78-62 victory — Pepperdine’s fourth straight win. The Waves have a 15-9 overall record and a 6-6 record in the West Coast Conference heading into their game at conference foe Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles on Thursday at 6 p.m.  Pepperdine junior guard Lina Faulk, 21, was pleased with how aggressive she and her teammates played on offense — despite the 18 turnovers.

“Everyone was running the floor,” she explained. “We all had so

Excellence, grandeur or beauty: Kevin Zinger, Part Two

MALIBU SEEN

By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor

Went for lunch with Billy Gale at Cafe Habana the other day. He mentioned a band called OTTTO and suggested I ask you about them. Sons of rock stars?

Sorry I couldn’t join you guys I have that flu going around and I was down and out for a week. Billy is a nat ional treasure. A Ma libu cowboy, a great surfer who wrote songs for people like Waylon Jennings. I think he saw OTTTOplaying in my backyard one year for a birthday party. It’s Tye Trujillo’s band. I just helped them put out a new EP. They are a rad thrash metal band from Venice. Tye also plays in Suicidal. His dad is Robert Trujilio (Metallica, Suicidal Tend encies, Infectious Grooves). Rob Trujillo is indeed a legend and also one of the nicest and most humble guys you will ever meet. The entire Trujillo clan is so talented. All of ‘em are artists and musician: Mom, dad, kids are all incredible talents.

Part On e ended with my retro-babbling about the music scene in Santa Cruz in the 1970s and 1980s. I am aware how much talent there is living in and around Malibu and I always wonder: Why doesn’t Malibu have a more lively music scene? Aviator Nation is a decent room. Every scene needs that person or group of people, or that venue, that acts as a catalyst to bring everyone together. Malibu is tough because there’s not that many people in general and it’s super spread out. But there is a cool little scene growing now. My kid Zane has built a cool scene around his SVNBRVNT label. He started throwing show s when he was 17 and now they will sell out a 600-seater, and it’s full of kids. When he started his band, Strange Case, they played and they would put all the local bands on. They would bring in one band from another area and trade out shows. They have grown what they are doing since him and Jakob linked up. He tried to do more with Aviator Nation, but for whatever reason it didn’t happen, so the shows happen outsid e of Malibu. But the y support local events when they can.

Strange Case rocks the yearly lifeguard party. And both Zane and Jake love Krist y from Kristy’s Village Cafe. She has had them play a bunch on the grass during the summer. It’s coo l to watch. They were playing a Sublime song, and this guy looked at me and said “He sounds just like the kid from Sublime. HAHA.” When I told him who it was, the guy lost his mind. HAHA. So there is something bubbling u nder for bands from Malibu to Venice. But that is a microcos m. A larger music scene in Malibu would be great to see the city get behind. For a town that is full of people in the ar ts we don’t do much to support them. Santa Monica has the concert series on the pier, Ventura has multiple events a year, but Malibu doesn’t have anything I know of that starts at the city level to support music. That’s a shame.

Chat GPT tells me you did a docu-

mentary about Banksy. Our friend SeaNOLA owns a Banksy or two. How did the documentary go?

I’ve al ways had a bad habit : I love art, and I collect it. My personal collection is so big I’ve run out of walls, out of garage space, and now out of storage-unit space.

I’ve always been a huge fan.

Yes! I want to win the lottery just to buy a house on Malibu Road to put all my stuff: 120 issues of SURFER Magazine, 30+ books, a lot of projects. I got stuff. Need walls. I don’t care if I live there, I just want a place to show my stuff.

One of the first big checks I ever got, I commissioned a painting. I remember a buddy saying, “Really? That’s how you’re spending your money?” But I genuinely love art.

Through the clo thing world, I met R isk, who had a cloth ing company called Third Rail. SRH and Third Rail would do parties and projects together. We were like black sheep in action sports — new kids with a different vibe than the mainstream brands. But we never saw each other as competitors. There was room for someone to wear a Third Rail hat and an SRH shirt, or vice versa Risk and I have be en friends forever. His fine art career blew up — he became one of the most famous street artists in the world. I remember sitting in a booth with him and the actor/rapper Slain, who I was managing at the time, and telling Risk congrats on how big he was getting. He looked at me and said, “I need a manager. You want to do it?” I said, “Yeah, sure, why not?” I managed him for a long time, and we’re still very close.

Through that, we star ted an art gallery in Santa Monica with another Malibu resid ent, Howard Spunt, c alled Buckshot. Then we did a massive downtown project called the Mayfair — a hotel with our gallery in it. Risk and I curated the art throughout the property, and each floor was built around a different artist — Risk, Revoke, and others. A rtists like Estevan Oriol and Shepard Fa irey had pieces in the hotel. Unfortunately, it shut down because of COVID, but it was a beautiful, historic building we rebuilt and poured a ton into.

I’ve also always dabbled in film—ever ything from surf and skate videos to lif estyle projects (almost like “Jackass” before Jackass). I’ve written a couple of screenplays too, but that’s another story.

At some point, someone in the art wo rld brought me the d ocumentary “Saving B anksy.” The director, Colin Day, was hav ing problems finishing it and finding a deal. I came on as a producer and helped get it over the finish line — finishing the film, getting the music in, and reshaping it a bit. There was some push-pull about the vision: Colin wanted it more real and less polished — because street art is street art. I agreed with him, so we inserted more of that rawness back into the movie and shaped it accordingly From my major-labe l years,

Burt’s

Eye

PERSPECTIVE

By Burt Ross, Contributed Column

This Saturday is Valentine’s Day — a day to celebrate love. On this day, I think of when I saw my bride-to-be for the first time. Now let’s be honest with each other. Yes, common interests and shared values go a long way to cementing

I learned you’re better off when people come to you than when you chase them. So I built a marketing rollout around the trailer, pushed it hard, and it got traction. Then I took a meeting with Netflix and finalized a deal for the film to go there. It also had a theatrical release.

The movie came out and did ve ry well. It was crit ically acclaimed, a New York Times Criti cs’ Pick, and it did strong for a documentary theatrically. It was an honor to work on it. Some of my favorite artists are in that film, and Banksy is obviously an enigma who will go down as one of the most interesting stories in modern art history. I’ve alway s been a fan. That led to another documentary about the graffiti crew CBS, title d “CBS Can’t Be Stop ped,” and another project called “Underbelly” that still isn’t out. Film is a labor of love, especially art documentarie s — there are only s o many hours in the day, so I try to focus on one film project at a time.

I don’t know a lot about that art world, but I met Twist/Barry McGee at a party at a gallery on Sunset in Los Angeles. I had no idea who he was b ut he said he read Surfer Magazine all through the ‘90s and I was the voice in his head. So I thought: “I like this guy. ” Figured out who he was and once he tag ged an outhouse seat at First Point with “BAD VIBE BOB.” I told people that outhouse seat was worth money, and someone kiped it. The next part is surf, skate, and Southern California lifestyle. I was born and raised here — so it’s in my DNA. I also grew up dur ing the shift from no internet/no social media into the mode rn era.

A lot of the companies I started weren’t “strategies” — they were just lifestyle. People say, “it’s not a clothing company, it’s a lifestyle.” For us, that was actually true. It was all DIY and borrowed ethos from punk.

Musically, I grew up loving ever ything from N.W.A and Public Enemy to Bl ack Flag, NOFX, and Pennywise. I never got into team sports; I was always into action sports. I competed in surfing when I was younger, skateboarded, and later got deep into MMA and boxing. I started martial arts young—karate, judo—and stuc k with it. Fighting sports test you physically and mentally.

But if you strip it all down, I’m a sur fer. That’s my DNA.

I still think like a surfer but can’t say I live like one, but I did for 30+ years. That’s enough.

Surfing has its own subcultures too: joc k surfers, competitive guys, and the Mickey Dora “anti-establishment” lane. I leaned more that way. I’ve been friends with Christian Fletcher forever, and when I was 13 and he was 17, that age gap mattered—he was someone I looked up to. He was doing airs, and that’s all I wanted to do.

I remember Christian doing airs at Lowers when I worked at SURFER. We put him on the cover and caused a ruckus among the pros.

That anti-establish ment DIY ethos — fro m punk, hip-hop, surfing, and skating — shaped my businesses. There’s no school for the music business. You can learn structure, sure, but you really learn by doing. I dove in headfirst, and I believed there were other people who thought like me, listened like me, and wanted that same culture. Music is the soundtrack to our lives — and we built a world around it: shows, tours, festivals, management, records. I’m proud of my Southern California roots.

You said you aren’t watching the Grammys thi s year, but what is your history with the awards show? Have you won Grammys? It’s hard to answer “Have you won Grammys?” because I’m a facil itator. The artists win the awards — I’m just part of the infrastructure that helps bring their art to the world. But yes: through Regime, we’ve been part of a lot of Grammy wins and nominations. I’ve also won an Emmy.

We’ve been involved with Grammy wins/noms tied to Cedric Bur nside, Everlast, and we manage a major producer, Chris Lord- Alge, who’s won a bu nch. WAR and Tower of Power have been part of that world, too. Also, Morgan Heritage (Best Reggae) and Quetzal (Best Latin Rock). This year, I thought I’d be going to the Grammys because I thought Sublime might get nominated — alternative song or something in that lane. The song “Ensenada” we put out was the longest-r unning #1 at alterna tive radio for all o f 2025 — more weeks at #1 than any other song that year. It was also the longest -running #1 in Subli me history, which is wild considering how many hit songs they’ve had. I’m very proud of that.

How are you involved with Sublime Redux. Son of Sublime?

I’ve had a long history with Sublime — from booking their early shows, to getting their music into surf/skate films, to SRH collaborations, to the modern era with Jakob Nowell joining Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh. When it came back together, money was far down the list. It happened naturally. H.R. was going through a tough time and there was a benefit show. People got together, Jake sang his dad’s songs, and it was a powerful moment. Then suddenly Coachella and other opportunities started coming fast. We didn’t have some master plan. It just happened rapidly and organically.

Rapidly a nd organically is go od, when it happens.

I’d been mentoring Jake, helping him wi th business, and managing the Sublime es tate. New music wasn’t even the goal early on. Before we did anything, we had boxes that needed to b e checked:

Would Brad be proud?

Would th e OG fans be stoked? Were we doing it fo r the right reasons— not forcing it?

Did it fit the original Sublime DNA?

View: A day for love

a love relationship, but that initial physical attraction is all important. Without it, you can be best friends, but with it, heaven is the limit. Back in the early 1960s, Doris Troy an d then The Hollies made the smash hit “Just One Look,” and the lyr-

ics spoke the essential truth, “Just one look, that’s all it took.” When I first saw my bride, those lyrics spoke for me. I agree with what you are thinking — that there must be a more romantic, perhaps more poetic way of describing that initial excitement, and so there is.  I turned to the bard William Shakespeare, who

wrote in “Romeo and Juliet,”

“Did my heart love till now? … For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Now we’re talking! Fo rtunately, there is no one definition of beauty. It is entirely subjective. As the Irish novelist Margaret Wolfe Hungerford wrote, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

And so why are people attracted to one another? Oscar

We stay ed true to that. And on top of that, Sub lime’s older record deals were not exactly artist-friendly. I didn’t want them s igning anything new where someone owned their music forever.

There were industr y naysayers who didn’t think it would wo rk. But I believe in Jake, and I know Er ic and Bud’s ability. I know what Sublim e is. And there was no way we were going to release anything that didn’t fit the DNA. When the guys wrote “Ensenada,” th e first time I heard it I thought, “Holy shit — this is Subl ime .” And when fans heard it, a lot of t hem said it sounded like it belonged on the early records, w hich is the ultimate compliment.

There’s also a personal la yer: Jake is like a son to me. My pseudo -adopted son Zane (2 5 now) built a deep personal and musical bond with Jake. The y’re best friends, a nd Zane is now playi ng guitar in Sublime and helped write th e song with the guys . That adds another level of pride and responsibility — doin g right by them and doing right by the l egacy.

Listened to it on YouTube. Sound s sublime.

Normally, as a manager, you don’t do what a label does — radio, marketing, rollout, the whole machine. But I’m fortunate because I also have a label business.

We didn’t “sign” Sublime. I ju st wanted to do right by them. So I took on the commitment to do the radio and marketing work myself — without asking for a penny — because the core goal was simple: make sure they own their masters and own their music.

It was a lot of lon g nights — leaving t he office at 1 a.m. — but I powered thro ugh because of every thing I just said. And we got the song t o #1 and kept it the re longer than any o ther song in 2025. Th at’s going up again st Interscope, Sony, Warner, Universal every corporate powerhouse. It felt lik e David vs. Goliath, or at least that’s the story I told mys elf to get through t he hours.

Getting a #1 isn’t just about having a great song. It has to be

Hammerstein wrote an honest explanation in the lyrics to “Some Enchanted Evening” from the musical “South Pacific”: “Who can explain it, who can tell you why. Fools give you reasons, wise men never try!”

My bride a nd I share a deep feeling for that song, and so I will share it with you in its entirety. Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers.

Some enchanted evening

You may see a stranger

You may see a stranger across a crowded room

And somehow you know

You’ll know even then That somewhere you’ll see her, again and again

Some enchanted evening

Someone may be laughin’

You may hear her laughin’ across a crowded room

And night after night

As strange as it seems

The sound of her laughter will sing in your dreams Who can explain it?

great, yes, but there’s al so a lot of behind-t he-scenes industry s tuff that can block an independent relea se from taking that slot. So the fact th at we got it and hel d it is a moment of real pride. With al l that said, I thought the band should’ve gotten a Grammy nomination, and for whatever reason it did n’t happen. It was p robably the first ti me in a long time I felt disappointed — not because awards d efine anything, but because this one was so personal and con nected to so much wo rk. But, hey, Jethro Tull beat Metallic a once for best hard rock/ metal, so it’s not always “spot on .” The Grammys still do a lot of good honoring artists, and they deserve credit.

I remember the Jet hro Tull thing.  Thi s is also the first year in a long time we haven’t had a nomination. I’m not goi ng to the Grammys th is weekend, and it h as nothing to do wit h Sublime not gettin g nominated. I’m not going because I have artists who put th eir work in my hands , and the work needs to be done. I have a strong sense of ob ligation. When I tel l a band I’m going t o help them, there’s a weird tick in me: to sleep at night, I need to know I did the best job I could for them. It’s the ir lives and their a rt. Work ethic. Integrity. Sincere care and concern. Please clone yourself? We have The Co-Defendan ts putting out a new record, and Sublime is finishing their record right now. And unfortunately, this week Jim Nowell — Jakob’s grandfather and Brad’s father — passed away. That took time and attention in a way that needed to be handled personally. It’s a tragedy. Jim was the backbone of Sublime in the early years. He was a good man and a good father. I’m g rateful he got to wi tness his grandson t ake the reins. He wa s very proud of Jake, and I’m glad I got to help make that h appen. So instead of going to the Grammy s, I’ll be in the of fice working — becau se in good conscienc e I can’t put myself before the people w ho handed me their m usic and trusted me to do right by them.

Who can tell you why? Fools give you reasons, wise men never try Some enchanted evening When you find your true love When you feel her call you across a crowded room

Then fly to her side And make her your own For, all through your life, you may dream all alone

Once you have found her, never let her go Once you have found her, never let her go

yet found empowerment through dance because, “with dance one can express emotions that I don’t have words for.” Her career goal: to help people create safe spaces and be organized, utilizing color psychology because various colors can evoke certain positive emotions. “A color can impact your mind,” she said. “If you see a room with light blue or pink, those hues can cause happiness.”

Another competitor strives to be a veterinarian because, even as a young child, she perceived that animals are sentient creatures with emotions and thought processes. “DemocraShe helped me find my voice and made me want to help other people,” the candidate shared, referring to a nonprofit organization that provides high school girls with training in evidence-based resiliency skills, leadership, and civic engagement.

Yet another candidate aims to be a neuroscientist, a goal engendered by a teacher discussing morality and perceptions of good and bad. “I have been honored to serve as the president of Brett’s Club at our school, a club focusing on drug and alcohol usage prevention,” she informed the engaged panelists. “We sometimes host speakers and also discuss scenarios teens can encounter, such as discussing how to handle a situation if a drunk friend wants to drive someone home.”

His enjoyment of gaming has motivated one candidate to aspire to create innovative video games focusing on collaborative gaming and install them in waiting lobbies and other spaces to offer visitors the ability to interact with one another, not to merely play games in isolation or worse yet, to be lonely and alone in waiting lobbies.

“To progress in my goal, I want to find a coding program opportunity,” the applicant informed, noting that his effort is grounded on improving the mental health of gamers. Then, he shared why the Boys & Girls Club’s programs mattered to him so much, simply stating, “Outside of school, I didn’t know where to go — I didn’t feel seen. At the club, I felt that multiple people who are staff members helped me and truly cared about me!” he said. “Through the club, I’ve learned responsibility, kindness, and what it means to do the right thing — even when no one is watching.”

Another applicant, also the child of immigrants, enjoys working at the Snack Shack with friends and helping out however he can. “At the club, I learned the value of

2025281498

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS: 1. PANDA SPHERE

10314 MONTARA AVENUE, SOUTH GATE, CA 90280, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): LEONARDO FRANCO

10314 MONTARA AVENUE SOUTH GATE, CA 90280 If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 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, LEONARDO FRANCO, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on DEC 19 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: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026 MALIBU 15

2026009167

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1. CHICKTICKS

1160 CHISOLM TRAIL DR, DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): ADRIKE GUNADI

1160 CHISOLM TRAIL DR DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

having a community,” he said, noting that his participation in the club helped him to overcome racism and homophobia. “Participating in the career launch program at the Club’s Third Space venue gave me the opportunity to work with representatives of FEMA and the Red Cross and also helped me to develop my apparel line, One of Five, which was inspired by my friend unfortunately committing suicide — something that one in five youth consider,” he said. “I founded the Malibu High Wellness Club in my freshman year, and there, we do therapeutic activities, including meditation, and create a comfortable space for all.”

Judges were also impressed by another candidate, also a child of immigrants, whose career goal is to become a dermatologist, because she was humbled and motivated by helping to make hygiene kits for women domestic violence victims. “I want to help people feel proud and comfortable and to enjoy who they are,” she shared.

And . . . . the winner is Diego A.

“It never felt like a competition — that was my favorite part. It truly felt like a family. That’s what the Club does best,” Diego A., the winner, noted. Diego received a $2,000 scholarship and now advances to the Los Angeles County Youth of the Year competition on March 12. The other candidates also received scholarships for their achievements.

This year, Diego will attend Tulane University on a Posse Foundation Scholarship, where he plans to study Latin American studies and archaeology.

“I’m incredibly excited and grateful for this opportunity. I’ve been part of this program for four years, and it’s been amazing to grow alongside past winners and future leaders,” Diego said. “These are people I know I’ll stay connected with, because they’ve played such an important role in my life and helped shape who I am today. I’m so excited for what’s ahead!”

LEGAL NOTICES

The competition could not have been as successful and meaningful to the students without the support they received from all the club’s staff, especially Hanna Matheson, Teen Center director, who spent many hours helping the students develop their presentations.

“This ceremony meant so much to me. I’ve known these kids for years, and seeing them up on stage, knowing ever ything it took for them to get there, not just during this process but over the past several years, was incredibly meaningful,” Matheson said. “One of our candidates even wrote his Youth of the Year essay back in seventh grade. Being here to watch them deliver their speeches for the first time, after looking forward to this moment for two and a half years, was truly rewarding.”

For all in attendance, it was truly rewarding to, just for a little while, bask in the warmth and light exuded by youth who feel purposeful and seen.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 1/14/2026 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).

Publish in The Malibu Times: 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12/2026 MALIBU 16

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: SUZANNE LOUISE SINCLAIR CASE NO. 26STPB00495

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of SUZANNE LOUISE SINCLAIR.

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

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

THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The WILL and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

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

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 02/18/26 at 8:30AM in Dept. 67 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

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

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/2026 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, ADRIKE GUNADI, ADRIKE GUNADI, OWNER

of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

HANH N. ARCHER, ESQ. - SBN 213362

HANH N. ARCHER, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION 23440 HAWTHORNE BLVD., STE. 150 TORRANCE CA 90505

Telephone (310) 375-9266

1/29, 2/5, 2/12/26

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MALIBU TIMES

MALIBU 18

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF:

ANDREW THOMAS BLACKMAN CASE NO. 26STPB00895

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

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

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

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

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

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

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the

court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

Attorney for Petitioner

MICHAEL H. STARLER, ESQ. - SBN 67666 GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP

1840 CENTURY PARK EAST, 19TH FLOOR

LOS ANGELES CA 90067

Telephone (310) 586-6506

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

CNS-4009401#

MALIBU TIMES

MALIBU 22

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 26NNCP00054

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles

Petition of: DAVID GEORGE SYLVIA

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner: DAVID GEORGE SYLVIA a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: DAVID GEORGE SYLVIA Proposed Name: DAVID GEORGE SCHMITZ SYLVIA

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

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

The address of the court is:

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ALHAMBRA COURTHOUSE 150 W. COMMONWEALTH AVE. ALHAMBRA, CA 91801

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper): The Malibu Times Date: JAN 26 2026

ROBERTO LONGORIA, Judge of the Superior Court

DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court

PUB: 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026 The Malibu Times MALIBU 23

2026020193

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS: 1. THE BUG BREW COMPANY

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

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):

Registered Owner(s):

MARIE C VALDES

21530 CALIFA STREET UNIT 330 WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, MARIE C VALDES, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 1/28/2026 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26/2026 MALIBU 24

PUBLIC NOTICE

Trustee Sale No. 1235621 Notice of Trustee’s Sale Loan No. 769629869 Title Order No. You Are In Default Under A Deed Of Trust Dated 08/08/2022. Unless You Take Action To Protect Your Property, It May Be Sold At A Public Sale. If You Need An Explanation Of The Nature Of The Proceedings Against You, You Should Contact A Lawyer. On 03/05/2026 at 11:00AM, First American Title Insurance Company as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded on September 8, 2022 as Document Number 2022-0883092 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by: Jayan A Partow and Mana Partow, husband and wife as community property with right of survivorship, as Trustor, East West Bank, as Beneficiary, Will Sell At Public Auction To The Highest Bidder For Cash (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). At: in the courtyard of the Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona CA, all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County, California describing the land therein: Parcel 2 Of Parcel Map No. 18631, As Per Map Filed In Book 244 Page 63 And 64 Of Parcel Maps, In The Office Of The County Recorder Of Said County. Except Therefrom One-Half Of All Oil, Gas Or Other Hydrocarbon Substances In, Upon, Or Under Said Real Property, Together With The Right To Explore, Drill And Prospect For, And To Produce And Remove The Same, As Reserved In The Deed Recorded On March 27, 1951, As Instrument No. 1668 In Book 35894, Page 343 Of Official Records. Also Except One-Half Of All Gas, Oil, Hydrocarbon Substances And Minerals Now Or Hereafter Commercially Exploitable, In Or Under Said Property, But Without The Right To Enter On The Surface Or Said Property, But With The Right To Enter The Subsurface And Pass Through The Subsurface Of Said Property Below A Depth Of 500 Feet Measured Vertically From The Surface Thereof, To Explore, Drill Mine, Produce, Extract, Market And Sell Such Oil, Gas, Hydrocarbon Substances And Minerals, As Reserved By Bragg C. Cammack And Ruth H. Cammack, Husband And Wife, In Deed Recorded December 31, 1965 As Instrument No. 2124, Official Records. APN: 2063-014-032 The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4119 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $1,332,846.05 (Estimat-

ed) Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Notice To Potential Bidders: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. Notice To Property Owner: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may visit the website below using the file number assigned to this case. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice To Tenant: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (858) 410-2154, or visit this internet website [iSee Link Below], using the file number assigned to this case [TS 1235621] to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. For information on sale dates please visit our website at: https://foreclosure.firstam.com/#/foreclosure Date: 2/5/26 First American Title Insurance Company 9255 Town Center Drive Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92121 (858) 410-2158 David Z. Bark, Foreclosure Trustee MALIBU 25

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU CITY COUNCIL

The Malibu City Council will hold public hearings on WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA on the projects identified below.

APPEAL NO. 26-001 - An appeal of Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-78 determining the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, and approving Coastal Development Permit No. 25-041 for a pilot project for temporary improvements within the Pacific Coast Highway Public Right-of-Way between Broad Beach Road and La Piedra Beach Road, including lane reductions, signage, and the installation of two roundabouts with safety lighting at the intersections of El Matador Beach Road and Encinal Canyon Road, between Post Mile 58.4 and 59.9, as recommended in the 2015 Pacific Coast Highway Safety Study conducted by the City of Malibu in partnership with the California Department Of Transportation (Caltrans)

Location: Along Pacific Coast Highway within the public right-of-way between Broad Beach Road and La Piedra Beach Road Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303(d) and 15301(c)

Applicant: City of Malibu Public Works Department

Owner: California Department of Transportation

Appellant: Dr. Thomas G. Diamantidis Application Filed: September 9, 2025

Appeal Filed: January 6, 2026

Appealable to: California Coastal Commission

Case Planner: Courtney Brown, Senior Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 268

cbrown@malibucity.org

APPEAL NO. 24-011 - An appeal of Planning Com -

mission Resolution No 24-77 determining the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, and approving Coastal Devel-

opment Permit No. 19-011 for the construction of a new 3,977.5 square foot, 28 foot high two-story single-family home with basement, pool, spa, retaining walls, new onsite wastewater treatment system and associated development; including Site Plan Review No. 24-022 for construction over 18 feet up to a maximum of 28 feet in height for a pitched roof and Minor Modification No. 24-006 to reduce the required front yard setback by 50 percent

Location: 33610 Pacific Coast Highway

APN: 4473-021-012

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

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

Applicant: Block and Block Owner: Peaches LLC, DBA 33616 PCH

Appellant: Matthew Mark

Application Filed: March 4, 2019

Appeal Filed: December 9, 2024

Appealable to: California Coastal Commission Case Planner: Richard Greenbauer, Contract Planner (949) 489-1442, extension 132 greenbauer@civicsolutions.com

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).

PROCEDURE: A written staff report will be available 30 days prior to the hearing for the projects. Any written comments or audiovisual materials from the applicants, appellants, and/or their representatives, including any that they intend to present at the hearing, must be submitted ten (10) business days in advance, by 5:00 p.m. on March 4, 2026. Any written comments or audiovisual materials from members of the public, including any that they intend to present at the hearing, must be submitted three (3) business days in advance, by 4:00 p.m. on March 13, 2026. No additional materials from any party or the public will be accepted after these deadlines. All materials should be emailed to citycouncil@malibucity.org

To view and participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation. All persons wishing to address the Council regarding this matter will be afforded an opportunity in accordance with the Council’s procedures.

Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person at City Hall during regular business hours.

COASTAL COMMISSION APPEAL – For projects appealable to the Coastal Commission, an aggrieved person may appeal the City Council’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 COUNCIL’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR OTHERWISE HELD BY THE CITY, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, EITHER AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.

If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact the assigned case planner.

Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director

Publish Date: February 12, 2026 MALIBU 26

2026027305

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS: 1. THE MICRO-SHEETS COMPANY

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

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

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

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

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 2/5/2026

NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATE -

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

Publish in The Malibu Times: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/2026 MALIBU 27

2026025412

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1. THE GIVESHOP

21530 CALIFA STREET UNIT 330, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):

Registered Owner(s):

A CURE FOR ISSA 21530 CALIFA STREET UNIT 330 WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91367

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

CA

This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION

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

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

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

2026026329

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:

1. METROPOLITAN PROPERTY SERVICES 5721 W. SLAUSON AVE. #110, CULVER CITY, CA 90230, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): ROWCAL MANAGEMENT C A, INC 11125 ZEALAND AVE. N. CHAMPLIN, MN 55316

If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization

DE

This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION

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

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, ROWCAL MANAGEMENT CA, INC, JOEL HALSTEAD, PRESIDENT This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 2/4/2026 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSI NESS 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., BUSI NESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 2/12, 2/19, 2/26, 3/5/2026 MALIBU 29

To place your Ad in Poppy’s

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Animals

AGOURA ANIMAL SHELTER

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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 tak ing jobs that total less than $500 must state in their adver tisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.” ALL REAL ESTATE adver tised herein are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Hous ing Act, which makes it illegal to adver tise any preference, limitation or discr imination 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 advertis ed are available on an equal opportunity basis. THE MALIBU TIMES reserves the right to refuse the publishing of any adve rtisement(s) and to delete any objectionable word(s), phrase(s) and/or image(s) from such advertisement. If there is an error or omission in the printing and/or publication of an a dvertisement, The Ma libu Times’ liabilit y is limited to only one incorrect inser tion or omission.

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SPORTS

Sixth-ranked Pepperdine men’s volleyball dominates CSUN in sweep

By McKENZIE JACKSON

Pepperdine left lit -

tle doubt on Feb. 6, overpowering visiting California State University, Northridge, in a straight-set sweep at Firestone Fieldhouse to earn its third win in four matches.

The Waves posted set wins of 25-22, 25-18, and 25-10 to dispose of th e visiting Matadors.

Waves head coach Jonathan Winder said his team played exceptionally in all phases of the game against CSUN, ranked 16t h. The coach added that redshirt freshman libero Zach Chapman and redshirt junior outside hitter Aidan Tune made key plays while serving in the first set, providing big sparks.

The guys did a really good job on our scouting report,” Wind er said. “Plus, Jose , Ryan, and Jacob did a wonderful job passing tonight. They have been working hard all week to improve in that space. I’m really happy with the way the whole group worked tonight.”

Sophomore outside hitter Cole Hartke led Pepperdine with 14 kills, four blocks, and two aces. Reds hirt senior outside hitter Ryan Barnett contributed eight kills and two blocks, and sophomore outside hitter Jose Gomez added seven kills, two aces, and one block. Redshirt junior middle blocker James Eadie posted three kills, two blocks, and one ace.  Hartke had seven of the Waves’ 13 kills in their 25-22

fense for pressuring Washington State’s top scorer Elenora Villa into 0-11 shooting with zero points.

first-set victory. The Waves an d CSUN battled backand-forth with Tune tying the match at 18. Hartke and Chapman’s strong serving put their team in the position to close the match with Eadie smacking the volleyball for the winning kill.

Three Waves swung their arms for four or more points as Pepperdine won the second set 25-18. Hartke led them wit h six points. Junior setter Andrej Polom ac served up three a ces for 4.5 points. The set was tied at 10, but thanks to the Matadors eight errors and Polomac’s five points while

serving, Pepperdine took a six-point lead, then won the match. Gomez heated up in the third set, contributing five points — including an ace — as Pepperdine rolled to a 25-10 win. The Waves trailed by on e point early, but then Polomac’s serving led the squad on a six-point run before Gomez’s serving paced the team to four unanswered points. Then, Eadie started another four-point stretch with an ace. Hartke assisted on three Waves’ blocks in the set as his team completed the sweep.

The Waves had a 5-2 record heading into their match aga inst Vanguard University on Tuesday. The squad hosts UC Santa Barbara on Saturday at 7 p.m. before a rematch in Santa Barbara on Feb. 18.

Pepperdine began the season with sweeps over St. Thomas Aquin as College and Daeme n University last month. The Waves were defeated by top-10-ranked UC Irvine before they beat two more top-10 squads — Loyola Chicago and Lewis University — consecutively. Second-ranked Long Beach State downed the Waves at the end of January.

dence. We can take care of the ball more. Basketball is a game of runs, but if we reduce the r uns of the other team, I think we will be in a good position.”

Sta. Maria, 21, the Waves’ junior point guard, said the Waves’ whipping of the ball around offensively is a fun brand of basketball to play that is tough for opponents to defend.

“The last couple of weeks have been really great, reall y fun,” she said. “We have been building every day. It’s good to acknowledge the wins we have had, but we try not to get complacent. Hopefully, we can keep our momentum going.”

All five Pepperdine starters scored double figures in their latest triumph, the first time that has occurred for a Waves’ squad since November 2022. Faulk scored 19 points; Sta. Maria contributed 14 points and six assists ; and Guiney scored 14 points and had two steals. Junior forward Shorna Preston posted 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six steals, and graduate student guard Meghan Fiso poured in 13 points and three assists.

Porth said he and Pepperdine’s other coaches constantly tell the Waves, “Go score, go score, and let the ball find the great look.”

“We have done a great job of playing with confidence,” he said. “Confident players are aggressive players. When we have five people playing aggressively, looking to score, it’s great. People stepping into those roles is something really beautiful.” The coach also celebrated the Waves’ de-

“We did a great job of frustrating Washington S tate in a lot of situations,” he said.  Pepperdine seemingl y controlled the contest from start to finish. The group only trailed the Cougars for a combined 46 seconds (Washington State had leads of 9-6 and 11-9) but led by Fiso’s five points, Pepperdine had a 19-11 lead at the end of the first quar ter.

Faulk, a transfer who has competed internationally on German national teams, then found her shooting touch. She scored 11 points in the second quarter, sparking a Waves surge that produced 23 points on 53% shooting. Fourteen of Pepperdine’s points came from Washington State turnovers. The Waves led 42-26 at half time.

The Waves got busy in the paint in the third quarter — a bank shot by graduate student Bella Green, a postup score by Guiney over a tough defender, a jumper in the lane by Green, and more. Pepperdine, led by Sta. Maria’s six points and two assists, entered the fourth quar ter with a 61-43 lead.

The Waves pulled ahead by 19 points and never looked back despite Washington State outscoring them 19-17 in the fourth quarter. Faulk scored six points as Pepperdine cruised to victory.

Pepperdine began its WCC slate in late December with losses to Washington State and Gonzaga. They beat Saint Mary’s to open the year, then dropped back-to-back games to Loyola Marymount and San Diego. The Waves defeated Pacific before losing to Oregon State and Saint Mary’s.

Pepperdine’s winning streak began with a victory over Portland and continued with wins over Seattle and Santa Clara before beating Washington State.

Sta. Maria said the Waves didn’t play their best at the beginning of their conference schedule.

“Now, we have it down,” she said. “We know how to be there for each other. It’s all about playing together as a team. Today, we had five girls in double figures. Chemistry isn’t something you can build overnight.”

Porth, a Waves assistant coach since May 2024, also coached the Waves in their win over Santa Clara because head coach Katie Faulkner has taken some time off for the birth of her new child.

Faulkner has spoken with the Waves during her time away, but Sta. Maria said their coach’s presence is always felt due to the culture she established.

“W ith or without Coach Katie, we are all on the same page,” Sta. Maria added. “We know what to do. Brian has been stepping up, and he has been great. Coach Katie instilled our culture in us from day one.”

Faulk said the team knows Faulkner supports them.

“If we need anything, we can always text her,” Faulk stated.

Por th is honored that Faulkner had enough confidence in him and assistant coaches Erika Bean and Kamran Sufi to lead Pepperdine.

The Waves, Porth acknowledged, can still grow as a team.

“If you feel like you can get better, you show up to work excited to get the opportunity,” he stated. “Right now, this team is full of people getting better. When we get better it is a high-energy environment.”

“It’s been awesome to coach with Kam and Erika,” he said. “ The preparation with them has been awesome. It’s a lot of fun to coach these kids. I’m happy that I have been able to help these girls achieve what they wanted to achieve.”

After facing Loyola Marymount, the Waves have fi ve more regular-seas on games scheduled before the WCC Tournament in March.

Faulk said Pepperdine is capable of winning any matchup.

“I’m excited for the next few games,” she said. “Our basketball is fun. We play a fun style of basketball, which is great to watch.”

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