BLUE UMBRELLAS BLUE BOTTLE NEXT TO LEGENDARY “HOWDYS” & WHOLE FOODS
M A LIB U ’S AWA RD W INN IN G N E WSPA P E R S I N CE 1 94 6 VOL. LXXVIII • NO. XI
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023
malibutimes.com • $.50 • WEEKLY
Council adopts City of Malibu removes MRCA Coastal Access City citywide policy interpreting signs near Lechuza Beach, cites permit the use of pesticides MRCA said according to the city’s adopted LCP, it states that direction signage is exempt from requiring a permit
City Manager Steve McClary provided a statement concerning city’s removal of beach access sign at Lechuza Beach
By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) shared a video on social media accusing the City of Malibu of removing and confiscating the Coastal Access signs on Broad Beach Road, a city-owned street near Lechuza Beach. In the video, MRCA ranger Edgar Del Campo said the City of Malibu chose to remove and confiscate the signs. “We just retrieved them from the city and wanted to let you and all Californians know that this beach is here and it is for your enjoyment,” Del Campo said. “This is why the MRCA had these public coastal access signs at three public access ways along this road.” Lechuza Beach is located at the intersection of West Sea Level Drive and Broad Beach Road (continue south on West Sea Level Drive once through the pedestrian gate).
By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
A project funded by State Coastal Conservancy and managed by Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA), the beach access signs direct residents and visitors to where the access points are to the beaches near Lechuza Beach. Photo courtesy of the MRCA
The City of Malibu provided a statement on July 10 which said, on June 26, the city removed beach access signs that were installed at three locations along Broad Beach Road. “The City continually supports public access to beaches in Malibu,
which is protected under state law for the entire coast of California,” the statement says. “Beach access signs are important to visitors, public safety agencies, and nearby homeowners to ensure that beachgoers stay on safe, maintained beach access paths.”
The statement says the street where the signs were placed were city-owned and required an “encroachment permit,” which is needed for use of public right away. According to the city’s website (malibucity.org), the permit expires CONTINUED ON PAGE A8
To start off the City Council meeting on Monday night, Community Services Director Kristin Riesgo provided an update on the department’s accomplishments and acknowledged the staff who organize events and programs. During public comment, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) Coastal Planner Mario Sandoval shared a video of MRCA accusing the City of Malibu of removing the coastal beach access signage at Lechuza Beach. He wanted to show the video to individuals who do not have social media. City Manager Steve McClary responded to the public comment and said they hope to work with MRCA in obtaining a permit. The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff ’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund provided
Distressed sea lion found on Dan Blocker Beach
an update on the recent Fourth of July events concerning traffic and accidents. Soderlund said they rescued an animal that was trapped in a vehicle with no food and water. Soderlund said the dog was taken to a nearby animal shelter. Deputies arrested the owner for animal cruelty and for being under the influence. Soderlund said there were no issues during the holiday weekend but said Nobu restaurant held an event with an estimated 700 people. “They did not inform us; we have a meeting scheduled with them next week to reiterate the communication that needs to happen between them and us, and hopefully this won’t happen again,” Soderlund said. Mayor Bruce Silverstein asked if they requested a permit for the amount of guests, and if they’re going to take action on the item. Soderlund said many guests had private transportation to the event. “There were party buses, limousines, and private coaches and what they did, because there wasn’t any parking for them, CONTINUED ON PAGE A5
INSIDE
this week
acid poisoning in sea lions also The California include unusual side-to-side head Wildlife Center urges movements and holding their head beachgoers to stay away extended for fixed periods of time. from beached sea lions On July 4, the California Wildlife as they can express Center received a call of a distressed seal at Dan Blocker Beach. The aggressive behavior
seal was having a seizure and unfortunately died shortly after. “While we have had many Last month, numerous sick and successful rescues since the domoic dead sea lions and dolphins have acid event began, unfortunately, this been washing up along the Southern was not one of them,” California California coast. Health officals say Wildlife Center Executive Director they have likely been poisoned by Jennifer Brent said. “When we domoic acid, a neurotoxin produced arrived, the California sea lion was by large algae blooms. having a seizure and she died shortly “Although you may want to help, after.” the best and safest way to assist is Brent said that due to the location to stay away and report the sick of the beach and lack of sufficient Jefferson Wagner is shown in front of his iconic Zuma Jay Surfboards shop, which just marked its 50th year in business. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT animal immediately,” Department access, they were not able to remove of Animal Care and Control her from the beach. They were able Director Marcia Mayeda said in a to take samples from her body to shop started out humbly selling That led to scores of stunt, walkpress release on June 30. submit for study. Iconic surf shop is known Backside Surfboards in a shack on,and one-liner roles with more The Marine Mammal Care “The next day was a very high the world over at the back of the Whale Watch than 200 credits. He’s worked as a Center said symptoms of domoic CONTINUED ON PAGE A7 restaurant (now the Sunset) that model, posing for the best fashion By JUDY ABEL Wagner helped the late Bernie photographers of the day, including Special to The Malibu Times Safire build in the early ‘70s. Bruce Weber, the late Herb Ritts It may be hard to believe, but Wagner was shaping and glassing and the master of Hollywood that little surf shop you probably his own boards back then. As the glamour, George Hurrell. For five drive by daily on Pacific Coast sport exploded, Wagner outgrew years, Wagner was the Marlboro Highway, Zuma Jay Surfboards, his shack “where the dumpsters Man. just turned 50. Its owner, Jefferson are at the back of the restaurant” He also became a pyrotechnician Wagner, can often be found out and moved to his current location and special effects coordinator, all front with a broom keeping across and down from the Malibu while running the business with what he calls “a family business” Pier, where’s he’s been for more the help of his young hires he’s looking neat and tidy. Yet, this than four decades. employed for five decades. Wagner small storefront is responsible And Wagner helped the estimates he’s hired 300 local kids for helping to spread the sport of sport grow as one if its biggest from Malibu and Pacific Palisades surfing and its immense imprint ambassadors. As a skilled surfer, he throughout the years. On one wall The California Wildlife Center received a call on July 4 in Malibu of a distressed seal at Dan on our culture and Malibu itself. caught the eye of Hollywood and of the shop already crowded with Blocker Beach. Unfortunately, the seal was having a seizure and died shortly after. CONTINUED ON PAGE A8 Malibu’s oldest surviving surf became a water stunt performer. Photos Courtesy California Wildlife Center. By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
Zuma Jay celebrates 50 years of business in Malibu
Habitat Home & Garden brings new life to historic PCH landmark |B1
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . .A2 News Briefs . . . . . . . . . .A3 • Public Safety Commission to address speeding on Las Flores Canyon and Rambla Pacifico Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 • Events Local News . . . . . . . . . A5 • Pepperdine students step up to help Malibu’s unhoused Local News . . . . . . . . . A7 • Public Works director provides an update on the recent sewage spill and the antenna tower Real Estate . . . . . . . . . A8 Malibu Life . . . . . . . . . .B1 • Independent bookstore owner opens second location in Malibu People . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 • Malibu Seen: Merwoman Community . . . . . . . . . .B3 • Childrens Lifesaving Foundation celebrates 30 years Legal Notices . . . . . . . . .B4 Business & Directory . . . B5 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . B5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . B8 • Pepperdine legend honored by USA Water Polo