NOW SERVING CHINESE FOOD AT MALIBU SUSHI!
M A LIB U ’S AWA RD W IN N I N G N E WS PA P E R S I N CE 1 94 6 VOL. LXXIX • NO. XLVII
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
Plan proposed for a better Big Rock rebuild
Col. Brian Sawser provides update on debris removal
As policymakers consider a fire czar to oversee all rebuilds, residents push for their own rebuild manager By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
As the city opens a new rebuild center and hires consultants to address the needs of those seeking to rebuild the approximately 700 Malibu homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire, neighborhood advocates seek to have representatives to formally interface with city staff and its rebuild Paradise Café owner Kerry Morris (left), her son Tim, and his wife Brittany hosted the Day of Hope last Saturday with her husband, Bob consultants. Morris (not pictured). Photo by Karen Kagan.. Photo by Karen Kagan “We respectfully propose the creation of a new position within the City of Malibu: Program Director — Fire Rebuilds,” said Terry Davis, president of the Big Rock Mesas Property Owners Association, at the City Council meeting on Feb. 24. The Morris family owners of Paradise Cove Beach Café, hosted a free lunch to unite the “The director would report directly to the City Council and would be in community and provide a moment of relief for those affected by the devastating fires partnership with the city’s planning gether to encourage conversation ful restaurants in Malibu, drawing By JUDY ABEL and building leadership. The person and for a respite for those impacted guests from around the world to its Special to The Malibu Times in this role will serve as a dedicated by the fire and first responders. serene, scenic beachfront setting. liaison between homeowners, city A community devastated by Morris, one of the most success- But today, Morris admits attenCONTINUED ON PAGE A9 the worst disaster in Los Angeles ful restaurateurs in the country has dance is down 60%, and sadly he’s County history gathered Saturday been involved in area restaurants been forced to cut back hours to his to grieve, connect, eat, and get the for decades. The founder of Glad- beloved 160 employees, “guys who word out that Malibu is open for stone’s grew the business into the have families and kids in school.” business. highest-grossing restaurant in Los The inventor of the ecologically Bob Morris, owner of Paradise Angeles for years. In his years own- friendly pasta straw also grieves Cove Beach Café, hosted the free ing Paradise Cove Beach Café it the losses to the community and lunch to bring the community to- remained one of the most successCONTINUED ON PAGE A6
Locals gather at Paradise Cove Beach Café for ‘A Day of Hope’
Malibu’s Rebuilding Town Hall leaves fire victims frustrated
The City of Malibu’s March 12 Town Hall for design professionals provided an overview of rebuilding procedures for homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire. City Hall’s large auditorium was almost filled to capacity as attendees listened to the city’s staff and contracted design professionals’ presentations outlining various rebuilding options and processes that the city characterized as “streamlined procedures.” Although most in attendance later stated that they think the city and its consultants mean well and want to expedite rebuilding, many audience members walked away frustrated and concerned that the rebuilding process would be arduous and protracted, perhaps even worse than fire victims’ experiences after the Woolsey Fire. First, the city reviewed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order focusing on streamlining rebuilding and suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) CONTINUED ON PAGE A8
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On Monday, March 17, Col. Brian Sawser of the Army Corps of Engineers (left) joined Yolanda Bundy from the City of Malibu (center) and host Richard Gibbs (right) on the Aviator Nation stage for a special edition of the Composer’s Breakfast Club. Photo by Benjamin Marcus
Sawser, Yolanda Bundy and Richard Gibbs take the stage at the Composer’s Breakfast Club By BENJAMIN MARCUS Special to The Malibu Times
Col. Brian Sawser is the very model of a modern Army colonel. He exudes competence and get ‘er done in a time and place when that is desperately needed. On Monday, March 17, the member of the Army Corps of Engineers sat on the edge of the Aviator Nation stage with Yolanda Bundy from the City of Malibu and host Richard Gibbs for a special edition of the Composer’s Breakfast Club. The topic of the day was debris removal: Past, present and future. Now that the wheels are in motion and speeding up every day, Colonel Sawser spoke confidently about the progress made so far, and how that was going to accelerate: “When we said originally, ‘Hey, this is going to take until January, I really believe when you get to July, the whole world looks different.”
Colonel Sawser was on the stage for 40 minutes. Here are some of the numbers pulled from his talk — and added to by Erin Jimenez, the PIO for USACE. In all of this, “Palisades” refers to Palisades and Malibu. We are in the process of putting the entire 40-minute presentation online. Malibu needs to see and hear all this, and be reassured. • 4: Months it will take to clear 3,800 opted-in properties at 1,000 per month. • 15%: Percentage of lots that have not opted in and are using private companies. • 20: Crews working as of two weeks ago. CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
INSIDE
this week
Malibu Farmers Market rising from the ashes
Task Force Phoenix and City outlines ‘streamlined’ the U.S. Army Corps rebuilding procedures, but of Engineers recognize residents express concerns the market’s vital role in over complexity and delays recovery efforts By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
malibutimes.com • $.50 • WEEKLY
By HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor in Chief
The Malibu Farmers Market has long been a cherished weekend tradition, bringing together local vendors and residents in a vibrant display of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community spirit. However, the recent wildfires have left their mark, forcing vendors to rebuild their lives and businesses after losing homes, employees, and essential equipment. “We were down to about half our vendors,” said Debra Bianco, CEO of the Malibu Farmers Market. “A lot of them lost everything — their homes, their businesses, even their trucks.” Despite the devastation, the Malibu Farmers Market has remained steadfast, serving as a beacon of hope for both vendors and the local community. Not only has the market continued to operate, but it has also extended support to struggling vendors. “We need to bring it back to what it was,” Bianco affirmed. “We will.”
Malibu Farmers Market CEO Debra Bianco accepts a Certificate of Appreciation from Task Force Phoenix and the United States Army Corps of Engineers on behalf of the market for its role in supporting the community during tough times. Photos courtesy of Malibu Farmers Market
In early February, the Los Angeles County Real Estate Division notified the Malibu Farmers Market that its license agreement for use of the Malibu Civic Center parking lot was being immediately paused. The space, owned by the county, was des-
ignated as a staging area for agencies assisting with wildfire recovery efforts. The county indicated that the market would be allowed to return at a later, undetermined date. Fortunately, the market was permitted to relocate back to its tempo-
rary location at Legacy Park, allowing vendors and patrons to continue their beloved weekend tradition. The transition was seamless, and the move proved to be a vital step in ensuring the market’s continued presence in Malibu. The Malibu Farmers Market’s resilience and generosity have not gone unnoticed. On a recent Sunday, Task Force Phoenix and the United States Army Corps of Engineers honored the market with a Certificate of Appreciation for its role in supporting their outreach efforts. The task force, which had initially set up an information booth across the street, struggled with foot traffic. Recognizing the need for greater visibility, the market provided a prime location, enabling the task force to better engage with residents seeking guidance on post-disaster recovery. “I was in complete shock when I saw the message at 3 a.m.,” Bianco recalled. “I do things like this all the time, and I never expect anything in return. It was really nice to be recognized.” This recognition underscores the market’s role as a crucial pillar of the Malibu community. While rebuilding efforts continue, the market remains a place where businesses, residents, and CONTINUED ON PAGE A5
‘We GLOW together’: Malibu Pacific Church’s beloved dances shine bright |B1
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . A2 News Briefs . . . . . . . . . .A3 • City of Malibu and City Manager Steve McClary part ways Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 Local News . . . . . . . . . . A5 • Legacy runner Wallace completes LA Marathon again Local News . . . . . . . . . . A6 • Palisades and Franklin fire victims face rising rebuilding costs amid tariffs on essential materials Local News . . . . . . . . . . A7 • Malibu residents rally against president’s administration and Elon Musk’s policies in protest Malibu Life . . . . . . . . . . B1 • Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue to host a comedy night for the community People . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 • Malibu Seen: Future Shock: Part One Legals . . . . . . . . . . . . . B3 Business & Directory . . . B6 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .B6 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B8 • Waves beach volleyball dominates Malibu Invite, goes undefeated on home sand
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