M A LIB U ’S AWA RD W INN IN G N E WSPA P E R S I N CE 1 94 6 VOL. LXXIX • NO. II
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
malibutimes.com • $.50 • WEEKLY
Fraser Bohm ordered to stand trial Witnesses give emotional testimony during a pretrial hearing in Van Nuys By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
Sheriff’s Captain Jennifer Seetoo promoted to Commander After nearly three years of community-driven policing at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station, she steps into a regional leadership role By HAYLEY MATTSON PUBLISHER, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Capt. Jennifer Seetoo has been promoted to Commander, effective May 11 — Mother’s Day — following nearly three impactful years leading the Malibu/Lost Hills Station. Her promotion represents both a personal milestone and a new chapter for a leader who has formed a strong bond with the Malibu community. In her new role, Seetoo will oversee multiple stations, including Malibu/Lost Hills, as part of the department’s North Patrol Division. While the full extent of her responsibilities will unCONTINUED ON PAGE A6
LA County hosts listening session in Malibu
County looking for input in after-action report By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
At an intimate listening session at the Malibu Library last week, residents affected by the Palisades Fire told of their experiences receiving notifications and evacuating from the onslaught of devastation that has changed Malibu profoundly. The small discussion and surveys taken by the McChrystal Group, founded by former Joint Special Operations Command General Stanley McChrystal, were commissioned by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for a Palisades Fire after-action report. The report, scheduled to be completed this summer, is intended as an independent review to effect change for future disasters. “We want to get your input, we want to understand your story, we want to understand what you CONTINUED ON PAGE A5
Instructors and unique-needs participants of A Walk on Water celebrate another great surf event. Photos by Benjamin Chateauvert
Surf therapy brings joy, and strength to Malibu
A Walk on Water hosts 70 families for an unforgettable day at Surfrider Beach, empowering children with unique needs By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
The smiles on faces said it all Saturday at Surfrider Beach. The iconic location that’s hosted the best surfers in the world embraced children and others with unique needs to share in the gift of the ocean’s transformative powers. About 70 families were hosted by nonprofit surf therapy volunteers of A Walk on Water for an empowering day in the ocean. Participants, many nervous before donning wetsuits, were chaperoned by the most experienced watermen and waterwomen on surfboards to share an ocean experience many would otherwise never have the chance to try and unlock their inner athlete, while overcoming fear and gaining emotional strength and confidence. Surf instructor Dallin Occleshaw drove in from Redlands to volunteer. The 22-year-old Laguna
A Walk on Water volunteer Ryder Lippman rides a wave during a surfing event for specialneeds kids at Surfrider Beach.
Beach lifeguard, in his third year as an AWOW instructor, said he was thankful to be a part of the day. “It’s such a blessing to give back to these kids. To see the joy on their faces, they’re laughing, and they’re happy,” he explained. “Sometimes non-verbal kids struggle with sep-
aration from their parents. Parents are like, ‘they’ll probably cry and scream the whole time,’ and they get out in the water and they’re laughing. I’ve had kids clapping and their parents say their kids never clap! “It’s so cool to see these kids
experiencing the ocean in such a beautiful, unique way and they wouldn’t be able to otherwise because of their needs. It’s so powerful. It’s moving to be a part of this and to help these kids experience joy.” Ryder Lippman agrees. The 16-year-old has been volunteering as long as he can remember. His father is an AWOW cofounder. He has seen the profound effect surf therapy brings; in fact, he said he has personally witnessed a previously non-verbal participant who now speaks. “Sometimes the kids scream and shout right before the water just because of nerves,” he said. “They’re really scared. We don’t force them, but after we go out then all of a sudden, they touch the water and feel the ocean and after the first wave they’re so calm. It’s insane how much it changes the kids.” CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber declares economic state of emergency normal income and landlords are growing increasingly impatient regarding collecting overdue rent. This is not just a pause in revenue, it is an existential threat. The aftermath of the destruction caused by the fire has resulted in crippling economic By BARBARA BURKE suffocation. The loss of foot traffic, suspension of Special to The Malibu Times commuter flow, road closures, evacuations, and Echoing imploring pleas from Malibu busi- lingering public safety concerns have created a ness owners who made public comments at re- vacuum where Malibu commerce once thrived.” cent Malibu City Council meetings, the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce issued The City of Malibu responds a “Declaration of Economic State of Emergency On May 1, the City of Malibu announced that in Malibu & Pacific Palisades: A Direct Result of it is helping local businesses with its new Small the Devastating Impact of the Palisades Fire.” In Business Micro Stabilization Grants ranging from a press release issued on April 25 and signed by $5,000 to $20,000, assistance that will be awardChamber Chairperson Ramis Sadrieh on behalf ed to independent businesses impacted by the of local business owners and employers, the press recent fires, storms, and closures of Pacific Coast release stated the emergency declaration was, “on Highway. The City Council approved a general behalf of the business communities of Malibu and fund appropriation of an initial $300,000, noting the Pacific Palisades.” that “the program is designed to deliver immediAddressing the urgency of the local business ate and flexible financial support to independent sector’s challenges, the Chamber stated, “Busi- businesses within Malibu city limits.” ness owners and employers face another month Applications will be accepted through May 31 of operating at approximately 30 percent of their and will be reviewed by the city’s Administrative
City launches $300K grant program to aid struggling small businesses as Chamber urges broader relief
and Finance Subcommittee. The City Council will award grants in June 2025. The city’s press release stated that “eligible expenses will include rent, payroll, inventory replacement, equipment, repairs, utilities, marketing and other recovery-related expenses.” Commenting on the grant authorization, newly sworn-in Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins stated, “Every healthy community relies on thriving local businesses — they drive our economy, create local jobs, and strengthen our community bonds. We recognize how the recent emergencies have impacted our businesses, and this grant program will help them bounce back even stronger.” Qualifications for Grants To qualify for grants, businesses must be located within Malibu city limits, must have a valid business license issued by Dec. 1, 2024, or a statement of license exemption. Further, they must demonstrate financial hardship linked to recent disasters, must provide a public benefit to the Malibu community, and finally, must be in good standing CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
A Superior Court judge has determined there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial in the case of Fraser Michael Bohm, the young man behind the wheel in the October 2023 crash that resulted in the deaths of four Pepperdine sorority sisters. Judge Diego Edber made the ruling after two days of emotional testimony during a pretrial hearing in Van Nuys. Last week, Edber heard from witnesses, including prosecution witness Miguel Cruchinho, who recounted rushing to the scene on Pacific Coast Highway moments after the fatal crash. Although Cruchinho did not witness the crash, he testified that as he came upon the scene he saw a door open on Bohm’s BMW and shouted at him, “What are you doing?” The witness added that he stayed on scene in a preemptive attempt to keep Bohm from leaving, although there was no evidence the accused was trying to flee. Cruchinho testified that Bohm CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
INSIDE
this week
Bittersweet Anniversary: 99 High Tide turns 10 |B1
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . A2 • A city in crisis: Malibu burns while leadership crumbles News Briefs . . . . . . . . . A3 • Summer Wheaton now blames ride-share driver for fatal crash Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . A4 • May 8: Virtual Town Hall: Post-Fire assessment plan Local News . . . . . . . . . A5 • It all starts with soil health: Healing the land after wildfire Malibu Life . . . . . . . . . B1 • The fashion artistry of designer Sue Wong to be showcased in Malibu People . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 • Malibu Seen: Everything, all at once: Part One Legals . . . . . . . . . . . . .B3 • Business & Directory B7 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . B10 • Pepperdine’s Winder named Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Coach of the Year