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Securing safety and security in Malibu and beyond
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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. XXI
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
malibutimes.com • $.50 • WEEKLY
Everything you love, now better together Lawrence Longo (in white shirt and hat), chief executive officer of Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza, cuts the ribbon for the Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza eateries during their grand openings on Sept. 13. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Malibu’s newest eateries throw a block party in Malibu — Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza. The eateries held a grand opening on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at The Park at Cross Creek, to give the community a taste of what they bring to the table. Everyone By SAMANTHA BRAVO enjoyed a complimentary Irv’s Of The Malibu Times Burger, fries and a shake, a slice of After months of anticipation, Prince Street Pizza, and unlimited a new burger and pizza joint refreshments. has (finally) opened its doors Irv’s Burgers General Manager
Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza open their doors at The Park at Cross Creek
Alison Wright said the opening has been highly anticipated. “Everyone I run into in Malibu is always just super excited to have us open. We’re just super excited to finally be here,” Wright said. “We’re happy to be a part of the community in Malibu.” Both Irv’s and Prince Street have been giving Malibu a preview of their pizza and fries at a Father’s Day workshop at
The Malibu Village and recently participated in the Malibu Chili Cook-Off and won second place for their chili. Prince Street carries both gluten-free and vegan pizza crust and pizzas. At Irv’s, there is a plant-based burger and a turkey burger. The food establishments draw all ages, from kids to young CONTINUED ON PAGE A5
cherished magazines — each Malibu Times a pillar in its own right within our beloved Malibu communiMagazine ty,” expressed Hayley Mattson, officially acquires co-owner and publisher of The Malibu Times. “By combining and merges with our collective strengths and creenergies, we will continue Malibu Magazine ative to elevate the narratives, artistic By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
The Malibu Times Collective and 13 Stars Media, co-owned by Nic and Hayley Mattson, announced the acquisition of an established local asset — Malibu Magazine, a Malibu staple since 2002. “It’s incredibly meaningful for us to bring together these two
Parent-led organizations continue to provide opportunities for Malibu students Groups striving to ensure benefits amid declining enrollment, lack of public funds By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times The closure of the Zuma Beach underpass at Zuma Creek could result in the cancellation of this year’s Malibu Triathlon. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
Malibu Triathlon currently off due to denied TUP; appeal to City Council possible Annual event slated for Sept. 30/Oct. 1 in jeopardy due to snag in sending 32-day notice to affected residents By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
For 38 years, the Malibu Triathlon has occurred at Zuma Beach, with participants and citizens providing donations to fund pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Not so this year, unless the organizers of the event, which was scheduled for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, appeal a ruling by the Malibu Planning Commission to the City Council, which next meets on Monday, Sept. 25. If they do appeal, the City Council will conduct a “de novo” review of all the facts and details concerning the denial of the use permit.
As the school year begins amidst Malibu’s declining enrollment, parent-led organizations are stepping up to ensure students benefit from athletic and creative arts opportunities that are not publicly funded, and they also support teachers by providing classroom aides, supplies, and staff training opportunities. “Enrollment has declined,” Melissa Shanahan, president of the Malibu High School Athletic Booster Club said. “My daughter graduated last year with 98 kids in the class and a
Against pleas by many attendees at the Planning Commission meeting on Sept. 18 imploring the commissioners to allow the triathlon to proceed, the Commission voted 2-2 to not allow the triathlon to occur. Commissioner Dennis Robert Smith was unable to cast a vote due to technical difficulties he encountered when he tried to attend the meeting by Zoom. The effect of the tied vote means that, as of this Other former employees writing, the triathlon will not occur. of star-studded Malibu “We are exploring all options concerning next steps,” Malibu Triath- restaurant have spoken lon Director Brendan Lindner stat- to attorneys regarding ed on the morning of Sept. 19. “It’s alleged abuses tragic and I am heartbroken — one By JUDY ABEL would think common sense would Special to The Malibu Times prevail, but common sense does not always win.” A sexual harassment lawsuit Lindner added, “I’m all for rules, filed last week against Nobu but more interested in solutions. Af- Malibu has made quite a splash. ter producing events that contribute The posh restaurant chain with CONTINUED ON PAGE A8 an international presence is facing
bunch of those were homeschooled, whereas eight or nine years ago, there were many more students.” Shanahan’s observations are supported by California Department of Education enrollment data, which shows the number of Malibu public students has significantly declined, especially for Malibu High School, whose enrollment of 437 students in the 2021-22 school year — the last year data is available — was slightly less than half of that recorded in the 2017-2018 school year, when 974 students were enrolled. Beginning in the 2020-21 school year, when the department began to separately compile enrollment data for Malibu Middle School, there were 314 students. In the 2021-22 school year, there were 286 students. Enrollment also declined significantly in the two public
elementary schools. Webster Elementary had 208 students in the 2017-18 school year, which increased to 291 in the 2019-20 school year, only to decline again in the 2021-22 school year, when there were only 221 students. Malibu Elementar y also experienced an enrollment decline from 287 students in the 2017-18 school year, to 217 students for the 2021-22 school year. It’s simple math: Higher enrollment provides schools more funding for programs such as athletics, the creative arts, classroom supplies, faculty and staff support, and continuing education. Lucky for Malibu’s public school students, parent-led organizations back their play when it comes to athletics, fund visual, musical and
a sexual harassment lawsuit at its Malibu location. Now the attorney representing the unnamed former hostess alleging abuse says other former Nobu employees are coming forward with similar stories. The 23-year-old plaintiff in the Malibu case is unnamed, only known as Jane Doe. Bernard Alexander of Alexander Morrison and Fehr is co-counsel with Michelle Iarusso representing Doe. Iarusso was approached by the former hostess “quite some time
ago” according to Alexander, who also said attorneys had been trying to resolve the matter informally without success. “It took a while for the individual to have the courage to come forward,” he said. The lawsuit alleges systemic sexual harassment at Nobu from patrons and employees, although only one former employee referred to only as “Marcus” is mentioned. The man named was a former bar manager who after his termination
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Attorney for former Nobu hostess says more lawsuits could follow after accusations
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endeavors, and unique cultural facets that make Malibu truly one-of-a-kind. This new chapter isn’t just exciting for us — it’s a heartfelt commitment to enrich and give back to this extraordinary place that has enriched all of our lives in so many ways.” Nic and Hayley Mattson offered their gratitude to Dirk Manthey, the publisher of CONTINUED ON PAGE A8
INSIDE
this week
New art exhibit opens at Malibu City Gallery with a special guest visitor |B1
Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . .A2 News Briefs . . . . . . . . . .A3 • Suspect arrested in murder of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 • Events Local News . . . . . . . . . A8 • Malibu awards grant to Sea Save Foundation and its global crusades against plastic pollution Real Estate . . . . . . . . . A9 • New nonprofit aims to preserve public recreation in Santa Monica Mountains Malibu Life . . . . . . . . . .B1 • Tiny but mighty — 2023 Tiny Tot Olympic Games return to Malibu Bluffs Park People . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 • Aggressively human Community . . . . . . . . . .B3 • MHS graduate NINO performing at Greek Theatre Legal Notices . . . . . . . . .B4 Business & Directory . . . B7 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . B7 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . B10 • WCC Player of the Week Antonio Knez helps waves water polo secure wins