The Malibu Times

08/03/2025

Burt's Eye View: Harrison Tyler dies

By Burt Ross, Columnist

Okay, I understand exactly what you are thinking. Who is Harrison Tyler, and why am I writing about his death? Stay tuned.

I recently read in a newspaper that Harrison Ruffin Tyler died at the age of 96. He just so happened to be the grandson of John Tyler. Again, I can hear you asking "who was John Tyler?" Well, for your information, John Tyler was the 10th president of these United States. Harrison Tyler was born 83 years after his grandfather left the White House in 1845.

Read full column at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/burts-eye-view-harrison-tyler-dies

08/03/2025

Pepperdine student-athletes make academic splash in summer honors roundup

Pepperdine Waves student-athletes and sports teams garnered academic accolades in July.

The Waves beach volleyball and the men’s volleyball squads received American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Awards and the men’s tennis team and seven team members earned Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic Awards. The swim and dive team earned College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) All-America Team honors. Additionally, 145 student-athletes from 12 programs were named to the West Coast Conference (WCC) Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

The Waves swim and dive squad earned CSCAA Scholar All-American Team honors for the 20th straight semester. The 35-member team had a combined 3.57 grade-point average in the spring semester. Twenty-three of them had 3.5 GPAs or higher.

These academic honors follow the Waves’ Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship win five months ago.

Pepperdine head coach Ellie Monobe is thrilled and proud of the Waves’ commitment to academics.

“Not only have they shown dominance in the pool, but continue to pursue excellence in the classroom,” she said.

To earn honors, CSCAA teams needed at least a 3.00 GPA.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/pepperdine-student-athletes-make-academic-splash-in-summer-honors-roundup

08/03/2025

MRCA clears brush along Malibu canyon roads

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) has announced it is clearing dry brush from roadsides in Malibu and Topanga in an effort to prevent wildfires. The early action roadside fire prevention program targets historic fire corridors in the Santa Monica Mountains. Vegetation clearance has been completed along Decker, Latigo, and Corral Canyon with an increased roadside clearance from 10 to 30 feet.

According to an MRCA spokesman, “While the MRCA does all of its required brush clearance every year, the roadside work described, most of which is on public property not owned by MRCA, is not something that is required by law nor has the work been previously funded. Because the Governor has made fire prevention activities a priority and provided early action funding for these efforts, the MRCA developed the Early Action Roadside Fire Prevention program to broaden and improve fire prevention tactics in Malibu and Topanga Canyons.”

Read full brief at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/mrca-clears-brush-along-malibu-canyon-roads

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) has announced it is clearing dry brush from roadsides in Malibu and Topanga in an effort to prevent wildfires. The early action roadside fire prevention program targets historic fire corridors in the Santa Monica Mountains. Vegetation cleara...

08/03/2025

Law firm hired to audit FireAid

After facing mounting criticism over the distribution of funds raised by FireAid concerts the organizers of the charity event have hired a law firm to audit its grantmaking process. In response to President Trump, among others, criticizing FireAid as a “total disaster,” that charity has not only hired accounting firm KPMG to report on aid impact after six months and again in December for a year-end review,

FireAid also hired the law firm Lathan & Watkins to conduct a review of the grantmaking process and governance. The Annenberg Foundation was tasked with distributing $100 million in funds raised, but said fire victims would not be receiving direct funds through FireAid. FireAid organizers issued a statement: “As a newly formed 501c3, FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals, and that was never the plan. To deliver aid into the community, we partnered directly with trusted local nonprofits who have the capacity to reach the communities in need, to provide food security, housing, and resources for schools.” A sampling of nonprofits contacted by The Malibu Times confirmed that thousands of dollars were received in two rounds of funding and that those funds were distributed to fire-affected households. The first audit report is expected in just weeks.

08/02/2025

Still in recovery, Malibu steps up safety efforts as fire season approaches

While Malibu is still in recovery mode from its worst disaster in modern history, city officials are urging residents to prepare now — before Santa Ana winds begin to blow and dry brush becomes kindling. “We know the fire conditions are coming,” said Public Safety Director Susan Duenas. “Now is the time to make your emergency plans and gather supplies so you can be ready.”

This fall, the City of Malibu is rolling out intensified measures to boost wildfire preparedness, with a focus on shared responsibility between the city, emergency agencies, and the public. A series of upgrades, training efforts, and public outreach campaigns are already underway, with the goal of ensuring Malibu is better prepared than ever when the next fire strikes.

On the heels of the Woolsey, Franklin and Palisades fires, Malibu has steadily built a more robust public safety infrastructure. Duenas said lessons from recent fires are now being incorporated into updated staff procedures and internal training, along with an after-action report on the Palisades Fire due by the end of August.

An updated evacuation plan is also in development. The city will be coordinating planning with partner agencies such as LA County Fire, Sheriff’s Department, CHP, and Caltrans. “This version will include community input,” Duenas confirmed. “There will be at least one citywide meeting where we explain the complexities of evacuation — why some seemingly simple solutions, like contraflow lanes, are actually highly resource-intensive and difficult to implement.”

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/still-in-recovery-malibu-steps-up-safety-efforts-as-fire-season-approaches

‘We know fire conditions are coming. Now is the time to prepare’ While Malibu is still in recovery mode from its worst disaster in modern history, city officials are urging residents to prepare now — before Santa Ana winds begin to blow and dry brush becomes kindling. “We know the fire condi...

08/02/2025

So much stoke, so many waves, so much love!

“I struggle on a day-to-day basis to keep Alastair alive,” said Chloe Happ, parent of a 9-year-old quadraplegic, deaf, and nonverbal child. “When Alastair is with Therasurf volunteers in Malibu and is out on the ocean, I can watch my son with some relief from that pressure as he immerses in the waves and sees his friends. With Therasurf, Alastair gets to actually stand on a surf board with the help of volunteers and my son — who otherwise cannot walk, crawl, or stand — enjoys having an experience that I would not have the emotional or physical strength to provide him.”

With gratitude, Chloe added, “Enjoying Therasurf means that Alastair has an opportunity to do what other people can do and we live so close to beautiful Malibu, it’s such a privilege and treat for him to participate.”

Therasurf, a Malibu-based nonprofit organization, was founded by Jimmy Gamboa and his ex-wife, Kim Bordenave Gamboa in 2013, with the help of family and friends. The nonprofit has a simple, yet extremely impactful, purpose: to offer kids with special needs the opportunity to surf. According to Leo Harrington, Therasurf’s current president, the nonprofit has burgeoned since its founding.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/so-much-stoke-so-many-waves-so-much-love

TheraSurf creates unforgettable experiences for children with special needs, empowering them to embrace the healing magic of the ocean “I struggle on a day-to-day basis to keep Alastair alive,” said Chloe Happ, parent of a 9-year-old quadraplegic, deaf, and nonverbal child. “When Alastair is w...

08/01/2025

What a decade! Celebrating Barbara Bruderlin’s leadership

Accolades were bestowed on Barbara Bruderlin, lauding her aptitude, courage, and visionary leadership after she announced her resignation as chief executive officer of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce. Many of the complimentary comments honoring her almost 10 years of service and her legacy were imbued with adjectives such as “irreplaceable” and “visionary.”

“What a loss for the community and chamber!” Denise Kniter of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s office gushed. “You’ve done so much for the Palisades!”

Indeed, at a luncheon honoring Bruderlin’s service to both Pacific Palisades and Malibu, the mayor’s office convinced Bruderlin to agree to help those on the Chamber Board to host a commercial landowner listening session that Bruderlin was spearheading because that important business community constituency has not been given voice in a public forum since the Palisades Fire.

Upon receiving Bruderlin’s notice of resignation, the Chamber issued a statement praising her and saying that she led the Chamber and its member businesses through numerous crises during her nearly 10-year term as CEO, navigating the Woolsey Fire, the COVID-19 pandemic, and most recently, the Franklin and Palisades fires that devastated the local economies of both communities.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/what-a-decade-celebrating-barbara-bruderlins-leadership

07/31/2025

Burt's Eye View: My Brother Burt

By Philip Ross, Guest Columnist

Note to Reader: My one and only sibling, Phil Ross, is a professional journalist turned therapist. He is not only the real writer in the family, but, at least according to him, is funnier than I, his younger brother by three years and nine months.

For several years, my brother Burt has been urging me to write a guest column. He says this will give him a break from the daunting task of entertaining his readers with words witty and wise. The truth, I suspect, is that he hopes his big brother will use this occasion to shower him with praise.

And so I shall. But first, a few recollections from his otherwise monumental, dare I say, Herculean life we need to get out of the way.

As kids, Burt and I slept in the same bedroom. His idea of a great night was to wait, until we were about to fall asleep, then start shouting, “Mom, Dad, help!!! Phil is hitting me!” Needless to say, the folks would come racing in, ignore my pleas of innocence, and warn me of the dire consequences that would befall me if I didn’t leave my poor little brother alone. And when they left, that lousy little brother’s face would light up with a grin, and he would drift off into blissful sleep.

At Harvard, Burt was introduced to Princess Christina of Sweden, who was attending Radcliffe at the time. “Pleased to meet you,” he greeted the Princess. “I’ve heard that Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”

Read full column at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/burts-eye-view-my-brother-burt

07/31/2025

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Loki: Thursday, July 31

Meet Loki A5666541

At 9 years old, Loki is the kind of dog who reminds you how special senior dogs truly are. He's goofy, gentle, affectionate, and just wants to be part of the fun.

He loves plush toys (even if they only last five seconds), naps like a pro, and thrives when surrounded by people and love. He's amazing with other dogs, wonderful with kids, and one of the sweetest souls we've met.

Loki has been in foster care since the LA fires, and during that time, HHA funded his medical care, including a full dental with extractions, removal and testing of multiple benign lumps, treatment for ear infections, skin allergies, and more — all so he could feel his best and find his forever home.

Care Center Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays

29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
[email protected]

Meet Loki A5666541 At 9 years old, Loki is the kind of dog who reminds you how special senior dogs truly are. He’s goofy, gentle, affectionate, and just wants to be part of the fun. He loves plush toys (even if they only last five seconds), naps like a pro, and thrives when surrounded by […]

07/31/2025

City of Malibu appoints Ronda Perez as new city manager

The City of Malibu has announced the unanimous appointment of Ronda Perez as its new City Manager, following approval by the Malibu City Council. Her term will begin on Aug. 25.

According to the City’s press release, Perez brings nearly 20 years of experience in public service, having most recently served as City Manager of Palmdale and previously as Assistant City Manager of Lancaster. She was recognized in both roles for her leadership in securing critical infrastructure funding, expanding community programs, and overseeing major municipal projects, including obtaining local control of a Caltrans-managed stretch of state highway in Palmdale.

“I am honored and excited to join the Malibu team,” said Perez. “Malibu is a unique and extraordinary community, and I look forward to drawing on my experience to support its recovery and guide purposeful, resilient redevelopment, while remaining ever-mindful of the Vision and Mission of Malibu to protect and preserve its fragile nature and rural character. It’s a privilege to be offered the opportunity to lead Malibu’s talented team of city staff, and I am committed to helping Malibu rebuild stronger, safer, and with a clear vision for the future.”

Read full brief at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/city-of-malibu-appoints-ronda-perez-as-new-city-manager

07/30/2025

Letter to the Editor: Summer Wheaton's Frivolous Lawsuit Aims for Publicity

Dear Editor,

Concerning Ms. Summer Wheaton's recently filed lawsuit against the bereaved wife of former Ride Share driver, Martin Okeke — whose vehicle Wheaton hit in a 4th of July, 2023 car crash as a result of her drunken driving, I believe Ms. Wheaton's obviously frivolous lawsuit is merely a publicity stunt. In my honest opinion, she is once again fanning herself in self-adulation with her bad news — it has undoubtedly garnered many hits on her online sites, seeing as how even bad news offers free publicity, and now she is churlishly taking advantage to keep her name alive on social media — where "hits" are what it's all about.

How very much more terrible she makes the awful tragedy, especially for the deceased victim's wife, who lost her husband and now is being sued by the sotted publicity seeker who caused her to lose him. Drunk drivers must not be permitted to mock the law and our courts. Any scofflaw who drives drunk should bear the blame, just like drivers with no insurance. All are well aware drunk driving kills people!

Patti Morey, Ashland, OR

To submit a Letter to the Editor, click here to email it directly to [email protected]

Dear Editor, Concerning Ms. Summer Wheaton’s recently filed lawsuit against the bereaved wife of former Ride Share driver, Martin Okeke — whose vehicle Wheaton hit in a 4th of July, 2023 car crash as a result of her drunken driving, I believe Ms. Wheaton’s obviously frivolous lawsuit is ...

07/30/2025

Malibu High School: On time and on budget

On a gorgeous Malibu afternoon, many who gathered to enjoy a celebratory tour of the soon-to-be-completed sleek, modern, high-tech Malibu High School were those residents who have voluntarily served for years on committees tasked with planning all the details involved in creating a stellar campus offering inviting and practical learning spaces for Malibu’s next generations.

Carey Upton, chief operations officer of the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, escorted attendees as they enjoyed a tour through the 60,000-square-foot building. He noted that NAC Architecture is working in collaboration with Koning Eizenberg Architecture on the project and C.W. Driver Companies is the contractor. The design for the new MHS received a prestigious award for excellence from the American Institute of Architects, California, in March 2024, he noted.

“The high school project is being completed earlier than we predicted as the students will be able to start attending school in September, instead of having to wait until mid-year.” Upton stated. “Further, we are on budget for the project as well.”

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/malibu-high-school-on-time-and-on-budget