The Malibu Times

10/08/2025

Gene Simmons recovering after car crash on PCH

KISS co-founder Gene Simmons is said to be “doing fine” after crashing his SUV into a parked car along Pacific Coast Highway on Wednesday. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred just before 1 p.m. near Malibu Canyon Road. Authorities said Simmons’ Lincoln SUV crossed the median and struck a parked vehicle.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the 75-year-old musician to a nearby hospital for evaluation. He was later released. Simmons reportedly told officers he fainted behind the wheel. His wife, Shannon Tweed Simmons, said he may have had a reaction to a newly prescribed medication and that he simply needs to “hydrate more.”

No other injuries were reported in the incident, and authorities have not indicated any signs of impairment. Simmons is now resting at home and expected to make a full recovery.

KISS co-founder Gene Simmons is said to be “doing fine” after crashing his SUV into a parked car along Pacific Coast Highway on Wednesday. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, …

10/08/2025

City of Malibu unveils Archistar AI to accelerate fire rebuild efforts

On Oct. 2, the City of Malibu hosted the latest installment of the Malibu Rebuild Community Series at City Hall. The meeting introduced design professionals and community members to the Archistar AI platform, a cutting-edge tool designed to streamline the rebuilding process for the 720 homes — 11% of the city’s building stock — destroyed in the catastrophic Palisades Fire on Jan. 7 and the subsequent mudslide on Feb. 13. Directed by Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to supporting residents and professionals through the complex journey of rebuilding.

The meeting, attended by Senior Engineer Andre Ketchedjian, Associate Planners Samantha Elias and Alex da Silva, support staff Farrah Stack from the Community Development Department, and communications team member Patricia Salazar, served as both a progress report and a call to action. With 322 beachfront parcels obliterated, septic systems and seawalls destroyed, and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) closed for nearly six months, the city has faced unprecedented challenges. Bundy noted that significant milestones have been achieved, with the Archistar platform representing a leap toward efficiency and collaboration.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/city-of-malibu-unveils-archistar-ai-to-accelerate-fire-rebuild-efforts

At the latest Malibu Rebuild Community Series, officials introduced the Archistar platform — an AI-powered tool designed to streamline planning and safety reviews for the 720 homes lost in the Pali…

10/08/2025

Florida Man Arrested in Connection with Palisades Fire

A man is now in custody in connection with starting the devastating Palisades Fire. Federal authorities arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of Melbourne, Florida, in connection with starting the the blaze January 1. Smoldering embers are believed to be responsible for the January 7 fire now considered the costliest wildfire in California history. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced Wednesday that Rinderknecht faces a federal charge of destruction of property by means of fire.

Investigators allege that Rinderknecht deliberately ignited a small blaze, known as the Lachman Fire, just after midnight on New Year’s Day. Though initially believed to be extinguished, the fire continued to smolder unnoticed until powerful Santa Ana winds on January 7 reignited it into the catastrophic Palisades Fire. The blaze ultimately destroyed more than 6,800 structures and claimed 12 lives, leaving widespread devastation across Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities including the loss of 720 homes in Malibu.

Digital evidence reportedly played a key role in Rinderknecht’s arrest. Authorities said they discovered that he had used ChatGPT to generate AI images depicting a burning city, which helped link him to the initial fire. Federal investigators also interviewed two Uber passengers driven by the suspect who described Rinderknecht as “agitated and angry” on New Year’s Eve. He was scheduled to make his initial court appearance Wednesday in Florida. Rinderknecht reportedly lived in Pacific Palisades at one time.

This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

10/07/2025

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10/02/2025

John C. LePrevost 1941-2025

The son of Frederic and Emma LePrevost, John was raised in Clinton, Iowa, until he moved to Tucson, Arizona, to attend the University of Arizona in 1961. It was there that he met his wife, Marilyn “Buttons” Harris. John later attended the prestigious Art Center College of Design, where he studied automobile design, product design, and finally advertising design. John and Marilyn married on Valentine’s Day in 1964 and would have three children: two sons, John H. and Marc, and a daughter, Summer. Seeking fresh air and a quiet home life for their children, John and Marilyn moved to Malibu, California, in 1966, where they remained until moving to Escondido, California, in 2016.

Read full obituary at Malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/john-c-leprevost-1941-2025

10/02/2025

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Rocket: Thursday, October 2

Meet Rocket!

Rocket A5210483 is a gorgeous 8-year-old Siberian Husky who has been patiently waiting for his forever home since June 19. This handsome boy is the definition of easygoing—he’s super chill, walks beautifully on leash, and would love nothing more than to be your loyal companion. Rocket enjoys relaxing on the couch and taking it easy, making him the perfect match for a calm, laid-back home.

He does best around other calm dogs and is ready to finally find the loving family he deserves!

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

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

Meet Rocket! Rocket A5210483 is a gorgeous 8-year-old Siberian Husky who has been patiently waiting for his forever home since June 19. This handsome boy is the definition of easygoing—he’s super c…

09/28/2025

Duke’s Restaurant to host community party

On Jan. 7, Malibu endured the worst disaster in its history. Flames tore through Big Rock and neighboring canyons, and unprecedentedly destroyed hundreds of beachfront homes, leaving families reeling from loss. As Malibu has been struggling to heal and rebuild, the community has been invited to pause and gather together at Duke’s on Saturday, Oct. 11. The beloved restaurant that has faced its own struggles following the fire will host a free community gathering in partnership with the Big Rock neighborhood.

The event — open to anyone affected by the fire — will be a chance to share food, stories, and solidarity in the face of devastation.

Jimmy Chavez, general manager and partner at Duke’s, said the restaurant was honored to provide a space for the gathering. “We’re just really happy to be that place where people can come together again,” he said. “It’s been such a challenging year for everyone. Even though we’re not fully open yet, having neighbors reconnect in our space feels really special.”

The concept began with a conversation between Big Rock neighbors Patty Phillips and Jo Drummond, both whom lost so much in the fire. Drummond lost her family home, and Phillips nearly lost her life during her harrowing evacuation from the box canyon. With only one escape route, the 30-year resident was blinded by thick smoke, made a wrong turn, and became trapped in her car with her dog. After pleading with firefighters to save his wife, husband James Sarantinos finally convinced fireman Malcolm Dix to join him and reenter the canyon, engulfed in flames, to rescue her. Phillip’s story is emblematic of the disaster’s chaos and resilience in the face of calamity.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/dukes-restaurant-to-host-community-party

09/28/2025

FireAid audits find funds shipshape

As promised, the organizers of FireAid benefit concerts released two audits detailing how grants were distributed to local Southern California nonprofits and their effectiveness, reaching those impacted by January’s disastrous wildfires.

The nonprofit 501(c)(3), which was able to accept tax-deductible donations totaling close to $100 million, came under scrutiny earlier this year first by the Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) that questioned if funds raised actually were received by those who lost homes and businesses in the disaster. The FireAid organizers had always claimed the charity, founded by the NBA’s LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer, would organize star-studded concerts at the Forum and Intuit Dome, but that monies raised would be overseen by the Annenberg Foundation with its expertise in distribution to area nonprofits, rather than giving money directly to impacted fire survivors. The PPCC’s concerns reached all the way to the White House, with President Donald Trump even echoing calls for clarity and going as far as alleging some of the money raised for victims never reached them.

Now that the audits have been released, the PPCC says it’s satisfied with the reports that detailed where exactly the funds were distributed. After reviewing two separate audits, one long-planned status report by FireAid, and another independent review by the law firm Latham & Watkins, PPCC issued a statement saying, “Like many in the community, we were seeking clarity at a time when communication was scattered, and emotions were running high. Since that time, we have received an official statement from FireAid, as well as dozens of testimonies and direct information from organizations on the ground. These updates have painted a much fuller and clearer picture of how FireAid resources are being put to work — quickly, carefully, and with real local impact.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/fireaid-audits-find-funds-shipshape

09/28/2025

Pepperdine honors heroes at 17th annual Waves of Flags Remembrance

Less than a full day after an assassin gunned down conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a university campus in Utah, a large group of people gathered at Malibu’s local university at Pepperdine Alumni Park on Thursday, Sept. 11, for the 17th annual Waves of Flags remembrance ceremony to mark the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Chancellor Sarah Young Jackson opened the event by briefly commenting on Kirk’s killing, stating, “our hearts are broken and we pray for those he left behind, and we will honor his life as we honor the lives of civilians lost and the heroes who sacrificed their lives on 9/11.”

Jackson also recognized Ryan Sawtelle, an alum who helped to establish the Waves of Flags annual display in 2008, and she thanked active military members, veterans, and first responders at the gathering.

Attendees listened to the national anthem, sung by Seaver College senior Cokie Daniel, and participated in the pledge of allegiance, led by H.L. McCullough, also a senior. A delighted crowd joined distinguished honoree Pat Boone, co-chair of the university board and a legendary musician and entertainer, as they sang along to his recording of “God Bless America.”

Boone introduced keynote speaker Dennis Quaid, noting that the pair had both performed roles in “Reagan,” a movie where Quaid portrayed the former president. Quaid, who previously narrated the documentary, “Twin Towers: Legacy,” delivered a motivational and at times humorous speech honoring heroes of prior wars and the resilience of past generations, including the resolve and resilience of his parents and their colleagues, who were dubbed by Tom Brokaw as “the greatest generation.”

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/pepperdine-honors-heroes-at-17th-annual-waves-of-flags-remembrance

09/28/2025

Zuma Beach Triathlon unites community in a celebration of resilience and giving back

Against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Zuma Beach Triathlon returned to Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 14, transforming the iconic shoreline into a vibrant hub of athleticism, community spirit, and philanthropy. The event, which drew thousands of athletes, spectators, and volunteers, raised over $150,000 for two impactful organizations — the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which empowers athletes with physical challenges through adaptive sports equipment and opportunities, and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, offering vital after-school programs, mental health services, and long-term support for survivors of the Franklin and Palisades fires. More than a race, the triathlon was a testament to the power of sport to uplift lives and foster unity in a community that has endured significant challenges in recent years.

The weekend kicked off on Saturday with the inaugural Kids’ Triathlon, a sold-out event that saw young athletes aged 9 to 14 take on the challenge with enthusiasm. The younger group, ages 9 to 11, tackled a 100-yard swim, a three-mile bike ride, and a half-mile run, while the 12- to 14-year-olds completed a 200-yard swim, a six-mile bike ride, and a one-mile run. Parents had the option to join their children in a relay format, adding to the family-oriented atmosphere. “It was a great, inspiring event with a ton of young kids and families,” said Austin Ruth Noonan, a representative of the triathlon. “Seeing the kids race individually was very neat.” The event’s success set an uplifting tone for the weekend, with high-resolution photos of the young competitors expected to be available soon, capturing their determination and joy.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/zuma-beach-triathlon-unites-community-in-a-celebration-of-resilience-and-giving-back

09/28/2025

Malibu sees surge in transient activity amid bus service resumption

Over the past few weeks, Malibu residents have seen a noticeable increase in transient individuals traveling along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), congregating in the Ralphs shopping center, and gathering near Webb Way and Civic Center Drive. The increased presence has sparked concern among locals, particularly regarding safety on the busy PCH corridor. In an interview, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund attributed the recent surge in transient activity to the resumption of public bus services along PCH. “The buses have resumed stopping at all the stops, maybe a month or two ago,” he explained. “Before, they were bypassing stops in the burn area, but now people get on the bus and get off wherever they feel like it.” This change has led to more individuals disembarking in Malibu, particularly at Trancas, a layover spot where bus drivers take breaks, leaving passengers to wander the area. “Some make it back to the bus, and some don’t,” Soderlund noted.

The transient population in Malibu seems to consist of both newcomers and a “core group” of familiar faces, according to Soderlund. While some treat the city like a temporary stop — almost as if they’re on vacation — others raise safety concerns by darting across Pacific Coast Highway. One resident recalled seeing a man sprint across the highway: “I told him to be careful, and he yelled back, ‘I’m gonna live forever.’” When told of the encounter, Soderlund stated, “Sounds like a legend in his own mind.” He stressed the dangers along PCH, particularly in construction zones where the speed limit drops to 25 miles per hour. “It doesn’t feel natural to drive that slow, so people speed through — and it’s not the safest place for pedestrians,” he said.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/malibu-sees-surge-in-transient-activity-amid-bus-service-resumption

Residents raise safety concerns as newcomers and familiar faces travel along the Pacific Coast Highway Over the past few weeks, Malibu residents have seen a noticeable increase in transient individ…

09/28/2025

Opinion: Catching Fires Before They Catch Us

By Haylynn Conrad, Columnist

Fires that devastate Malibu rarely begin within our city limits, although sometimes they do. Either way, by the time the flames reach us, the Santa Ana winds have already given them speed and strength. Protecting Malibu means looking outward as well as inward.

That’s why installing “eyes” outside Malibu is just as important as protecting our own hills. High-definition cameras like those provided through Dr. Neal Driscoll and UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program, which powers live feeds in the Watch Duty app, can spot smoke in minutes, giving firefighters a head start. More cameras in neighboring areas mean earlier alerts and a greater chance of stopping fires before they roar down the canyons toward the coast.

When residents open the Watch Duty app, they aren’t just looking at a still picture. They see a network of high-definition, pan-tilt-zoom cameras streaming live video from ridgelines, towers, and mountaintops across California. On the same screen, they can also see incident reports written by vetted volunteers, location of smoke or fire, size, direction of spread, wind, evacuation notices, and road closures. If someone reports smoke in a canyon, emergency managers can remotely pivot and zoom the camera to that exact spot. The public feed shows a wide panorama, while agencies see even more detail. This lets first responders verify reports, dispatch resources, and issue alerts minutes or even hours faster than before.

Read full column at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/catching-fires-before-they-catch-us