The Malibu Times

01/09/2026

Malibu High athletes earn postseason honors across multiple sports

Sharks football standouts and league MVPs in volleyball, tennis, cross country, and water polo, get kudos

Malibu High football player Xavier Godbille, 18, was one of the squad’s few bright spots in its 34-9 loss to the Desert Christian Knights in the first round of the CIF Southern Section playoffs on Nov. 7.

Godbille, a senior linebacker and team captain, was all over the gridiron defensively for the Sharks, making a career-high 18 tackles in the matchup.

“Playing that final playoff game was really fun despite the loss,” he recalled.

The game capped a season of highlights for Godbille. He finished Malibu’s 10-game campaign with 114 tackles, six forced fumbles, and one interception. Offensively, Godbille added 43 catches for 515 yards and five touchdowns.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/malibu-high-athletes-earn-postseason-honors-across-multiple-sports

Sharks football standouts and league MVPs in volleyball, tennis, cross country, and water polo, get kudos Malibu High football player Xavier Godbille, 18, was one of the squad’s few brigh…

01/09/2026

Boys & Girls Club of Malibu brings message of kindness to Rose Parade, wins Animation Award

Following a year of wildfire recovery, Malibu youth helped lead the parade with 'Building Kinder Communities' float

Against a backdrop of steady rain and renewed hope, the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) once again took part in one of the world’s most iconic celebrations, participating in the 137th annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. For the third consecutive year, BGCM members marched and rode alongside partners from Kindness Is Free Org, fellow Boys & Girls Clubs, and community leaders — but this year’s appearance carried deeper meaning following an unprecedented year marked by the Palisades Fire and the long road to recovery for local families.

As Malibu continues to rebuild, the opportunity to ring in 2026 on Colorado Boulevard was both a celebration and a statement. For BGCM members, many of whom have spent the past year supporting neighbors, friends, and families affected by wildfire, the parade symbolized resilience, compassion, and the power of youth-driven service.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/boys-girls-club-of-malibu-brings-message-of-kindness-to-rose-parade-wins-animation-award

Following a year of wildfire recovery, Malibu youth helped lead the parade with ‘Building Kinder Communities’ float Against a backdrop of steady rain and renewed hope, th…

01/09/2026

George W. Womack 1935-2025

eorge William Womack, of Malibu, passed away in his sleep on December 31, 2025. He was 90.

Born on March 30, 1935, in Sacramento, California, to Jasper Cecil and Irene, George attended the University of Southern California, where he would meet Sally Jean McArthur. They married and made Malibu their home, where they raised their two sons. George’s career in civil engineering and construction project management spanned over fifty years. George was an avid car enthusiast, in particular, Porsches. He enjoyed construction and remodeled and expanded their Malibu residence. George was especially fond of the long line of German shepherds that graced their household for decades.

Read full obituary at Malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/george-w-womack-1935-2025

George William Womack, of Malibu, passed away in his sleep on December 31, 2025. He was 90. Born on March 30, 1935, in Sacramento, California, to Jasper Cecil and Irene, George attended the Un…

01/09/2026

Malibu’s stewardship myth: What the city controls — and what it doesn’t

By Haylynn Conrad, Malibu City Council and Columnist

Malibu likes to describe itself as a responsible steward of the land and the sea. It is written into our mission and vision statement. It sounds noble. It feels right. But it also hides a truth that most residents only discover when something goes wrong.

The City of Malibu does not actually control most of Malibu.

Our beaches are run by Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors. Our trails, canyons and open space are governed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Caltrans controls Pacific Coast Highway. The Coastal Commission has appeal authority over projects along our shoreline. Our public schools are run by Santa Monica Malibu Unified. Major water and power systems are governed by county and regional agencies. Even fire and law enforcement answer to larger systems outside City Hall.

What the city governs is a thin slice of what people experience as Malibu. Permits. Zoning. A few parks. Some local services. A small budget compared to the scale of the place we all love.

Yet our mission statement and our politics suggest otherwise. We talk as if Malibu is in charge of everything from beaches to brush to traffic to schools. We are not. And when residents believe we are, they get understandably angry when trash piles up, trails erode, bathrooms stay closed, fire fuel builds, parking becomes dangerous, or access disappears.

Read full column at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/malibus-stewardship-myth-what-the-city-controls-and-what-it-doesnt

By Haylynn Conrad, Malibu City Council and Columnist Malibu likes to describe itself as a responsible steward of the land and the sea. It is written into our mission and vision statement. It sound…

01/09/2026

A new chapter for Malibu schools

By Wade Major, President, AMPS (Advocates for Malibu Public Schools)

The recent unanimous votes by the Santa Monica–Malibu Unified School District Board of Education and the Malibu City Council to ratify the agreements that will form the foundation of a future Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) represent a historic and hopeful milestone for our community. Together, these actions lay the groundwork for a fully independent MUSD that is designed for Malibu’s students, families, values, and aspirations, and deeply committed to the support and retention of all teachers and staff — a district which will further deliver unprecedented benefits to all Malibu residents, businesses, and property owners.

When Malibu High School was established in 1992, one year after cityhood, Malibu students no longer needed to leave Malibu city limits to complete their K-12 education. Control of our K-12 pathway and its most critical educational decisions, however, remained with Santa Monica voters and the Santa Monica-dominated school board. Outnumbered 10-1, Malibu voters could do little but watch as Santa Monica schools and priorities disproportionately siphoned tax dollars and resources.

Read full column at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/a-new-chapter-for-malibu-schools

01/08/2026

Malibu Brewing announces expansion

In just three short years after opening its doors at Trancas Country Market, Malibu Brewing Company is taking a major step forward, announcing two significant expansions: a second brewery and restaurant in Agoura Hills and an exciting new location at Universal CityWalk.

For co-owners Jill and Ryan Ahrens, the growth reflects both careful planning and deep community roots, particularly in Malibu, where the brewery first found its footing in September 2022.

“We’re a local, family-owned business,” Ryan Ahrens explained. “And everything we’ve done has been shaped by the community that supported us from the beginning.”

That support became especially evident during Malibu’s most difficult moments. In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, Malibu Brewing partnered with World Central Kitchen, opening its facility to serve free, fresh meals to residents and first responders when Malibu was cut off from most of the area due to the closure of Pacific Coast Highway. What was initially expected to be a short-term effort stretched into nearly three months as the Ahrens continued meal production even after normal dine-in service resumed.

Read full report at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/malibu-brewing-announces-expansion

Malibu community favorite to open two new locations In just three short years after opening its doors at Trancas Country Market, Malibu Brewing Company is taking a major step forward, announcing tw…

01/08/2026

Pepperdine University Weekly Sports Schedule: Jan. 8 – Jan. 16

Thursday, January 8
Women's Basketball vs. LMU
6:00 PM - Firestone Fieldhouse
Malibu Dreamhouse / Barbie Themed T-Shirt Giveaway

Friday, January 9
Swim & Dive vs. Fresno State
4:00 PM - Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool

Friday, January 9
Men's Volleyball vs. St. Thomas Aquinas
6:00 PM - Firestone Fieldhouse
Schedule Magnet Giveaway

Saturday, January 10
Swim & Dive vs. Fresno State
12:00 PM - Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool

Saturday, January 10
Men's Basketball vs. San Francisco
5:00 PM - Firestone Fieldhouse
Welcome Back, Waves!

Sunday, January 11
Men's Volleyball vs. Daemen
3:00 PM - Firestone Fieldhouse
Campers Reunion

Wednesday, January 14
Men's Basketball vs. Portland
6:00 PM - Firestone Fieldhouse
Veterans and Military Appreciation / Camo Hat Giveaway

Thursday, January 15
Women's Basketball vs. Pacific
6:00 PM - Firestone Fieldhouse
Mental Health Awareness

Friday, January 16
Men's Volleyball vs. UC Irvine
6:00 PM - Firestone Fieldhouse
Faculty & Staff Appreciation

Thursday, January 8Women’s Basketball vs. LMU6:00 PM – Firestone FieldhouseMalibu Dreamhouse / Barbie Themed T-Shirt Giveaway Friday, January 9Swim & Dive vs. Fresno State4:00 PM & #…

01/08/2026

Malibu appoints Joe Irvin as new city manager

As Malibu approaches the first anniversary of the worst wildfire since cityhood, the City Council has appointed Joseph “Joe” Irvin as its new city manager. Readers, some with trepidations, others with optimism, and all with queries, will getto meet him when he assumes his duties on March 2.

When one first meets Irvin, he’s affable, easy to converse with, knowledgeable, and humble. He’s the type of guy who takes the time to reflect and ponder, to identify and weigh all the various factors affecting policy decisions, and — very important to many a Malibuite — to readily acknowledge that with regard to many issues that Malibu faces, he knows he doesn’t know everything and, even more importantly, he wants to meet with constituents, city staff and councilmembers to educate himself regarding those issues and concerns he needs to come up to speed on. Irvin wants to meet with — and learn from — the rebuilding homeowners and the professionals and paraprofessionals who will help them finally move back into their homes. He also intends to speak with representatives of Malibu’s small businesses so as to understand how deeply impacted they were by not only the wildfire and mudslides, but the consequent months-long closure of Pacific Coast Highway, which nearly paralyzed many Malibu businesses. Irvin also plans to introduce himself to Malibu’s faith community and its arts, school, and surfing communities.

Simply stated, Irvin makes a great first impression and, given his more than 20 years of executive municipal experience, seems capable of helping the council and its commissions solve their problems, and sometimes making the tough calls.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/malibu-appoints-joe-irvin-as-new-city-manager

Veteran municipal leader brings wildfire recovery experience and collaborative leadership style as city approaches a pivotal year As Malibu approaches the first anniversary of the wo…

01/08/2026

Marshall Ross Brodie Thompson 1948-2025

Marshall Ross Brodie Thompson passed away peacefully on November 2 in Santa Monica, California, surrounded by his loved ones.

Born July 9, 1948, on a Navy base in Virginia, Marshall grew up in a proud Navy family and spent his childhood moving frequently as his father served around the world. His early years took him from Alabama and Washington, D.C., to Paris, and then to Coronado, California, where he enjoyed Scouts, the Soapbox Derby, and beachside adventures. A later move to Arlington preceded four formative years in Rome, where he attended international schools, learned Italian, worked on the student newspaper, began photographing daily life, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Rome was also where he discovered his lifelong love of motorcycles and developed the charming, spirited personality that made him unforgettable to all who knew him.

Read full obituary at Malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/marshall-ross-brodie-thompson-1948-2025

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01/08/2026

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Nita: Thursday, January 8

Meet Nita (A5733677), a 1-year-old German Shepherd who came to the shelter as a stray in October. She is one of our longest residents. Nita participates in weekly playgroups with other large dogs and does well in that environment. Nita is playful and enjoys stuffies and playing fetch. She would do best in an adults only home, as well as a great hiking buddy

Adoption fees are waived on any rainy day at all 7 LA County animal care centers *Including microchip, does not include spay/neuter, license, trust, or medications

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

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

Meet Nita (A5733677), a 1-year-old German Shepherd who came to the shelter as a stray in October. She is one of our longest residents. Nita participates in weekly playgroups with other large d…

01/08/2026

Driving Change: A New Year's resolution we can't afford to break

By Michel Shane, Opinion Columnist

Happy New Year, Malibu. As we turn the page on 2025, I carry the same hope we all share: fewer empty chairs at dinner tables, and fewer families shattered by preventable tragedy. For the first time in years, I have reason to believe that hope might materialize into something concrete.

In December, California launched the FAST pilot program, led by CalSTA Secretary Toks Omishakin, DMV Director Steve Gordon, and CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. When a driver is caught going over 100 mph, the citation triggers immediate DMV review independent of court proceedings. The result is swift, certain consequences, what Omishakin calls "bold, data-driven action" to confront what Duryee describes as "video game-styled" driving.

Citations for 100-plus mph increased 92.5% in 2020 compared to 2019 and never came back down. In 2024, CHP issued over 18,000 such citations, averaging 1,600 monthly. On PCH, drivers treat the road like a private racetrack.

Read full column at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/driving-change-a-new-years-resolution-we-cant-afford-to-break

By Michel Shane, Opinion Columnist Happy New Year, Malibu. As we turn the page on 2025, I carry the same hope we all share: fewer empty chairs at dinner tables, and fewer families shattered by prev…

01/08/2026

LA County launches Palisades Fire recovery financing District

The new district will fund critical infrastructure rebuilding using future property tax growth — without raising taxes

As elected officials and policy leaders strive to create and utilize innovative ways to help fund rebuilding projects after the Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has established an Unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains Wildfire Disaster Recovery Financing District to help pay for critical infrastructure projects.

Many readers may think, “Oh dear, they’ve increased our taxes again!” However, the district will fund such improvements without adding any new taxes or fees for property owners. The district will be funded by increased, also known as “incremental,” property taxes collected by the county in the district area that exceed the amount of property taxes collected in a base year, 2025. The infrastructure improvements include the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure, including street improvements, water and sewer projects, fire safety improvements, other utility projects and long-term climate resilience — pivotal needs identified after the January 2025 disaster, according to the Infrastructure Financing Plan.

Read full article at malibutimes.com

https://malibutimes.com/la-county-launches-palisades-fire-recovery-financing-district

The new district will fund critical infrastructure rebuilding using future property tax growth — without raising taxes As elected officials and policy leaders strive to create and utilize innovativ…