Malibu Planning Commissioner and former City Councilman Skylar Peak’s long history of mental health issues and controversial incidents is once again under scrutiny as he positions himself for leadership roles within the Planning Commission. With an upcoming vote to establish the Chair and Vice Chair—crucial positions in guiding Malibu’s rebuilding efforts following the Franklin and Palisades fires—concerns about Peak’s erratic behavior and past actions are surfacing among community members and local officials.
A Pattern of Erratic and Dangerous Behavior
According to sources, Peak has recently exhibited behavior reminiscent of past mental breakdowns in 2012, 2013, and 2018.
More concerning is how Peak, after being terminated by LA County Lifeguards in 2014 after a hit-and-run investigation, and more recently an arson incident in 2018, is able to serve with the LA County Fire Department sponsored Community Brigade.
Court documents and witness testimonies detail a particularly alarming episode in which Peak allegedly set fire to his ex-wife’s Montecito home while she and her three children were inside. The family had been displaced due to the Woolsey Fire at the time. According to legal filings, Peak ignited a fire, leaving the flue closed, and refused to let them leave—physically restraining his ex-wife while claiming he was trying to “get rid of evil spirits in the house.” The family was only able to escape when Peak injured himself, breaking a glass carafe on his feet while in the shower.
His ex-wife later testified in court that she feared for her life, Peak’s life, and the safety of their children due to his unpredictable and dangerous actions.
Peak was in a psychiatric hold as a result of this incident and is only allowed supervised visitation with the couple’s daughter.
It is deeply concerning that this LA County Fire Department sponsored program has overlooked an important part of the vetting process, specifically Peak’s history of mental health.
Firefighting and emergency response requires composure, sound judgment, and the ability to handle high-stress situations, yet without proper screening, individuals who may not be mentally fit for such responsibilities could be placed in, and create, potentially dangerous scenarios.
This oversight not only poses risks to public safety, but also to the individuals themselves, highlighting a serious gap in accountability and potentially, the program’s integrity.
Multiple sources confirm Peak’s diminished mental state was apparent during the both the Franklin fire and the Palisades fire. In one incident, Peak used Community Brigade’s radio communications to “issue orders to CalFire” causing increased chaos during a catastrophe – and yet in spite of sources reporting multiple erratic episodes during these emergencies, Peak continues to participate in the program.
The Malibu Times, apparently unaware of Peak’s mental condition during the fires and previous arson incident, published this article praising his efforts on the Community Brigade.
Previous Incidents of Concern
Peak’s troubling history is well-documented. In July 2012, while serving as a Malibu City Councilman, The Los Angeles Times reported Peak was detained for psychiatric evaluation after reportedly threatening security officers with a sharp object at a shopping center. Witnesses described him running through the parking lot in a Speedo swimsuit, screaming, knocking over shopping carts, and brandishing scissors. Peak later claimed the episode was tied to his struggle with bipolar disorder.
In December 2013, Peak was investigated for a hit-and-run after allegedly crashing through over 400 feet of road delineators on Pacific Coast Highway and abandoning his damaged truck near Westward Beach. Witnesses described his driving as aggressive and reckless. Peak was convicted of a misdemeanor as a result of this incident.
At the Planning Commission meeting on February 3rd, he demonstrated manic behavior, recusing himself 4 times, and nominated a Chair who would only remain on the commission two more weeks, exposing his inability to make clear and rational decisions at a critical time in Malibu’s history.
Despite these past incidents, Peak continues to hold influential roles in Malibu, including his seat on the Planning Commission and his involvement in the Community Brigade, a group with increasing influence over local governance. It remains unclear how Peak, with a documented history of arson, was allowed to be part of an organization responsible for community safety and emergency response.
FPPC Investigation Raises Ethical Concerns
Adding to his list of controversies, Malibu Daily News broke the story of Peak under investigation by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) for potential conflicts of interest. Also under investigation is council member Marianne Riggins who appointed Peak to the Planning Commission.
The investigation, launched in late 2023, focuses on allegations that Peak and fellow Planning Commissioner Dennis Smith, both contractors by trade, may have financially benefited from projects they approved while serving on the commission.
The complaint, filed by former FPPC Chair Ann Ravel, suggests that their dual roles as public officials and contractors could compromise the integrity of their decision-making. Malibu City Attorney Trevor Rusin has argued that the allegations represent a “novel interpretation” of the Political Reform Act, but the FPPC’s ongoing inquiry raises concerns about ethical governance and transparency in Malibu’s municipal operations.
A Leadership Gamble for Malibu
As Peak remains a contender for key leadership positions within the Planning Commission, many Malibu residents and officials are grappling with an uncomfortable question: Should someone with such a volatile history be entrusted with critical decisions shaping the city’s future?
Critics argue that his past actions—especially those involving threats to public safety and allegations of unethical conduct—should disqualify him from serving in leadership roles.
With mounting public scrutiny, an active FPPC investigation, Peak’s tenure on the Planning Commission is at a crossroads. It is time for local officials take decisive action because we are at a critical point and Malibu’s future depends on it.
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