As California barrels into yet another brutal wildfire season, Big Rock Burning is turning heads on the international stage. The documentary — which was recently shopped to distributors at the Cannes Film Festival — doesn’t hold back in exposing just how unprepared Los Angeles was when fast-moving firestorms tore through Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and…
SKATE-GATE: Malibu City Hall Tried to Shut Down the Temporary Skatepark—But the Community Fought Back and Won
Just weeks after Malibu officials lined up with golden shovels at the April 11 groundbreaking for the city’s long-awaited permanent skatepark, City Hall quietly attempted to slam the gates shut on the beloved temporary facility—before a single scoop of dirt had been turned. Their plan? Dismantle the temporary skatepark on Sunday, April 27 with barely…
The Malibu Foundation Announces Leadership Transition in the Wake of the Palisades Fire
The Malibu Foundation has announced a significant leadership transition as Co-Founder and Executive Director Evelin Weber steps down from her role. In her place, Joe Flanigan, a founding member and long-time Malibu resident, will take over as Executive Director, continuing the Foundation’s mission of community resilience, environmental restoration, and disaster preparedness. Weber’s decision comes as…
Social Media Influencer Summer Wheaton Faces Gross Vehicular Manslaughter for Fatal Crash After Fourth of July Nobu Party
On July 4, 2024, Nobu Malibu defied the City of Malibu by hosting the annual “Red, White, and Bootsy” part after City officials denied the event permit due to numerous public safety issues occurred during last year’s Fourth of July White Party. The unauthorized event culminated in a tragic accident that claimed the life of…
Skylar and Me – A Surf and Fire Story
There’s an old bromide about surfers being part of a tribe, and even more pointed, the surfers who dedicate themselves to the handful of breaks in and around Pt. Dume are part of an even more intimate, sort of private club. And myself, as someone not part of the “womb to the tomb” heavy local,…
As Malibu Begins the Rebuild Process After the Palisades Fire, Skylar Peak’s Troubling History Raises Questions Ahead of Key Malibu Planning Commission Vote
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…
EPA’s Toxic Track Record: Why Malibu’s Surfers Must Rally to Save Our Coastline
Will Council Member Haylynn Conrad, A Surfer First, Step Up to Stop the Environmental Threat? Malibu’s waves have long been a sanctuary—where surfers carve through the Pacific and connect with the rhythm of nature. Our beaches are more than just a backdrop; they are the heart and soul of this community. But now, an outrageous…
Malibu Philanthropist Fights EPA’s Plan to Dump Toxic Waste Near Protected Coastline
Trevor Neilson, a Malibu environmental advocate and philanthropist, is leading an urgent fight to block the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to dispose of hazardous waste from the Palisades Fire at a site between Malibu and Topanga. Citing serious risks to public health and the environment, Neilson has vowed to take legal action if necessary, arguing…
Malibu Council Member Furious Over Hazardous Waste Collection Site Designated for Topanga at PCH – “This Stuff Kills People”
As hazardous waste from the Palisades Fire cleanup efforts heads to designated collection sites within a few days, including one in a high-traffic area on PCH in Malibu, the decision has sparked significant backlash from residents, city officials, and environmental watchdogs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies involved face mounting criticism for their…
Building Resilience in Malibu – Incentivizing Fire-Resistant Design for a Safer Future
By Trevor Neilson In the aftermath of the horrific Palisades Fire, which claimed lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and upended entire communities, Malibu faces a profound choice: Do we rebuild as we always have, or do we chart a bold new path that prioritizes resilience in the face of mounting climate risks? This is no…