By Trevor Neilson
Malibu’s identity has long been tied to its sense of community—a place where residents support one another, where small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and where the interests of those who live here should come first. But as we look at the annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off, we have to ask: who is it really for? And more importantly, is it time to rethink how we use our valuable public land?
For years, the Chili Cook-Off has been promoted as a beloved local tradition, a fundraiser benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. But the reality is far less community-driven than we might like to believe. What was once a small, local event has turned into a spectacle that caters to outside visitors, social media influencers, and a national nonprofit organization that, while certainly well-intentioned, does not reflect the immediate needs of Malibu’s struggling small businesses and residents still recovering from the Palisades Fire.
Consider what this event now brings to Malibu: thousands of non-residents flooding our streets, overwhelming our infrastructure, clogging traffic, and necessitating a police presence that diverts resources from other local priorities. In recent years, we have seen disturbing incidents—including a violent altercation in 2021 that left a young man seriously injured and a chaotic stampede in 2022 triggered by false reports of a shooting. This is not the Malibu we know.
Meanwhile, our locally owned businesses—the same businesses that have endured fires, floods, and the economic strains of the pandemic—are left struggling, without the same level of attention or support. Why are we using taxpayer-supported land to host an event that primarily benefits a national nonprofit rather than our own business owners? Why not repurpose this space to support Malibu’s small businesses, giving them a platform to thrive and truly engage with the community?
The answer is clear: Malibu’s public resources should serve Malibu’s residents first. The Chili Cook-Off has outgrown its original purpose and has become an event that no longer aligns with our city’s needs. It’s time for our leaders to take a stand. The land currently used for the event should be allocated to support local commerce, ensuring that those who have invested their lives in this community are given the same level of support and visibility as a national nonprofit.
This is not about eliminating fundraising or community events—it’s about prioritizing the right ones. There are better ways to give back, ones that don’t require Malibu’s residents to bear the burden of overcrowding, safety risks, and the commercialization of our town.
I urge the City Council to take action and put Malibu first. It’s time to rethink our priorities and return our public land to the people who truly call this place home.
Trevor Neilson is a business leader and philanthropist active in many Malibu issues.
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