The City of Malibu has long supported its local Boys and Girls Club, providing not only a valuable lot for its youth programs but also $50,000 annually to help fund its operations. While this partnership was once seen as a positive investment in the community’s future, recent controversies surrounding the club and its leadership raise significant questions about whether this continued support remains in Malibu’s best interest.
The most troubling issue involves the Boys and Girls Club’s alleged role in a smear campaign against City Council member Bruce Silverstein. According to reports first published by *Malibu Daily News*, Nathan Jones, a close associate of the club and business partner to David Charvet, was heavily involved in efforts to discredit Silverstein. These attacks, which were reportedly supported by key figures within the club, led to a series of public denials by the club’s leadership. However, after being caught in a lie about her Board President’s involvement in the scandal, Kasey Earnest, the head of the Boys and Girls Club, resigned, further shaking the community’s trust in the organization.
This scandal is just the latest in a string of troubling events involving the Boys and Girls Club. In 2021, the community was rocked by a stabbing incident at Cross Creek, which highlighted safety concerns in spaces associated with the club. In 2022, a gun scare at the Malibu Chili Cook-Off sent SWAT teams into action, causing panic among attendees, many of whom were families connected to the Boys and Girls Club. These incidents have raised serious doubts about the club’s ability to provide a safe and responsible environment for Malibu’s youth.
Given these issues, the City of Malibu should reconsider its relationship with the Boys and Girls Club, including whether it should continue providing the lot and the annual $50,000 in financial support. While the club has a long history of serving the community, its recent controversies—including leadership scandals, safety issues, and the smear campaign—suggest that it may no longer be the best partner for the city’s youth development efforts.
Rather than withdrawing support for youth programs, the city should seek out new partnerships with other non-profits that prioritize transparency, accountability, and safety. There are numerous organizations focused on youth development, environmental education, and community service that could make better use of the lot and the city’s financial contributions. By redirecting its resources, Malibu can ensure that these public assets serve the community’s best interests and safeguard the well-being of its young residents.
The city’s $50,000 annual contribution, alongside the lot, represents a significant investment in the future of Malibu’s youth. This investment should be used to support organizations that reflect the values of integrity and safety that Malibu’s residents expect. The *Malibu Daily News*’ reporting on the smear campaign scandal should be a wake-up call for the city to reevaluate whether the Boys and Girls Club is still deserving of its support.
Now is the time for Malibu to take action and ensure that its public resources are used to promote the well-being of the community. By partnering with reputable non-profits and creating a safe environment for its young people, the city can turn this moment of controversy into one of positive change and forward momentum.
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