“Playing with fire!”

By: Gracee Arthur

This week started with a blackout which encompassed communities from Calabasas, Malibu and Westlake Village, extending into the Simi Valley. The news did not get much better for the rest of the week in Malibu as decisions were made by the Coastal Commission on over night camping, and “restoring” the Lagoon. The first incident was an act of nature when lightening struck an Edison substation in Agoura Hills, the electricity was restored to all customers by the end of the day on Tuesday causing only minor inconveniences to drivers, local residents and businesses. The second was the culmination of long community protests with the Coastal Commission again running rough shod over the citizens of California and the environment, despite their claims to be their protector.

The Corral Canyon fire of a few years ago was caused by the carelessness of young men not putting out their fire in the State park. Now, despite the clamor by local residents who lost homes in the fire, Peter Douglas has decided to approve the use of propane stoves at one or two parks. Obviously Douglas does not have a home in a fire prone area adjacent to a State Park! Malibu residents, as a whole, oppose overnight camping, which will mean camp fires, since the danger of sparking another disaster is great. The Coastal Commission also approved a State Parks’ plan, opposed by some local citizens and the Wetlands Defense Fund, who fear the project will destroy the sensitive habitat and species that currently live in and visit the Malibu Lagoon. More detailed information is available on these issues in the Malibu Times October 21st edition at www.malibutimes.com.

On a brighter note, the ubber wealthy are grabbing up beach homes on Malibu’s coveted shores. According to Rick Wallace of the Malibu Times, a house on Malibu Road recently sold for more than 21 million! There have been quite a few other large sales, including one in the Malibu Colony for $28 million and one on Carbon Beach for $25 million. So I guess there are some people who are still thriving in this down economy!

However, the good news for the rest of us is that at the Sage Room is now serving a delicious and affordable Sunday Brunch from 11:30 to 3 with a buffet of fresh salads, pasta and meat dishes so you can dine as if you just bought a $28 million beach house. Enjoy the weekend the weather is going to be fabulous in Malibu!  www.malibusageroom.com

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