City Council Meeting, Malibu, April 2009

By: Stephen Roesler

Skateboarders, roller skaters and additional skating devices will soon be prohibited in certain areas of Malibu.  Canyon roads deemed exceedingly dangerous by the city’s insurance agency will contain signs that prohibit the use of “skateboarding and similar activities.”

Malibu City Council passed Ordinance 334 which hopes to prevent injuries to members of the public and functions to protect Malibu from potential litigation suits.  But some skaters from the Los Angeles area saw the measure as an unnecessary law that penalizes skaters who practice the sport with scrupulous safety methods.

“It’s kind of like going down a hill on a bicycle, except we are on skates,” said Timothy Hubert.  “I can assure you that what we do is a lot safer than what you see the motorcyclists and the sportscar drivers do.”

A father of 5-month-old twins, Hubert explained that his idea of weekend fun is no more dangerous than road cyclists who soar through windy canyon roads at high speeds.

But city council didn’t seem to be concerned with weekend fun.  City Attorney Christi Hogan explained that in others cities, skateboard accidents have occurred and the cities remained liable.  In one case, the city was liable for a seven-figure sum, according to Hogan.

Lewis Palony has skated for over 5 years and explains that much of the scare is because people don’t understand the sport.

“They haven’t seen it or experienced it before, we have a means of breaking and slowing down and we respect local traffic laws,” he said.  “We have a very similar lifestyle to cyclists.”

Palony further explained that skateboards are a green alternative and wished for equal rights between skateboarders and cyclists.

Although Palony seemed to acknowledge the safety concerns, he urged council members to reconsider.

But Council Member Pamela Conley Ulich said she is primarily concerned with the city’s budget and this law will protect the city from a potential financial burden.

“If we got hit with this, got sued, then we could be liable,” Ulich said.  “We could go bankrupt.”

Although a creditable concern, Westwood resident George Marcered said the measure would drastically inhibit his ability to enjoy his weekend hobby.

“We have only two concerns beyond fun,” said Marcered.  “Be really, really safe and the other concern is that we don’t want to be a nuisance to the community.”

Marcered, CEO of a production company in Los Angeles, explains that he spends time with his kids skateboarding on weekends.

“I think the concern is a reasonable concern from a liable point of view,” Marcered explained. “We would just like the ability to recreate here in Malibu.”

Despite the three skaters pleas, council members remained in support of the ordinance that prohibits skating on dangerous roads.  Council member Jefferson Wagner assured the three skaters that although they may practice responsible safety measures, most other skaters remain reckless and endanger themselves.

“For every 3 of you there are another dozen others …who are using different skateboards in different fashions which are not as safe as the conditions you conduct your activities in,” Wagner commented.

The passed ordinance will focus its efforts primarily on roads like Carbon Canyon, Latigo Canyon and Trancas Canyon, to name a few.  Skaters should expect that steep canyon roads with high potential for speed will be the first roads where signs will be posted.

First Article in Jour 241

By: Stephen Roesler

Malibu Global Awareness held it’s 4^th annual charity event on Saturday, September 15^th, to raise money for the non-profit organization Doctors Without Borders.

Dedicated to humanitarian aide, Malibu Global Awareness was founded by Annie Thiel, PhD, to honor her late spouse, Dr. Richard Thiel, a supporter of Doctors Without Border for more than 20 years.

Aiding people who are affected by “armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in the more than 70 countries,” Doctors Without Borders send doctors and nurses to 4,700 assignments worldwide. Offering a smorgasbord of services, Doctors Without Borders will heavily benefit from the money raised by Malibu Global Awareness.

Founded in 1971, Doctors Without Borders is the English language version of Medecins Sans Frontières.  Qualifying as the first non-governmental organization to offer emergency medical aide in addition to creating awareness as they witness the many troubling scenes outside of the U.S, Doctors without Borders is mostly recognized for taking quick action in emergency situations and the aftermath although it offers long term help as well.  Treating people with Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDES and even providing psychological help for those in need.

Doctors Without Borders thrives in responding to war-torn towns in desperate need of clean water, Southeast Asian villages without electricity, or tackling the ever present need for contraceptives and AIDES awareness.  Winning the Noble Peace Prize in 1999, sends a clear message that this organization works and will continue to benefit our world thanks to people like Annie Thiel.

Most encouraging remains the fact that almost everything at Saturday’s event was donated.  From the auction items to the catering, Malibu Global awareness maintains that 95 percent of what was raised goes straight to Doctors Without Borders.

Step into the cozy beach house placed on the infamous sands of Malibu and you will find live and silent auction items, Latin Jazz music by Louie Cruz Beltran, plenty of fine wines and of course, Fred Segal.  It’s an event most would not want to miss.

The live auction accomplished its task by selling “Anastasia Africas,” a five star, luxury, South African safari, valued at a mere $25,000, a helicopter ride over Los Angeles went for $1,000 and the “Morocco Journey Package” went to an adventurous and generous attendee.

Malibu locals drooled over 4 surfboards, going for $2,500 each, by artists Guy Dill, Miriam Wosk, Lita Albuquerque and Charles Arnoldi who some say will be the next Andy Worhol.

The silent auction offered a variety of categories to choose from such as: fashion and jewelry, travel and leisure, health and beauty, home garden and pets and sports and fitness.

“It is my pleasure to make this possible,” said Renowned Malibu Artist and proud donator, Diane Yunck Neale.

Aside from auction items, Saturday’s event held Stephen Collins’ 7^th Heaven Band and Wade Hubbard- a Grammy Nominee musician.  Restaurant Cha Cha Cha, a West Hollywood establishment, dealt with catering the event.

While Powers Booth and the owner of Polaroid Homes spoke about the benefits of Doctors Without Borders, it was Congressman Brad Sherman, Democrat of California’s 27^th District in the San Fernando Valley who caught most of the attention.   Presenting a flag that was once flown over the capitol, the honored award was graciously accepted by the founder of Malibu Global Awareness, Anne Theil.

It’s going to take some generous people and hint of innovation to continue raising the money.  With help from Marmalade Café, the Sunset Restaurant and Geoffrey’s, local support persists to allow this crucial event to take place.

Doctors Without Borders relies 89 percent on the general public to contribute to its annual income of  $714 Million.  America alone maintains almost 489,000 private contributors that have donated over $118 million to the foundation. With Malibu Global Awareness now maintaining 25 members and over 400 active supporters, Doctors Without Borders is blessed to have the support of Annie Thiel.

The event hopes to continue its annual event night in the future.  For those interested, you just might want to invest in a few raffle tickets and have a shot a winning some cup cakes.  A cup cake with a diamond and topaz ring inside may just brighten your night.