Always one to promote successes, I am equally one to own up to the failures – especially of those we fought so hard to support and lead our community, and in this issue, it’s time to dispense some truth and tough love.
It seems two members of the pro-preservation majority on council have lost sight of their purpose, making some seismic missteps, and shaking the community’s con dence in the slate.
Council member Skylar Peak, who ignored compelling arguments made by Mullen and Wagner toward the rule of law in the Sanctuary City decision, and the lack of impacts to implementation at the city level, was the deciding vote to make Malibu a Sanctuary City, resulting in local and global backlash with far reaching implications.
Recently, council member Mullen took a particularly condescending tone with supporters of the Farmers Market for their use of the public comment platform, suggesting they were wasting the City’s time.
The market, who’s lease is still in limbo, continues to appeal to the council – and rightfully so – for the added muscle they need to keep the market in the civic center. To date, The Cornucopia Foundation has no long term lease in place despite assurances the county has made on record to Malibu City Council.
The Farmers Market is not only an important part of our community, it also represents our strongest adherence to the Coastal Commission requirements regarding public serving amenities and public access. Council absolutely needs to babysit this issue and see it through to completion.
Granted, Mullen is new to public office, but in light of his recent actions (on more than one issue), it seems he is in need of proper guidance. It would serve him to spend more time studying the City Council Policy Handbook (and doing his home- work), instead of getting his Cliff Notes from the lame duck regime.
Without question, two of the slate need to work on their loyalty and one, possibly two, need to work on respect.
Thankfully, council member Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner continues to be fiercely focused, with a clear understanding of public policy, staying on mission and true to the platform he campaigned on.
As I look to his leadership for guidance on what we need to do to get the slate back on track, his loyalties remain unquestioned as he looked at me and said:
“Keep holding our feet to the fire. You will end up being the glue that keeps us together.”
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