STEPHEN ROESLER
Staff Writer
The Malibu Pier, one of Southern California’s most illustrious icons, will soon fully re-open to the public due to a new agreement with The Ruby Restaurant Group. Although the pier is currently open daily from 6 a.m. to sunset, mostly for fishing or sightseeing, the pier will soon contain a few fine attractions to extend the hours.
Ruth Coleman, State Parks director, explains that he is “delighted the sights and sounds of this legendary pier are coming back.” By spring, The Ruby Restaurant Group is confident that the pier will boast two restaurants and a bar.
California Department of Parks and Recreation officials explain that due to a business deal with Ruby’s, the restoration of the pier is now in its final stages. And many know what this means for the surrounding area— fishing, and lots of it.
While many anxiously await the fresh seafood that the Beachcomber Restaurant and Bar will soon offer, others are busy catching their own. Jorge Diaz and Mario Ramon are two of these recreational fishermen that fight the Los Angeles traffic in pursuit of what they call a passion.
Ramon, now in his early 50s, spends many afternoons with his fishing buddy Jorge. Born and raised in Honduras, these Los Angeles residents remain pleased at the opportunity for some local fishing.
“This is my sport,” said Ramon. “It is my hobby.”
Typically using shrimp for bait, these men spend hours wetting their lines off the back of the Malibu Pier in hopes of hooking some large mackerel or rockfish. “I have only caught the little ones,” said Diaz, but his dedication seems to reveal his optimism.
Diaz emigrated from Honduras in 1982 and now resides in downtown Los Angeles with his wife and 20-year-old daughter who attends UCLA. Diaz explained he likes to come on Saturday to enjoy an afternoon with the family.
Whether these men are reeling in fresh mackerel or simply shooting the breeze, Diaz and Ramon are what most would call true fishermen.
For those who aren’t content with a small tackle box and a leisurely day of pier fishing, inquire about the deep sea fishing tours. Departing twice daily, these fishing boats will position visitors in the right place for sea bass, halibut and rockfish. Whatever the preference, the pier will soon cater to the areas diverse crowd.
Originally constructed in 1905, the Malibu Pier served as a place that welcomed building materials and other agricultural products for Frederick Hastings Rindge’s Rancho Malibu. The pier wasn’t opened to the public until 1934, although it quickly changed hands to the bondholders that were financing Malibu’s development.
The pier was soon extended to its current 780-foot length and a small tackle shop was placed at the end.
During World War II, the pier functioned as a U.S. Coast Guard daylight lookout station but was heavily damaged due to winter storms in 1943-44.
It wasn’t until 1980 that the State of California finally purchased the pier. To its dismay, the El Nino storms, in 1993, once again battered the rebuilt pier.
When most thought the pier was beyond its plagued past, two lawsuits were filed against Malibu Pier Partners LLC. In addition to these lawsuits, Agoura resident Stephen Harper claimed that he held a patent for the Malibu Pier trademark. Although Harper lost his claim to the trademark, Alexander Leff, a partner of the Malibu Pier, continues to defend against the two lawsuits filed for breach of contract and unfair treatment.
The city would not comment if this would affect the progress of the pier and Leff was not available to elaborate.
Despite legal issues, one couple from Pepperdine University enjoys strolling on the pier a few nights per week.
“Gazing at the sunset with my favorite girls hand in mine-there are few things better than this,” said Colby Long. “Its great to get away from the social confines and just enjoy the scenery; its something we can all use.”
But it takes a lot of work, says Pedro, a local pier employee. “I clean up the pier when it’s really dirty with fish scales,” he said.
In addition, he informs the fisherman when the pier is closing for the night.
Pedro explains that he works for a cleaning company that sends him to maintain the cleanliness of the pier. Working seven days per week, from four until sunset, Pedro is a common face around the Malibu Pier.
Thanks to the Ruby Restaurant Group and a few of Los Angeles’ finest, the pier will soon maintain a classic atmosphere that will no doubt attract quite an eclectic crowd.
It’s been a long time coming.
12-06-2007