CURRY CHANDLER & JANE LEE
Staff Writers
Jefferson Wagner has worn many hats and played a range of roles during his three decades in the beach community, but that of surfer may fit him most comfortably. The 55 year-old owner of Zuma Jay’s surf shop is hoping to expand his colorful roster of titles to include Malibu City Council member.
“I’ve been a member of Malibu since 1975,” Wagner said. “I want to preserve our town’s natural and cultural resources. That’s what I’m thinking about looking 20 years down the road.”
Wagner is one of five Malibu residents campaigning for three seats on the city council.
Owing to his persona as surfer and board shop proprietor, many in the community know Wagner most commonly as Zuma Jay. On the ballot for city council candidates his name will appear as “Jefferson ‘Zuma Jay’ Wagner”. Election day is April 8.
Wagner is no greenhorn in the realm of local government. Apart from his previous run for Malibu city council in 1992 (the first elections after Malibu achieved status as a city the preceding year), he has served as president of the Malibu Township Council and as a board member of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to operating Zuma Jay’s, Wagner is one of two concessionaires of the Malibu Pier. This charge means he and his partner are responsible for returning the pier to full operation, an effort that has included the addition of attractions and eateries.
Efforts to revive the pier, a state park and historic California landmark, have progressed recently after many years of setbacks. In addressing his motivation for seeking a position on the city council Wagner cites the slow pace of progress at the pier as a factor in his decision.
“It’s to make up for my lack of performance with the pier,” he said. “It’s been kind of a bummer.”
In recent months the issue of overnight camping in the Santa Monica Mountains has been a source of contention among Malibu residents. Opponents to expanded camping in the area say their greatest concern is preventing careless behavior that can lead to incidents such as last year’s wildfires. Wagner said he understands the interplay between fire and the hills of Malibu better than any other candidate.
“I spoke at the overnight camping hearing for the Latigo Canyon Preservation Association, a group that I am president of,” Wagner said. “I am also a pyrotechnics expert, I’ve had years of experience working with pyrotechnics and I work with motion picture productions out here as a technical advisor. On the fire issue I bring immense technical knowledge to the table, and if elected I’ll be the physical guy out in front.”
When the question is Malibu’s emergency preparedness, Wagner is confident of his abilities. He has previously served as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff and fire fighter.
“This city has attempted to go out to the citizens and allow them to deal with their situations in their own way,” he said. “I am a member of the Certified Emergency Response Team, so I am already actively involved in our city’s emergency planning. I am very qualified on this issue and I need more than a minute to tell you just how qualified I am.”
Wagner has also voiced his commitment to supporting local businesses in Malibu and striving for environment-conscious sustainability.
“An undivided city is a strong city, and that is my abilities on the city council,” Wagner said. “Providing proper leadership and planning for our future is something I believe I can do if elected to the city council.”
04-03-2008