By Luke Simpson
Staff Writer
Measure M is creating the most fearsome fight between neighbors Malibu has ever seen. Not all members of the Malibu community see this measure as a viable means to develop the city.
The measure, which would provide the development of a sewage treatment facility, ball fields and a tax measure to support Malibu schools, is shrouded in major controversy. Though most residents endorse these improvements, some believe that they are unrealistic expectations, which will result in more traffic, hazards to the environment and the loss of the Chili Cook-Off site to developers.
Heated debate about whether the measure is practical has resulted in the flinging of political mud and some campaign leaders are baring the brunt of these direct hits. Accusations that some are citizens using this election to further their political agendas have been leveled by both sides.
Outspoken resident Ozzie Silna of the Malibu Community Action Network, who is adamant about “no” on Measure M, claims there are no ulterior motives.
“There is no political agenda on our side,” Silna said.
Malibu CAN, an organization that began advocating the increase of school funding through Measure S, has now taken a position of “no” on Measure M. In hopes to better inform Malibu, the political group has been campaigning throughout the city. The politicking has been fierce, with M supporters advertising in newspapers and on television.
In an Oct. 17 town hall meeting, representatives from Malibu CAN and Citizens Against Measure M spoke in opposition to the new measure, while no city council members showed to argue in favor of the measure.
Steve Uhring, president of Malibu CAN, spoke in the town hall meeting. Speaking on topics ranging from the traffic issues to the possible ball fields, Uhring brought up the questions behind these promises in the measure. For instance, Uhring questioned whether ball fields can be built on the same land used to treat sewage.
Uhring appreciates that “Malibu is changing,” but as the population grows the city needs “a smart development plan.” Without the attendance of M supporters, citizens were unable to get important answers to the questions they have had regarding this complicated issue. With the November election quickly approaching, information will be the key to a smart vote.
“Where ever you live in this city, it will impact you,” Uhring said about the measure. Saying the measure has been rushed to a vote, Urhing said he was concerned the uniformed voter will play for the developer.
“Hopefully we’ll be a smart enough community and do the right job, that when people drive through, they’ll say that Malibu is something special.”
Richard Carrigan, Citizens Against Measure M founder, has made news by funding his own campaign against the measure. Though the Malibu Planning Commisioner could not attend the open forum due to illness, Carrigan’s group was well represented with literature and Malibu resident, Rich Fox.
Fox highlighted the major issues of the Chili Cook-Off site, Point Dume being donated, and the possibility of the Perenchio private golf course developed into 40 homes.
With the current agreement with the Malibu Bay Company, Point Dume would be used for ball fields and to construct a 5,000-square-foot community center. With the wastewater connection rights given to the Perenchio people, the golf course property could be developed into single-family homes. This possible development was never reviewed in the environmental impact report or by any city official.
The Chili Cook-Off site, highly coveted by the Malibu community, is integral to Measure M. If Malibu hopes to purchase the land within three years, the city will need to raise $25 million. Part of this price tag will be funded by state granting agencies, and the city will need to cultivate donors to make up the significant shortfall in public funding. “The City Council should take the time to get assurances that the $25 million can be obtained,” Carrigan said. “Failure carries too high a price tag.”
In an effort to put a stop to M, Uhring advises citizens to talk to neighbors about the measure. “Ask questions, and get answers,” he said.
October 30, 2003