Emily Shane Family Files Claim Against County, State

Did you see this congregation of reporters in Malibu yesterday? Our fearless leader the Queen, invited members of the media out for an announcement from the family of Emily Shane, the teenager who was struck and killed earlier this year on PCH.

CBS, NBC, KTLA, KCAL and FOX, the LA Times, LA Daily News, Malibu papers, Ventura Star and local radio KFI were among the media who covered and promoted the event. The parents said they have filed claims against the state and county citing a lack of safety on the highway (the attorney for the family expects the claims to be rejected, paving the way for civil lawsuits. BTW, any money secured from said lawsuits would be donated to the Emily Shane Foundation).

That lack of safety on PCH (multiple deaths in 2010 alone) has been a big concern for the city as local residents and grassroots organizations such as “A Safer PCH” strive to achieve and implement solutions for making the stretch of road safe for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Just down PCH, a battle is brewing over Malibu Lagoon. The plans are to bring in bulldozers next spring to excavate and grade 88,700 cubic yards of mud and wetland habitat.

In addition, contractors will dewater (drain) the entire lagoon west of the creek channel to transform the site from a series of marshy islands into an area with a rock-defined, hard-edged channel. Bummer. What will happen to all the plants and animals, not to mention removing shelter and food sources for those not killed or otherwise harmed?

We’ll be keeping an eye on this one… visit http://www.savemalibulagoon.com for more information.

-Dan TWW

Malibu Seeks A Safer PCH

Trouble in paradise? A Safer PCH, the new grassroots Malibu coalition, thinks so. Susan headed to Thursday morning’s press briefing which, with Memorial Day Weekend almost here, kicked off the campaign to achieve and implement solutions for a safer Pacific Coast Highway.

All the local media showed up and covered the story!

There have been four deaths on PCH in 2010 already, including Michel Shane’s daughter Emily. Teri Love’s son Tyler was killed on PCH in 2005…Michel and Teri joined Lieutenant Tracy DeMello (a Lost Hills sheriff), members of the Malibu City Council and Public Safety Commission and Malibu Middle School rep Isaac Vandor during the press conference.

The group aims to unify Malibu’s Public Safety Commission, Malibu City Council, PCH Taskforce, Cal Trans and Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department with residents, schools and local groups.

With friends, family and an office in the ‘Bu, we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this one!

-Team Tellem