‘Malibu: Cityhood and Sewers’

Thank you for taking the time to investigate the true story behind Los Angeles County’s unprecedented campaign to impose an $86-million regional sewer system on Malibu (“Malibu: Cityhood and Sewers” editorial, Aug. 2). We in Malibu have been fighting the county machine for quite some time.

County officials have attempted to impose a large-scale sewer project on Malibu for the last 20 years despite three votes of the residents against it. Last year they used a different tactic. Dusting off a 1913 law that is still on the books, they found that under the statute they could impose their large-scale sewer system without a vote of the people who would be taxed by simply obtaining a letter from the Health Department indicating there was a “health hazard.” No substantiation of the “health hazard” is needed under the statute. It was only because over 1,000 people protested at a hearing that the county backed off.

What is the real reason for Supervisors Deane Dana and Pete Schabarum’s determination to “sewer Malibu whether it is good for the community or not”? Why do they want a sewer system with another treatment plant that empties into the ocean? Why sow the seeds for yet another Hyperion or Laguna Beach disaster? It is simple: development.

Behind all the rhetoric of “health hazard,” concerns of liability, and patently false statements is the desire of these two supervisors to see Malibu built up as much as humanly possible. In addition, they want a sewer plant in place so the entire west Valley can be developed and its sewage pumped to Malibu and into the ocean.

The fight for Malibu cityhood is an attempt to head off these forces.

We are fighting for all of the people of Los Angeles who use the beaches of Malibu and enjoy the city. We are fighting to keep the waters in Malibu clean and clear and to preserve this unquestioned jewel in Los Angeles’ crown.

E. BARRY HALDEMAN

Los Angeles