Pepperdine and Malibu

The recent Times story on Pepperdine University and its exclusion from the proposed city of Malibu touches on a number of difficult issues (“Aloof Pepperdine?” Metro, Aug. 22). From the beginning of the incorporation drive, the university has been in a very delicate situation with longtime and supportive friends on both sides of the issue. We worked hard to build those friendships and we value them highly.

However, the article did not mention a number of productive alliances between the university and the Malibu community in addressing local issues. We are committed to continuing those efforts.

Pepperdine’s request for exclusion was based in two areas. First, there were our feelings that the campus community will be best served by a continued relationship with Los Angeles County. More than six years have been invested in obtaining approval for the campus master plan. As part of that effort, seven public hearings took place, an environmental impact report was completed and many planning compromises were reached. Our current plans were formulated in that painstaking process. A teaching institution must maintain flexibility to be responsive to academic demands. Second, there was our perception of the “problem of two masters.” Pepperdine was in a unique situation in that the northern boundary of the proposed city cut our campus in half. That situation would have brought the complication of resolving county and city requirements, and would have frustrated daily operations in a significant manner.

Since its first day in Malibu, Pepperdine has been proud to be part of the local community. We are committed to working with our neighbors on such difficult issues as sewage treatment and traffic--geopolitical lines will not change that commitment. We will continue to make our resources available and lend support to our community at every possible opportunity.

ANDREW K. BENTON

Vice President for Administration

Pepperdine University