Malibu Mayor Ousted, Replaced by Rival

Walt Keller, mayor of Malibu since the city incorporated in March, was ousted from the honorary post Tuesday night by the City Council on a 3-2 vote and was replaced by his principal political rival, Larry Wan.

Although the new mayor immediately pledged to work for harmony between the council’s opposing factions, Keller’s ouster appeared to leave Malibu’s leaders more divided than ever. “I think you’re going to see a pro-development steamroller from here on out,” said Keller, in a barb aimed at Wan and the two other council members who voted to replace him.

The council did not specify how long Wan’s term will last. Wan said that he prefers to occupy the position only for the seven months until April, when Malibu holds elections, and thereafter have his successors serve one-year terms.