Westside : Judge Tentatively OKs Home on Burial Site

A Native American group’s attempt to block construction of a home in Malibu suffered a setback Monday when Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Diane Wayne tentatively ruled that the city has taken adequate precautions to protect artifacts on the property.

Next week Wayne is expected to make final her decision rejecting a claim by the American Indian Movement, which wanted to prevent construction on what it says is an ancient Chumash burial ground. The decision would clear the way for property owner Jack Skene to build an 11,000-square-foot home under the eyes of monitors.