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B4 The Malibu Times February 20, 2014 Legal Notices Alpert From page B1 of his towering “Freedom” totem sculpture. Located alongside Pacific Coast Highway at the intersection East Rambla Pacifico Road, the nearly 17-foot “Freedom” is Alpert’s trib- ute to Native Americans, specifi- cally the Chumash Tribe indigenous to the Malibu area. The idea for “Freedom” first came to Alpert as he sat on a beach in Ipanema, Brazil, and watched a flock of birds floating freely with the wind. “I thought, ‘That’s the way I want to be,’” Alpert told the crowd Friday. “I want to do what I want to do, when I feel like doing it.” Alpert, who first rose to fame in the early 1960s as the leader of the Tijuana Brass band, has been paint- ing and sculpting for 30 years. He said the idea for “Freedom” sprang from an appreciation of how Native Americans and the local tribes that once inhabited Southern California “knew how to live in harmony with this earth,” while also recognizing the injustices they experienced at the hands of white settlers. “When I think of all the ways we’ve used Native Americans...I think they got a raw deal,” Alpert said. In addition to the sculpture, Friday’s event honored Alpert’s musical legacy and continued gen- erosity toward future generations of musicians and producers. Since the start of his career with the Tijuana Brass, and stretching later to his executive career as the co-founder of influential A&M Records, Alpert has sold 75 million albums amid a seemingly endless resume. Among those in attendance at the ceremony were the musi- cian Sting (whose career with The Police was launched by Alpert), producer Lou Adler and activ- ist Bobby Shriver. Live jazz, tango and Dixieland music played during the event, while traditional songs and dances were performed by the Southern California Indian Center. Paula Starr, a performer with the Southern California Indian Center, said she was touched by Alpert’s decision to dedicate the statue to Native Americans. “It was a humbling experi- ence to be recognized,” Starr said. “We’re often forgotten.” As she admired the statue, Starr said she saw Alpert’s message come to life. “It’s free,” she said. “It really moves.” Malibu City Councilman Lou La Monte presented Alpert with a commendation on behalf of the City of Malibu. He thanked Alpert for his “legendary generosity” and for making the drive along PCH more enjoyable with the “Freedom” totem on display. Proof of the generosity to which La Monte alluded was on display from the very beginning. A student ensemble group from the Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts kicked off the event with selec- tions first made famous by Alpert’s Tijuana Brass band. The CalArts group was followed by a UCLA brass quartet. Alpert is a major donor to both schools’ music pro- grams. Alpert has been on a roll for the past year. In January he won a Best Pop Instrumental Album Grammy Award for his 2013 album “Steppin’ Out.” Last July he displayed a major art collection in Santa Monica and was honored by President Obama at the White House with a National Medal of the Arts for his achieve- ments in the music industry, as well as his efforts to enhance the musical experience for future generations. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION The Malibu Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA, for the project identified below. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 13-038, VARIANCE NO. 13-036, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 13-033, MINOR MODIFICATION NO. 13-010, AND DEMOLITION PERMIT NO. 13-019 – An application for the demoli- tion of an existing single-family residence, septic system and barns, and con- struction of a new, two-story, 28 foot high, 10,300 square foot single-family residence, trellis, pool and spa, landscaping, hardscape, utilities, alternative onsite wastewater treatment system, fences and gates, retaining walls, an ac- cess road, fire department turnaround, and grading; including a variance for development and grading of slopes greater than 2½ to 1, a minor modification for the reduction of the required front yard setback, and a site plan review for construction in excess of 18 feet in height APPLICATION FILING DATE: August 14, 2013 APPLICANT: Edward R. and Lisa Niles OWNER: Sonny H. Astani and Jo Cho, Trustees of the Astani/Cho Living Trust dated April 29, 1977 ADDRESS: 5900 Bonsall Drive, within the appealable coastal zone APN: 4467-023-030 ZONING: Rural Residential – Five Acres (RR-5) CITY PLANNER: Stephanie Hawner, Associate Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 276 Pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmen- tal Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Director has analyzed the proposed proj- ect. The Planning Director has found that this project is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) since the project does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Further, the project is listed among the classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, and therefore, is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. Accordingly, a CATEGORICAL EX- EMPTION will be prepared and issued pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sec- tions 15303(a) and (e) – new construction of a single-family residence and ac- cessory structures. The Planning Director has further determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption applies to this project (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2). A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing. Following an oral staff report at the beginning of the hearing, the applicant may be given up to 15 minutes to make a presentation. Any amount of that time may be saved for rebuttal. All other persons wishing to address the Commission will be provided up to three minutes to address the Commission. These time limits may be changed at the discretion of the Commission. At the conclusion of the testimony, the Commission will deliber- ate and its decision will be memorialized in a written resolution. Copies of all related documents are available for review at City Hall during regular busi- ness hours. Written comments may be presented to the Planning Commis- sion at any time prior to the close of the public hearing. LOCAL APPEAL - A decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written statement setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeal forms may be found online at www.malibucity.org or in person at City Hall, or by calling (310) 456-2489, extension 245. COASTAL COMMISSION APPEAL - An aggrieved person may appeal the Planning Commission’s decision to the Coastal Com- mission within 10 working days of the issuance of the City’s Notice of Final Action. Appeal forms may be found online at www.coastal.ca.gov or in person at the Coastal Commission South Central Coast Area District office located at 89 South California Street in Ventura, or by calling (805) 585-1800. Such an appeal must be filed with the Coastal Commission, not the City. IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING. If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Stephanie Hawner, Associate Planner, at (310) 456-2489, extension 276. JOYCE PARKER-BOZYLINSKI, AICP Planning Director Publish Date: February 20, 2014 The Malibu Times NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION The Malibu Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA, for the project identified below. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 13-065, VARIANCE NO. 13-047, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 13-062, AND DEMOLITION PERMIT NO. 14-001 - An application for construction of a new 4,696 square foot single-family resi- dence with a 742 square foot attached two-car garage, two-car carport, decks and walkways, decomposed granite driveway, grading, a soldier pile system to stabilize the project site, landscaping and the installing of an alternative onsite waste water treatment system, including a variance for construction of slopes in excess of 2½ to 1, a site plan review for construction in excess of 18 feet in height, and a demolition permit to remove a portion of the existing remnant foundation APPLICATION FILING DATE: December 16, 2013 APPLICANT: Vitus Matare OWNER: Robby and Bridgette Thone ADDRESS: 3345 Rambla Pacifico, not within the appealable coastal zone APN: 4451-011-022 ZONING: Rural Residential One (RR-1) CITY PLANNER: Amanda Lafond, Assistant Planner (310)456-2489, extension 301 Pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmen- tal Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Director has analyzed the proposed project. The Planning Director has found that this project is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) since the project does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environ- ment. Further, the project is listed among the classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, and therefore, is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. Accordingly, a CAT- EGORICAL EXEMPTION will be prepared and issued pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(l)(1) – Existing Facilities and 15303(a) – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. The Planning Director has further determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption applies to this project (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2). A writ- ten staff report will be available at or before the hearing. Following an oral staff report at the beginning of the hearing, the applicant may be given up to 15 minutes to make a presentation. Any amount of that time may be saved for rebuttal. All other persons wishing to address the Commission will be provided up to three minutes to address the Commission. These time limits may be changed at the discretion of the Commission. At the conclusion of the testimony, the Commission will deliberate and its decision will be memorial- ized in a written resolution. Copies of all related documents are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours. Written comments may be presented to the Planning Commission at any time prior to the close of the public hearing. LOCAL APPEAL - A decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written state- ment setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeal forms may be found online at www.malibucity.org or in person at City Hall, or by calling (310) 456-2489, extension 245. IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING. If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Amanda Lafond, Assistant Planner, at (310) 456-2489, extension 301. JOYCE PARKER-BOZYLINSKI, AICP Planning Director Publish Date: February 20, 2014 The Malibu Times ‘Vanya’ comedy fails to medal By Juliet Schoen C hristopher Durang’s “ Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” is a farce with roots in the works of Chekhov—and a nod to Homer. Adding “Spike” to the list of Russian names is a tip-off to the kind of humor. The characters are so far off the mark, it is difficult to relate in any way. Even in a farce, there must be a touch of humanity. Vanya and Sonia are siblings (one adopted) who are now stuck together in a house where they have cared for their now-dead par- ents. Their relationship is estab- lished in an inane argument about coffee. Although the play takes place in Pennsylvania, the siblings display Russian angst. Enter sister Masha, an aging movie star who, like all aging movie stars in plays, brings along her young stud boyfriend named Spike. She is vain, demanding, theatrical and jealous. Although newly arrived from Hollywood, she has been invited to a neigh- bor’s costume party, along with her siblings. She has the costumes ready and we are treated to the sight of this aging woman dressed as Snow White and her brother as Doc. Her dowdy sister refuses to don the Dopey costume and appears as the good witch in shimmering decollage. Spike is Prince Charming, adding to the tired costume shtick. Other characters in this mish- mash are the ingenue who makes our movie star jealous and a stu- pefying cleaning woman named Cassandra. She constantly rushes out of the house, shakes her head wildly and spews out predictions and cautions. “Beware the Ides of March.” It was embarrassing. The actors were all over the top and deserve better. Mark Blum was Vanya, Christine Ebersole was Masha and Kristine Nielsen was Sonia. David Hull did a strip as Spike and was greatly admired by young Liesel Allen Yeager. Poor Shalita Grant over- played Cassandra and I hope this does not hurt her career. David Hyde Pierce, the direc- tor, squeezed out all the silliness he could. This Tony Award-winning play is now at the Mark Taper Forum. Would Checkhov approve? Nyet! Theater Review the sport. While she expected Sky to show “really well,” Steele said she was extremely surprised when her effervescent pooch came out on top. “The judge isn’t normally a terrier judge,” said Steele, who has lived in Malibu since 1975. “When she announced the wire fox terrier, I was in total shock. It was surreal.” After the contest, Judge Betty Regina Leininger said Sky had “it.” “She owned this night,” she said. Sky’s win at the esteemed event, which has been held since 1877, caps off a year in which she won the National Dog Show and the top American Kennel Club event. She is cur- rently the U.S.’s No.1 show dog. The Westminster win was Sky’s 129th Best in Show ribbon overall. Since the victory under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden over a week ago, Sky, who lives in Rialto with her handler, Gabriel Rangel, has appeared on morning TV news programs, dined on a steak lunch at renowned Manhattan restaurant Sardi’s, and appeared on ESPN2’s “Olbermann,” a late-night show. Steele, who owns Sky with Brazilian economist Victor Manzoni, Jr., took a circuitous route to the show circuit. While growing up in Texas, Steele had an affinity for wire fox terriers, a hound breed known for energy and intelligence, due to the “Thin Man” film series that featured a perceptive wire fox terrier named Asta that helped solve crimes. When she purchased her first wire fox ter- rier, appropriately named Asta, the two would watch re-runs of “Thin Man.” When Asta died, a saddened Steele searched for a new pet. “When my dog died, I looked all over the country,” she said. “I found this lady, and she said the only way she’d sell [a wire fox terrier] is if I’d agree to show it. She said she’d pay to do all the training and showing.” That launched a new pas- sion in Steele, who had already found success as the owner of Torie Steele boutiques, with six shops in Beverly Hills and six in Texas. She traveled to kennels across Europe and studied everything on breeding dogs and wire terriers including a dog’s ancestry, which she said is key to avoid recessive genes that could produce poor health. “When I do something, I want to do it right,” she said. “I have a passion for what I do.” After the purchase of her second wire terrier, Steele hired a handler, spoke with wire ter- rier experts, and built her own kennels in Malibu in the late 1990s. After hiring Peter Green, a terrier expert and handler, Steele’s dogs began to bark up the wins. She won Best of Breed at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show in 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009, and 2010, and Best of Breed at Westminster in 2002, 2004, 2008, and 2010. At her Malibu facility, Steele Kennels, Steele said the show dogs receive far more affection than a typical pet. Each one is groomed, petted and walked each day by two full-time employees. On the road, it is standard practice among most show dogs to sleep on hotel beds with their owner, Steele said, especially if it’s the “top” dog. When asked if she’d seen the Christopher Guest mockumen- tary “Best in Show,” Steele said she gets asked that all the time— and it’s actually worse in reality, in terms of show dog owners obsessing over their dogs. But she said she didn’t go as far as some regular pet owners. “I don’t dress [the dogs] up in clothes, [or] put them in baby carriages,” she said. So now that she’s Best in Show at Westminster, what’s next for Sky? Steele said Sky has shown for two years, and won all the major shows possible. “It’s time now [for her] to retire and have puppies,” she said. Sky From page B1 Courtesy Torie Steele Torie Steele poses with several of her wire fox terrier puppies. Steele has been breeding wire foxes for show at her Malibu kennels for more than 14 years. Photos by Emily Goodman Herb Alpert takes part in a friendship dance with Native American dancers last week at the dedication for his sculpture. Above: Malibu City Councilman Lou La Monte presents Herb Alpert with a commendation from the city for his work. Right: Musician Sting attends last Friday’s dedication ceremony for Alpert’s sculpture, titled “Freedom.” B1-4,8,14 2-13-14.indd 4 2/18/14 8:55 PM
Transcript
Page 1: Legal ‘Vanya’ comedy fails to medal Noticesbloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/malibutimes.com/content/t… · Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA, for the project identified

B4 The Malibu Times February 20, 2014

Legal Notices

AlpertFrom page B1

of his towering “Freedom” totem sculpture.

Located alongside Pacific Coast Highway at the intersection East Rambla Pacifico Road, the nearly 17-foot “Freedom” is Alpert’s trib-ute to Native Americans, specifi-cally the Chumash Tribe indigenous to the Malibu area. The idea for “Freedom” first came to Alpert as he sat on a beach in Ipanema, Brazil, and watched a flock of birds floating freely with the wind.

“I thought, ‘That’s the way I want to be,’” Alpert told the crowd Friday. “I want to do what I want to do, when I feel like doing it.”

Alpert, who first rose to fame in the early 1960s as the leader of the Tijuana Brass band, has been paint-ing and sculpting for 30 years. He said the idea for “Freedom” sprang from an appreciation of how Native Americans and the local tribes that once inhabited Southern California “knew how to live in harmony with this earth,” while also recognizing the injustices they experienced at the hands of white settlers.

“When I think of all the ways we’ve used Native Americans...I think they got a raw deal,” Alpert said.

In addition to the sculpture, Friday’s event honored Alpert’s musical legacy and continued gen-erosity toward future generations of musicians and producers. Since the start of his career with the Tijuana Brass, and stretching later to his executive career as the co-founder of influential A&M Records, Alpert has sold 75 million albums amid a seemingly endless resume.

Among those in attendance at the ceremony were the musi-cian Sting (whose career with The

Police was launched by Alpert), producer Lou Adler and activ-ist Bobby Shriver. Live jazz, tango and Dixieland music played during the event, while traditional songs and dances were performed by the Southern California Indian Center.

Paula Starr, a performer with the Southern California Indian Center, said she was touched by Alpert’s decision to dedicate the statue to Native Americans.

“It was a humbling experi-ence to be recognized,” Starr said. “We’re often forgotten.”

As she admired the statue, Starr said she saw Alpert’s message come to life.

“It’s free,” she said. “It really moves.”

Malibu City Councilman Lou La Monte presented Alpert with a commendation on behalf of the City of Malibu. He thanked Alpert for his “legendary generosity” and for making the drive along PCH

more enjoyable with the “Freedom” totem on display.

Proof of the generosity to which La Monte alluded was on display from the very beginning. A student ensemble group from the Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts kicked off the event with selec-tions first made famous by Alpert’s Tijuana Brass band. The CalArts group was followed by a UCLA brass quartet. Alpert is a major donor to both schools’ music pro-grams.

Alpert has been on a roll for the past year. In January he won a Best Pop Instrumental Album Grammy Award for his 2013 album “Steppin’ Out.” Last July he displayed a major art collection in Santa Monica and was honored by President Obama at the White House with a National Medal of the Arts for his achieve-ments in the music industry, as well as his efforts to enhance the musical experience for future generations.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGCITY OF MALIBU

PLANNING COMMISSIONThe Malibu Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA, for the project identified below. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 13-038, VARIANCE NO. 13-036, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 13-033, MINOR MODIFICATION NO. 13-010, AND DEMOLITION PERMIT NO. 13-019 – An application for the demoli-tion of an existing single-family residence, septic system and barns, and con-struction of a new, two-story, 28 foot high, 10,300 square foot single-family residence, trellis, pool and spa, landscaping, hardscape, utilities, alternative onsite wastewater treatment system, fences and gates, retaining walls, an ac-cess road, fire department turnaround, and grading; including a variance for development and grading of slopes greater than 2½ to 1, a minor modification for the reduction of the required front yard setback, and a site plan review for construction in excess of 18 feet in height APPLICATION FILING DATE: August 14, 2013APPLICANT: Edward R. and Lisa Niles OWNER: Sonny H. Astani and Jo Cho, Trustees of the Astani/Cho Living Trust dated April 29, 1977ADDRESS: 5900 Bonsall Drive, within the appealable coastal zoneAPN: 4467-023-030ZONING: Rural Residential – Five Acres (RR-5)CITY PLANNER: Stephanie Hawner, Associate Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 276Pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmen-tal Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Director has analyzed the proposed proj-ect. The Planning Director has found that this project is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) since the project does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Further, the project is listed among the classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, and therefore, is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. Accordingly, a CATEGORICAL EX-EMPTION will be prepared and issued pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sec-tions 15303(a) and (e) – new construction of a single-family residence and ac-cessory structures. The Planning Director has further determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption applies to this project (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2). A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing. Following an oral staff report at the beginning of the hearing, the applicant may be given up to 15 minutes to make a presentation. Any amount of that time may be saved for rebuttal. All other persons wishing to address the Commission will be provided up to three minutes to address the Commission. These time limits may be changed at the discretion of the Commission. At the conclusion of the testimony, the Commission will deliber-ate and its decision will be memorialized in a written resolution. Copies of all related documents are available for review at City Hall during regular busi-ness hours. Written comments may be presented to the Planning Commis-sion at any time prior to the close of the public hearing. LOCAL APPEAL - A decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written statement setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeal forms may be found online at www.malibucity.org or in person at City Hall, or by calling (310) 456-2489, extension 245. COASTAL COMMISSION APPEAL - An aggrieved person may appeal the Planning Commission’s decision to the Coastal Com-mission within 10 working days of the issuance of the City’s Notice of Final Action. Appeal forms may be found online at www.coastal.ca.gov or in person at the Coastal Commission South Central Coast Area District office located at 89 South California Street in Ventura, or by calling (805) 585-1800. Such an appeal must be filed with the Coastal Commission, not the City. IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING. If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Stephanie Hawner, Associate Planner, at (310) 456-2489, extension 276. JOYCE PARKER-BOZYLINSKI, AICPPlanning Director Publish Date: February 20, 2014 The Malibu Times

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGCITY OF MALIBUPLANNING COMMISSIONThe Malibu Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA, for the project identified below. COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 13-065, VARIANCE NO. 13-047, SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 13-062, AND DEMOLITION PERMIT NO. 14-001 - An application for construction of a new 4,696 square foot single-family resi-dence with a 742 square foot attached two-car garage, two-car carport, decks and walkways, decomposed granite driveway, grading, a soldier pile system to stabilize the project site, landscaping and the installing of an alternative onsite waste water treatment system, including a variance for construction of slopes in excess of 2½ to 1, a site plan review for construction in excess of 18 feet in height, and a demolition permit to remove a portion of the existing remnant foundationAPPLICATION FILING DATE: December 16, 2013APPLICANT: Vitus MatareOWNER: Robby and Bridgette ThoneADDRESS: 3345 Rambla Pacifico, not within the appealable coastal zoneAPN: 4451-011-022ZONING: Rural Residential One (RR-1) CITY PLANNER: Amanda Lafond, Assistant Planner (310)456-2489, extension 301Pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmen-tal Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Director has analyzed the proposed project. The Planning Director has found that this project is not subject to CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) since the project does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environ-ment. Further, the project is listed among the classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant adverse effect on the environment, and therefore, is exempt from the provisions of CEQA. Accordingly, a CAT-EGORICAL EXEMPTION will be prepared and issued pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(l)(1) – Existing Facilities and 15303(a) – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. The Planning Director has further determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption applies to this project (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15300.2). A writ-ten staff report will be available at or before the hearing. Following an oral staff report at the beginning of the hearing, the applicant may be given up to 15 minutes to make a presentation. Any amount of that time may be saved for rebuttal. All other persons wishing to address the Commission will be provided up to three minutes to address the Commission. These time limits may be changed at the discretion of the Commission. At the conclusion of the testimony, the Commission will deliberate and its decision will be memorial-ized in a written resolution. Copies of all related documents are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours. Written comments may be presented to the Planning Commission at any time prior to the close of the public hearing. LOCAL APPEAL - A decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written state-ment setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeal forms may be found online at www.malibucity.org or in person at City Hall, or by calling (310) 456-2489, extension 245. IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING. If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Amanda Lafond, Assistant Planner, at (310) 456-2489, extension 301. JOYCE PARKER-BOZYLINSKI, AICPPlanning Director Publish Date: February 20, 2014 The Malibu Times

‘Vanya’ comedy fails to medalBy Juliet Schoen

Christopher Durang’s “ Vanya and Sonia and Masha and

Spike” is a farce with roots in the works of Chekhov—and a nod to Homer. Adding “Spike” to the list of Russian names is a tip-off to the kind of humor. The characters are so far off the mark, it is difficult to relate in any way. Even in a farce, there must be a touch of humanity.

Vanya and Sonia are siblings (one adopted) who are now stuck together in a house where they have cared for their now-dead par-ents. Their relationship is estab-lished in an inane argument about coffee. Although the play takes place in Pennsylvania, the siblings display Russian angst.

Enter sister Masha, an aging

movie star who, like all aging movie stars in plays, brings along her young stud boyfriend named Spike. She is vain, demanding, theatrical and jealous. Although newly arrived from Hollywood, she has been invited to a neigh-bor’s costume party, along with her siblings.

She has the costumes ready and we are treated to the sight of this aging woman dressed as Snow White and her brother as Doc. Her dowdy sister refuses to don the Dopey costume and appears as the good witch in shimmering decollage. Spike is Prince Charming, adding to the tired costume shtick.

Other characters in this mish-mash are the ingenue who makes our movie star jealous and a stu-

pefying cleaning woman named Cassandra. She constantly rushes out of the house, shakes her head wildly and spews out predictions and cautions. “Beware the Ides of March.” It was embarrassing.

The actors were all over the top and deserve better. Mark Blum was Vanya, Christine Ebersole was Masha and Kristine Nielsen was Sonia. David Hull did a strip as Spike and was greatly admired by young Liesel Allen Yeager. Poor Shalita Grant over-played Cassandra and I hope this does not hurt her career.

David Hyde Pierce, the direc-tor, squeezed out all the silliness he could.

This Tony Award-winning play is now at the Mark Taper Forum. Would Checkhov approve? Nyet!

Theater Review

the sport. While she expected Sky to

show “really well,” Steele said she was extremely surprised when her effervescent pooch came out on top.

“The judge isn’t normally a terrier judge,” said Steele, who has lived in Malibu since 1975. “When she announced the wire fox terrier, I was in total shock. It was surreal.”

After the contest, Judge Betty Regina Leininger said Sky had “it.”

“She owned this night,” she said.

Sky’s win at the esteemed event, which has been held since 1877, caps off a year in which she won the National Dog Show and the top American Kennel Club event. She is cur-rently the U.S.’s No.1 show dog. The Westminster win was Sky’s 129th Best in Show ribbon overall. Since the victory under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden over a week ago, Sky, who lives in Rialto with her handler, Gabriel Rangel, has appeared on morning TV news programs, dined on a steak lunch at renowned Manhattan restaurant Sardi’s, and appeared on ESPN2’s “Olbermann,” a late-night show.

Steele, who owns Sky with Brazilian economist Victor Manzoni, Jr., took a circuitous route to the show circuit.

While growing up in Texas,

Steele had an affinity for wire fox terriers, a hound breed known for energy and intelligence, due to the “Thin Man” film series that featured a perceptive wire fox terrier named Asta that helped solve crimes. When she purchased her first wire fox ter-rier, appropriately named Asta, the two would watch re-runs of “Thin Man.”

When Asta died, a saddened Steele searched for a new pet.

“When my dog died, I looked all over the country,” she said. “I found this lady, and she said the only way she’d sell [a wire fox terrier] is if I’d agree to show it. She said she’d pay to do all the training and showing.”

That launched a new pas-sion in Steele, who had already found success as the owner of Torie Steele boutiques, with six shops in Beverly Hills and six in Texas.

She traveled to kennels across Europe and studied everything on breeding dogs and wire terriers including a dog’s ancestry, which she said is key to avoid recessive genes that could produce poor health.

“When I do something, I want to do it right,” she said. “I have a passion for what I do.”

After the purchase of her second wire terrier, Steele hired a handler, spoke with wire ter-rier experts, and built her own kennels in Malibu in the late 1990s. After hiring Peter Green,

a terrier expert and handler, Steele’s dogs began to bark up the wins. She won Best of Breed at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show in 2001, 2002, 2008, 2009, and 2010, and Best of Breed at Westminster in 2002, 2004, 2008, and 2010.

At her Malibu facility, Steele Kennels, Steele said the show dogs receive far more affection than a typical pet. Each one is groomed, petted and walked each day by two full-time employees. On the road, it is standard practice among most show dogs to sleep on hotel beds with their owner, Steele said, especially if it’s the “top” dog.

When asked if she’d seen the Christopher Guest mockumen-tary “Best in Show,” Steele said she gets asked that all the time—and it’s actually worse in reality, in terms of show dog owners obsessing over their dogs.

But she said she didn’t go as far as some regular pet owners.

“I don’t dress [the dogs] up in clothes, [or] put them in baby carriages,” she said.

So now that she’s Best in Show at Westminster, what’s next for Sky?

Steele said Sky has shown for two years, and won all the major shows possible.

“It’s time now [for her] to retire and have puppies,” she said.

SkyFrom page B1

Courtesy Torie SteeleTorie Steele poses with several of her wire fox terrier puppies. Steele has been breeding wire foxes for show at her Malibu kennels for more than 14 years.

Photos by Emily GoodmanHerb Alpert takes part in a friendship dance with Native American dancers last week at the dedication for his sculpture.

Above: Malibu City Councilman Lou La Monte presents Herb Alpert with a commendation from the city for his work.

Right: Musician Sting attends last Friday’s dedication ceremony for Alpert’s sculpture, titled “Freedom.”

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