Potential Council Candidates Begin to Return Nomination Filing Paperwork

• Some Hopefuls Have Already Kicked Off Their Campaigns

BY BILL KOENEKER

Malibu City Council hopefuls began returning their nominating papers for the April municipal election this week. It is the first step in the process of seeking one of the two four-year term seats that are on the ballot this year.

Michael Sidley became the first candidate to submit his nomination packet for scrutiny by the city clerk. Others who returned papers include Ed Gillespie, Lou La Monte, John Mazza, Steve Scheinkman and Harold Greene.

Council hopeful Harold Greene  returned the nomination packet on Tuesday afternoon. Laura Rosenthal said she will return her packet in the next day or two. Walt Keller, who said he would step aside if he found two candidates he could endorse, said he still has not decided if he is going to return the paperwork.

Neither Jan Swift, Kofi, nor Regan Schaar had returned papers by Tuesday afternoon. The deadline for returning papers is Friday, Jan. 15.

As soon as some of the candidates returned packets, they were issuing press releases and stating positions.

In a press release issued this week, Sidley, who resides with his wife Wendy, the president of the Malibu High School PTSA, and two children, 11 and 13, in Serra Retreat, stated that finding a funding solution for the Civic Center septic ban, which includes Serra Retreat, and passing a view protection ordinance are two of his top priorities if he is elected to the council.

Repeat candidate John Mazza, and Malibu Park activist Steve Scheinkman this week launched a joint campaign, when they returned their packets to City Hall to capture the two vacant seats in the April municipal election.

A joint press release issued by the candidates states that the two share a common vision for Malibu that developed during lengthy conversations they have in recent months. Both are retired and had extensive experience in business.

Scheinkman, married to Nina and the parent of five children, is described as having been president, CEO. and COO in companies serving multiple industries, including aerospace and defense. Before moving to Malibu three years ago, he served as a board member of the Hidden Hills Community Association and is said to have participated in the effort that successfully defeated the development of the Ahmanson Ranch, which became a park.

Since moving to Malibu, Scheinkman has become involved in youth athletic programs, serving as a soccer and baseball coach and is currently a member of the PTSA and the Shark Fund at Malibu High School.

Mazza, who lives on Point Dume with his wife Robby, is a 38-year resident and has been involved in local politics and community service for much of that time.  He currently serves on the city’s planning commission. Mazza previously ran twice for city council and has served as the president of Malibu Riviera I, president of the Point Dume Community Association and director of the Malibu Arts Foundation.

The press release states both men share the same outlook on Malibu. Mazza said, “Protecting Malibu’s rural character and the water along our beaches, ensuring the health, safety and welfare of Malibu residents and expanding the educational and recreation opportunities for Malibu youth are issues that we believe are most important to Malibu residents.”

Scheinkman added, “Both John and I will draw upon our successful business backgrounds and extensive community service experience to develop solutions for keeping our water clean, protecting our homes from fire and implementing infrastructure improvements to meet the needs of a growing population. We are committed to rebuilding relationships with outside agencies and bringing local control back to Malibu while keeping the promise to protect and preserve the natural resources and rural characteristics we all cherish.”

Lou La Monte has been a producer and director in the film and television industry for over thirty-five years. He was with the CBS television network for over a decade, then formed his own production company.

He then began working on advertising and has “won every major award including the Clio.”

La Monte and his wife Laraine moved to Malibu in 1992 and have two children, 21 and 14. The family are members of Our Lady of Malibu.

La Monte became involved with the Big Rock HOA in 1998 and was elected president. He is described as a “leader in the fight against the proliferation of luxury drug rehab centers in Malibu.”

La Monte and other HOA board members take credit for securing over $125,000 in state and federal fire prevention grants, including introducing goats into the area for brush clearance.