Editor’s Letter – August 2024
Editor in Chief Cece Woods considers herself the “accidental activist”.…
Malibu is globally recognized as a coastal paradise catering to the affluent celebrity lifestyle, however, a little known fact is that Malibuites are true salt of the earth nature lovers.
Many are passionate environmentalists choosing this sacred land to be our home, surrounded by the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean. We are reminded daily it is our duty to protect this spiritual land.
The inspiration behind the Indian Summer issue is artist Ana Lemes, a resident of Malibu West who has created mystical, museum-worthy art pieces under the name Earth Daughter Collective. Her earthy creations are inspired by the indigenous tribes of the Amazon yet, also speak to the spirit of Malibu’s first settlers, the Chumash Indians, and their impact on our local culture.
“We do not inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” – Native Indian Proverb
High up in the hills of Malibu is Skydog Ranch, a sanctuary for wild horses and donkeys. Founded by former socialite Claire Staples, this inspiring story of activism led to a forever home for animals that were otherwise destined for kill pens.
Also in this issue, we are excited to feature our “brother from another mother”, a new mag in town called Surf Canyon. The scribes behind this new pub are an eclectic group of local artists and entrepreneurs who are tackling the lost art of 1970’s style storytelling with a present day community spirit. It fills a particular void with a local voice from a bygone era and we are happy to support it.
So much more to share with you in this issue as summer vibes are still on high in Malibu!
Cover Photo: Steven Lippman
What's Your Reaction?
Editor in Chief Cece Woods considers herself the “accidental activist”. Having spent most her childhood on sands of Zuma Beach, Cece left Southern California in her early 20’s, but it was only a matter of time before she returned to the idyllic place that held so many wonderful memories from her youth. In 2006, she made the journey back to Malibu permanently, the passion to preserve it was ignited. In 2012, Cece became involved in local environmental and political activism at the urging of former husband Steve Woods, a resident for more than 4o years. Together, they were involved in many high-profile environmental battles including the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project, Measure R, Measure W, and more. Cece founded influential print and online media publications, 90265 Magazine in 2013 highlighting the authentic Malibu lifestyle, and The Local Malibu, an online news media site with a strategic focus on environmental and political activism. In the summer of 2018, Cece broke multiple global stories including the law enforcement cover-up in the Malibu Creek State Park Shootings, and is considered by major news media as a trusted authority on Malibu.