Bu Who – Local Icon: Bruce Silverstein
Featured photo by Chase Hirt
Bruce Lee Silverstein has been a prominent figure in Malibu’s civic landscape since his election to the City Council as the highest vote recipient in 2020.
With a distinguished career as a business lawyer spanning nearly four decades, Silverstein brings a meticulous and analytical approach to local governance. He has consistently emphasized transparency, accountability, ethics, and the protection of Malibu’s unique environment.
Silverstein’s legal acumen has been central to his contributions on the City Council. His tenure is marked by a strong commitment to putting residents first, with a focus on enhancing public safety—particularly along Pacific Coast Highway—and preserving Malibu’s rural character from overdevelopment. His legal background provides a critical foundation for navigating complex municipal issues, ensuring decisions are both well-reasoned and legally sound.
Silverstein’s deep commitment to the community was especially evident after the 2018 Woolsey Fire, when he spent countless hours volunteering at donation centers and organized the “Lawyer Project” under “Operation Recovery.” This initiative aimed to reduce legal fees for fire-affected residents, potentially saving the community significant costs. His proactive stance on public safety, environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and responsive government underscores his dedication to addressing the challenges facing Malibu residents.
In the 2024 election, Silverstein sought re-election to continue his work on the City Council. Despite facing a well-organized smear campaign led by pro-development interests, he once again emerged as the highest vote recipient. This marks only the third time in Malibu’s history that a candidate has achieved this distinction twice, the first occurrence in the past decade, and the only instance where the leading vote-getter received more votes in their re-election than in their first term.
Beyond his professional contributions, Silverstein is known for his accessibility and engagement with residents. He and his wife, Mindy, have been part of the Malibu community for over a decade, sharing their home with their beloved German Shepherd, Rain-Bu. These personal connections inform Silverstein’s resident-focused approach to governance.
Bruce Silverstein’s tenure on the Malibu City Council reflects a unique blend of legal expertise, community advocacy, and steadfast dedication to preserving Malibu’s character. His continued efforts aim to balance responsible development with environmental protection and the overall well-being of the community, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for Malibu.
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