Council Candidate: Skylar Peak

Editor's Note: Malibu Patch sent a questionnaire to the seven City Council candidates. The questions come from Malibu Patch readers and Malibu Patch staff. All candidates received the same questions. Be sure to find out the candidates' views on more Malibu issues by watching the Great Malibu Debate .

What is your name, birth date and how many years have you lived in Malibu (if there are any gaps, mention them and explain them)? Who are your immediate family members? Feel free to mention names and ages.

Name: Skylar Peak

Birthdate: 6/6/1984 

Years in Malibu: lifetime, 27 years

Family members: Mother, Denise; father, Dusty (deceased); two sisters, Ashley and Alicia; grandmother, Phyllis Klein

What is your education and work history?

I attended Malibu High School, U.C. Irvine, and Pepperdine University, where I received a B.S. in Business Administration. I am now the owner of Peak Power Electric, founded by my father Dusty Peak in 1978.

I am the part owner of Sicky Dicky Productions, LLC, live music promoter, and am currently a professional surf instructor and ocean lifeguard EMT for LACOFD at Zuma Beach.

Why are you qualified to be on the City Council?

I care, I have the life experience, and I have the drive to improve Malibu.

Who are you voting for in this election?

Skylar Peak 

What is your favorite book? Movie? Why?

Book – A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn. 

Movies -- What about Bob?, Billie Madison, Chinatown, Braveheart, and of course, Runman 69.  I don’t watch a ton of movies but I like to have a chuckle and enjoy the big screen when I can.

Why do you live in Malibu?

I was privileged to grow up here and enjoy everything it has to offer. I love the ocean and the mountains. Malibu has dimension and the unique independent spirit of our community makes this place so special.

Who was Malibu’s best City Council member? Why do you choose that person?

Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner because he is a straight shooter, fair, and calls it how it is. He is a great steward of Malibu.

Do you think the agencies involved in lobbying for sewers have any connection to the developers that will profit from them in our community?

No, I think they both want sewers for different reasons.

How will you help Malibu retain its beautiful rural charm?

By enforcing the building regulations and zoning codes Malibu has put forth and making decisions that stick Malibu’s general plan and serving those that live here.

Some of the candidates seem to have hung their hats on being born here or living here a long time. What’s more important, being a long-time resident in Malibu or having a track record of showing up at CityCouncil meetings and volunteering in Malibu organizations?

All of the candidates care deeply about our community. The experience of growing up here and traveling around the world gives me a different perspective and understanding of the uniqueness of our community. Whether its being a long-time resident, showing up at meetings, volunteering, etc…its about having your ear to the ground on what our community wants and needs and figuring out how to make progress for our future. If you put yourself out there and participate, to me, that’s what matters. Spending the time to engage our community and listen to the different opinions and needs of Malibu residents, that’s the difference.

The Tapia sewage treatment facility was built without Malibu community input and has caused grievous harm to Malibu's main watershed. It is set up to get worse as it processes more than 10 million gallons of sewage a day. Will you support an effort to hold the Army Corp of Engineers accountable for coming up with a plan to reroute that processed sewage to the Valley for irrigation purposes?

I am against any upstream or downstream pollution of the watershed.  We are responsible for our part of the stream and other cities need to be responsible for theirs.

Do you support a livable wage for City Council Members, such as $2,000 per month or more, plus benefits?

No, it’s a duty of civic-minded people to participate in the process.

A voter-approved city law restricts candidates to serving two terms on the City Council. But terms served before 2000 do not count toward that total. Is it appropriate for a candidate to use this loophole to run for three or more terms?

I think Malibu passed the law for a reason.  As time passes, a new perspective in city government will only serve us better.

How do you feel about the Malibu Bay Co. Development Agreement (Measure M) that voters rejected in 2003?

The city voters rejected 685,000 square feet of unnecessary development that was allowed by Measure M that also included a potentially sizable shopping center where Legacy Park is now.  Based on growth alone, this was the right decision.

Malibu shopping centers in recent years have started to resemble Rodeo Drive, especially in the Cross Creek area. Many shops and services used by local shoppers have closed due to high rents. What do you think of Preserve Malibu's proposal for a diversification ordinance that would require a broader offering of services, or do you have a better solution?

A healthy community assures that local residents have places to shop now and in the future while balancing resident’s needs with those of visitors.  Diversification is a start.  Bringing only Rodeo Drive shopping to Malibu is NOT the right decision.

How do you propose working with other council members with whom you might disagree on contentious issues?

Although I respect everyone’s opinion, I intend maintain my integrity, beliefs, and work for the best interests of the citizens of Malibu.

How would you change city government (larger, smaller, different emphasis)?

Smaller government is more efficient.

Do you support the acquisition of land for additional parks and recreation facilities? If so, how would you finance this?

As a Parks and Rec Commissioner, I understand Malibu has needs for more recreational facilities. I strongly believe this can be done if financed correctly without damaging our cities financial health. It’s important that Malibu have additional facilities for our seniors, soccer players, skaters, pitchers, creative artists, and the rest of our diverse community.

How do you plan to better prepare the citizens of Malibu for the next fire? Do you believe thelast fire was handled well, and how will the Corral Canyon Volunteer Fire Department affect the next fire that will be coming soon? 

I will continue to improve our emergency preparedness and evacuation plans. Los Angeles County Fire Department is amongst the best fire departments in the world. Fire prevention is of the upmost importance for safety in Malibu and we need to emphasize solutions to eliminate fires. Wildfire events are very serious and one fire truck is not going to solve the problem. While first responders I the Corral Area will help, we need an immediate massive response to any fire.