MALIBU, CA

I am now well into my retirement and am glad to be 170 miles up the coast from Malibu. I was born in Los Angeles as were my mother and grandfather. I spent much time in Malibu as a youngster especially since my grandfather had a small 80 acre ranch in the hills above. Life was much different in those days and I expected to build my home there. When the Korean war came along I enlisted in the Air Force and when I returned to Southern California 4 years later my Grandfather had sold the ranch and settled in Hollywood where he had lived for most of his adult life. At first I was disappointed with the turn of events but when I see what has happened in the hills I realize how lucky I was. Water was a serious problem for those who built there and the nearly annual fires were terrifying to them. Traffic congestion is another lilfe-shortening issue which residents of the area face. I still drive through Malibu when I have occasion to go to LAX for one reason or another Particularly wishing to avoid the 405. Occasionally I'll drive up Big Rock canyon to where the ranch was. It is interesting to see the homes of celebrities on a street named after my family but I am delighted to be out of the traffic and the hectic way of life which has overtaken the Los Angeles area. I am truly enjoying life on the Central California Coast where life goes by at a slower pace and where the people are more friendly and caring.