Thanks But No Thanks, County Library Turns Down Malibu Gift That Rankled Two Councilmembers
Written by 991KBU on July 12, 2022
Thanks but no thanks.
Malibu’s controversial contribution to the countywide library system has been turned away by the recipients.
Too much controversy.
The head of the county public library system said the gift from the city was a generous offer … a public statement in Malibu’s commitment to invest in a system that benefits not only Malibu but the larger community.
Skye Patrick … the director of the countywide library system … says the loud public opposition from some Malibu voters … and from two city council members … means they will turn the money down.
Malibu had offered 3 percent of its 16 million dollar reserve fund … a total of 500 thousand dollars.
Bruce Silverstein and Steve Uhring fought to bring the grant back before the city council … which was to be discussed last night.
They called it a gift of taxpayers money to a private interest … not allowed under state law.
Former Malibu councilman Laura Rosenthal had come up with the plan … and that was also a lighting rod for controversy. She is a member of the LA County Library Foundation’s board of directors … she had hoped that Malibu could share the surplus funds sitting in a county account on behalf of Malibu.
