Council to Choose Malibu's Next Mayor

The Malibu City Council will decide who will take the city's helm as the new mayor and mayor pro tem next week. 

Because Malibu's mayor is appointed, not elected, the selection will be up to the council. Traditionally, the mayor pro tem is chosen as the next mayor.

"All bets are off these days," Malibu Councilwoman Laura Zahn Rosenthal said, eluding to the switch up during the rotation nearly 10 months ago. 

In August, Lou La Monte was appointed as Malibu's mayor, while Joan House was sworn in as the mayor pro tem, even though she was not the top vote getter.

House accepted the nomination with the stipulation that it was temporary. "I just care about making the votes on the issues I care about," House said in August. "I don't really care if I am ever mayor or mayor pro tem, but I will do whatever the city needs to set it in the correct direction." 

House could not be reached Monday for comment in time for publication.

Councilman Skylar Peak, who received the most votes in the April 2012 election, was passed over because of an assault investigation. Peak was never charged in that case.

More recently, Peak was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving for a Christmas Day incident on Pacific Coast Highway. Peak pleaded no contest to charges in April, and he was sentenced to two years of probation and 30 days of community service.

Peak said Monday that he believes he will be the next mayor pro tem.

"I’m cool with whatever happens," Peak told Malibu Patch.

Councilman John Sibert said he is not sure what will happen.

"I will go with whatever makes the most sense," Sibert said.

Even though the mayor pro tem is traditionally chosen, La Monte said the order is not a rule.

"Someone will be nominated," La Monte said. "And if they get three votes, they will get elected. Joan would be the obvious choice. She was the mayor pro tem and did a fine job."

Rosenthal said the mayor pro tem works up to be mayor.

"I’m leaving an open mind," Rosenthal said. 

The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 at Malibu City Hall.