In Defense of Malibu's "Genuis Loci"

IN DEFENSE OF MALIBU’S ‘GENIUS LOCI.’

When I was teaching urban planning even on a post graduate level there were credentialed students who just didn’t get the concept of “genius loci,” that evanescent quality of soul that lends a city sense of place and true value.

How sad.

Malibu, I feel, manifests that quality in its singular seacoast environment, its sandy beaches blessed by waves, and a flora and fauna that thrives in a benign climate, combined to make living here so desirable.

But also fragile that it must be defended, as the city’s Vision and Mission Statement asks of its residents, and which I embrace.

Like my few dense former students, some Malibu residents out of greed, fear or ignorance also don’t grasp or appreciate this distinctive “genius loci.”

They ignore the city’s Vision and Mission Statement and continue to support those who have, and if could, would continue to sell out Malibu. This is beyond sad, but tragic.

That they take false umbrage to the exposure in the last local election of Paul Grisanti's blatant lobbying on behalf of specious real estate interests and his support by alien funding have to raise questions of their motives.

That it took the form of several nasty, ageist, personal insults to me laid bare their adolescent prejudices, be it labeled hate or just plain stupid, to which at my age I am inured.