Does Malibu's Government Favor Christian Holidays?

Questions over whether the schedule for the Malibu City Council meetings favor Christian holidays over Jewish ones arose during public comment Monday.

"I received complaints several Malibu residents, from Malibu's Jewish community, who wanted to personally attend the council's proceedings," attorney Frank Angel said at the Malibu City Council meeting Monday.

Angel said the residents wanted to speak about alleged violations by the Malibu City Council in early discussions about a proposed land swap.

"Many Malibuites cannot attend tonight because they celebrate the first day of Passover, because they are Jewish," Angel said.

He pointed the Malibu municipal code, which calls on the council to hold meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, except on holidays.

"Why do you favor one religion over four other major world religions?" Angel said.

Malibu City Councilwoman Laura Zahn Rosenthal denied any favoritism.

"I think I am the only Jewish person on this council," Rosenthal said. "... Obviously, our country looks at Christmas as a national holiday. Passover is not a national holiday. It's not considered that. I know there is some discussion about what is a holy day and what is not in the Jewish religion."

Rosenthal said the city did not intend to exclude anyone and will look at the dates more closely next year.

"I don't feel at all that this city or this council favors one religion over the other," Rosenthal said.