Lou La Monte Takes Mayor's Seat, Outlines Plans for Malibu

Malibu's new mayor, Lou La Monte, has big plans for the city during his term, including holding a town hall to allow residents to air their concerns.

La Monte was sworn in by his children Christian and Olivia during a special ceremony at Monday night's City Council meeting. Joan House was sworn in as mayor pro tem , the top vote getter in April's election.

"I know from experience that it’s a very short journey from swearing in the mayor to swearing at the mayor ... I truly appreciate this honor and I will do my best to deserve it," La Monte said.

La Monte started off his term as mayor by thanking outgoing Mayor Laura Zahn Rosenthal and city staff.

"[Laura] has also been the driving force for expanding and opening the communication between the city and the residents. She attended every meeting and went to every event, she answered every email and returned every call," La Monte said. "I’ve known Laura for a very long time and she has more energy than anyone and I want to thank her for her love of this city and for everything she has done for all of us."

La Monte said he plans to organize a town hall meeting, which will not focus on any issue in particular.

"Everyone gets their opportunity to talk about whatever is bothering them," La Monte said. "The only thing I ask them is to respect each other."

La Monte said he will remain dedicated to improve safety on Pacific Coast Highway.

"As you know, Laura, Jim and I went to Sacramento for a meeting with Brian Kelly, the Secretary of Transportation to get funding for urgent safety projects on PCH," La Monte said. " ... They are finally taking our issues seriously and we will continually remind them of the urgency of our situation."

He proposed going in partnership with Caltrans to the California Coastal Commission to prevent parking on the "most dangerous parts of the PCH, like Paradise Cove."

He also pledged to:

• Team up with other cities that are trying to pass legislation to control the ”clustering” of residential rehab facilities that impact neighborhoods;
• Support the Council’s Ad Hoc committee on finding ways to ;
• Work on the possibility of forming a ; and
• Continue to work for a managed opening of the Malibu Lagoon.