Plans for MHS Lights Under Revision

Plans for 70-foot lights at the athletic field at will have to get one more approval before construction can begin.

"It’s not a standard application," said Pete Anthony, Steering Committee Chair for the Shark Fund.

Anthony said the plans, which are being revised to reflect new requirements set by the Malibu City Council, will need to get approval from the California Division of the State Architect. The agency provides oversight for K–12 schools, community colleges and other state-owned and leased facilities.

Last week, the Malibu City Council approved a coastal development permit and a temporary use permit for the construction of the lights, which will only be allowed during certain times. The 12-foot cross bars on the lights will be required to come down by June 1 through August 31. The light poles will remain up.

The additional step of taking down the cross bars on the lights will add some extra cost to the project, according to Anthony.

"We’ve raised over $400,000 and we are hoping the total project is not much higher," said Anthony, whose two sons play football and baseball at MHS.

He said there will likely be some delay because of the extra approval needed.

"My hope is that we can make up the time in some other way," Anthony said.

Neighbors of the project in Malibu Park have said they oppose the project for a number of reasons, including the impact on views of the ocean. Others voiced concern about the potential effect on wildlife and the night skies.