“Malibu -- it's a state of mind.” Once you’ve traveled the twenty miles northwest of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) you’ll find Malibu is not so much a place as it is a peaceful vibe, one often not found in other places.  Malibu is not, however, so entirely different from other ocean side communities; you’ll find the usual fast-food stands, small shopping

centers, and surf shops, with, of course, the occasional fancy restaurant. The beautiful Malibu Pier offers fishing and food, and most nonresidents come to Malibu for the beaches, which are some of the more upper class and clean (both sand and water) in the Los Angeles area. Zuma Beach is the most visited, nearby Point Dume is a bit less crowded, and Leo Carrillo, a 1,600-acre beach situated further northwest, features three campgrounds. Surfrider Beach is still popular with surfers, as it was in the 1950’s and 60’s, and even Pepperdine University has an ocean view in Malibu. As for residents, Malibu is the home, or second home, to the rich and ever so famous who enjoy its scenery and privacy. Particularly popular with celebrities is the Malibu Beach Colony, a gated community located directly on the sand.

Aside from the famous residents, Malibu has its fair share of successful professionals, both professional and non-professional surfers, and simply those who love the beach. As can be imagined, rents and housing prices in Malibu are relatively expensive, especially the beach front properties (decreasing as you move inland, into the canyons). While the area is mostly owner-occupied, a few apartments, condominiums, guesthouses, and town-homes are often for rent, although they take a bit of searching to find. Boundaries start at Mullholland High way to the North; to Tuna Canyon Road, Saddle Creek Road at the East; Santa Monica Bay to the South; and Mullholland Highway to the West. The public school education system is the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District: 1651 16th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405, 310-450-8338, www.smmusd.org

Community resources and information include: Pepperdine University, 24255 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 310-456-4000, www.pepperdine.edu; Malibu Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, 310-317-1364; Malibu Equestrian Center, 6225 Merritt Drive, 310-317-1364; Charmlee Nature Preserve, 2577 South Encinal Canyon Road, 310-457-7247; Malibu Parks and Recreation Department, 310-317-1364, www.ci.malibu.ca.us; Malibu Urgent Center, 23656 Pacific Coast Highway, 310- 456-7551; Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, 1250 16th Street, Santa Monica, 310-319-4000, www.healthcare.ucla.edu; Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, 27050 Agoura Road, Agoura, 818-878-1808.