Photo courtesy of Malibu Times

Dozens of Dolphins turned out at the Malibu West Beach Club to honor their newest peers as they joined the ranks of The Malibu Times Citizens of the Year, recognized for their community service to Malibu and beyond at the annual Dolphin Awards.

Coordinating this year’s Dolphin Awards was executive director of the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue Mary Higgins and The Malibu Times publishers Arnold and Karen York emceed. Attendees mingled in style at the gala luncheon, enjoying tantalizing tastes from Tarte Catering and Chocolate Box Café and live musical performances from the Steve McPeters Sextet. Maliballoons and flowers courtesy of Sea Lily and the Trancas Canyon Nursery adorned the Malibu West Beach Club and contributed to the beach chic vibe.

This year’s honorees included St. Aidan’s School Director Kathy Cook, ocean safety instructor Kurt Lampso , special needs teacher Lisa Szilagyi, Veterans Day organizer Ani Dermenjian, Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner  equestrian instructor Georgia King, community activists Bob and Jackie Sutton and exiting City Councilmembers Pamela Conley Ulich. Presented with the Young Dolphin Award was piano virtuoso Benjamin Krasner, who also performed a rousing renditions of Mendelssohn’s “Rondo Cappricioso” for those in attendance.

Additional attendees included Mayor Laura Rosenthal, Cantor Marcelo Gindlin and Kathy Gabbard.

The Dolphin Awards were originally inspired by Harvey Baskin, the founder of Geoffrey’s restaurant, after the devastating 1993 fires during which residents helped each other throughout the crisis. The Yorks have continued the tradition each year, which has grown to include almost 200 Dolphins citizens.

Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times

Screenwriter and director Stephen Sommers’ has listed his Malibu Mansion for sale at $13.5 million. Nestled in Serra Retreat, a deluxe
gated community, the house is smothered in extravagance. Sommers’ estate boasts 1.5 acres of land, a five care garage, an in-house theatre, an extravagant sports court, and many more pampering amenities.

Sommers originally bought the house from Britney Spears in 2007 but has been considering selling since last summer.

Sommers is best known for his work on “G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra” (2009), “Van Helsing” (2004), and “The Mummy” (1999).

The house listing is under Jordan Cohen of Remax Olson & Associates inc.

Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times

This year’s Oscars was full of laughs, glam, and something relatively new— environmental awareness. Red Carpet Green Dress, a program founded by Suzy Amis Cameron, husband of “Avatar” director James Cameron, unleashed this year’s red carpet, eco friendly dress winner with style. Fashion elegance is not typically synonymous with the green movement, but on Hollywood’s biggest stage, acclaimed actress Missi Pyle strutted a blue dress made of organic silk, recycled polyester and hand-dyed natural minerals.

Cameron, along with founding Red Carpet Green Dress, founded the Muse School in Malibu, a non-profit committed to inspiring and preparing children for social responsibility. Each designer that submits to Red Carpet Green Dress pays a fee of $65, which is donated to the school to fund the education and guidance of its students.

The Muse School in Malibu provides alternative education to children and parents seeking an emphasis on creativity, individuality and social awareness. Located on 22 acres of prestine land in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Muse School is the perfect place to ignite youth inspiration. But more than just beautiful scenery, this schools pledges to teach and embody sustainable living and environmental responsibility.

Starting in 2005 with just 11 students, Muse has grown into a phenomenon that is slowing changing how many parents view school. Suzy Amis Cameron, founder, is a known activist and benefactor of the environment and the enrichment of young lives.

Looking for last minute Valentine’s Day gift ideas? MTM has compiled another list of our holiday favorites to show your significant other how much you care.

Photo courtesy of J Girl

1. Intimate Encounters

Lalicious’ tropical blend of coconut, macadamia nut and almond oils combine to make the perfect sultry sent of Coconut Cream. Whether used for skin moisturizing or an intimate massage for two, it’s the gift you both can enjoy. $24, at jgirllingerie.com

Photo courtesy of Sea Lily Malibu

2. Forever in Flowers

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a vibrant floral arrangement from Sea Lily Malibu. Gift a European garden-styled bouquet or a stunning contemporary design that will take her breath away. Prices vary, at Malibu Gardens, 6444 Trancas Canyon Road; 310.457.8100

Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

3. Sleek and Stylish

Made in silicone-wrapped stainless steel, the Emporio Armani Sport Chronograph Watch boasts subtle sophistication at its finest. Crafted with rose gold accents and made water resistant to 3 ATM, you’ll add maximum luxury to his everyday attire. $395, at saksfifthavenue.com

Photo courtesy of Malibu Family Wines

4. Wine and Dine

The watermelon hued 2009 Rose yields scents of cherry and strawberry which lead into a clean blend of apple, melon and nectarine flavors to get your taste buds tingling. Coupled with fine eats at a romantic dinner or for casual sipping while enjoying an intimate evening alone, 2010 Semler Rose is the perfect wine to celebrate your love. $20, at malibufamilywines.com

Photo courtesy of Open Table

5. Extraordinary Eats

Regularly serving up tasty dishes like classic steaks paired with designer cocktails, Charlie’s is featuring a Valentine’s Day fixed dinner menu for you to dazzle your date while enjoying some of the finest food in Malibu. Starting off with a mouthwatering choice of Oysters, Shrimp cocktail or Smoked salmon bilini and ending with your choice of two Chocolate ganache heart cakes or Raspberry cream dome cake, you’ll be sure to leave satisfied. $95 per person, at Charlie’s, 22821 Pacific Coast Hwy., 310.456.3231

Photo courtesy of popsugar.com

Hollywood heartthrob Matthew McConaughey popped the question over a month ago, but it wasn’t until Camila Alves’ striking presence during the QVC Fashion Week that she showed the goods. Alves was the talk of the town as she showed off her stunning red dress and three stone, rose cut diamond ring.

Malibu locals Camila and Matthew, who have been together for five years, say they are enjoying the fiancé life, but haven’t quite started planning the wedding just yet.

“I am really enjoying being engaged right now … no wedding plans as of yet,” she told People Magazine reporters.

Camila has been busy working on her handbag line and is spending time away from her husband-to-be at this years Fashion Week. She is presenting her newest collection during her stay in New York, and later touring around the United States with her mother. She honored Matthew by acknowledging how supportive and helpful he is with her fashion career.

She also applauded his sense of style. Not only did the Brazilian beauty rave about her stunning sparkler, but how Matthew has a great eye for bag styles and colors.

“Matthew has great taste,” she said. “He always has great opinions on what works and what doesn’t,” as she told People Magazine

Camila and Matthew are one of Hollywood’s hottest couples. Be on the look out for when they officially announce the big day.

Photo Courtesy of lacounty.gov

The Malibu Surfing Association (MSA) has set the date for this years beach clean up. On February 18th, the MSA, who works with the California Coastal Commission’s'Adopt-A-Beach’ program, will look to wipe Surfrider beach clean of all trash and debris.

Some locals win, others lose, but the biggest movie prize of all is yet to come.

Photo Courtesy of the Palm Springs Film Festival

There were plenty of upsets and surprises at 5:38 a.m. on Tues., Jan. 24 when the Oscar nominations were officially announced. Malibu’s Leonardo DiCaprio seemed to be a shoo-in for a Best Actor nomination after his acclaimed performance in “J. Edgar,” but was surprisingly left off the list. Still, there are lots of other Malibu locals to keep an eye on at the Kodak Theatre later this month.
Steven Spielberg, Nick Nolte and Gary Oldman have all been given Oscar nods. Spielberg’s “War Horse” could win by a nose for Best Picture, but it is in a tough race with the Golden Globe-winning silent film “The Artist,” “The Descendants,” “The Help,” “The Tree of Life,” Martin Scorsese’s whimsical “Hugo,” Woody’s Allen’s magical “Midnight in Paris,” the baseball hit “Moneyball” and the 9/11 tale “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” starring Malibu’s Tom Hanks.

Best Actor is another close contest. Gary Oldman received a nod for his turn in “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” which pits the local against Golden Globe- and SAG award-winner Jean Dujardin for “The Artist,” Brad Pitt for “Moneyball” and George Clooney for “The Descendants.”
Meryl Streep may be the favorite for her Globe-winning role as legendary British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” but Michelle Williams’ portrayal of Marilyn Monroe and Rooney Mara as “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” are also serious contenders in a category that includes Glenn Close in “Albert Nobbs” and SAG award-winner Viola Davis in “The Help.”

Longtime resident Nick Nolte is up for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the sports drama the “Warrior.” He is going toe to toe against film vet Max von Sydow, who appears in “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” Sunday’s SAG winner Christopher Plummer in “Beginners,” Kenneth Branagh for “My Week with Marilyn” and Jonah Hill in “Moneyball.”

The award season is just getting underway, so expect to see those shiny Gemstar limos lined up along Pacific Coast Highway for weeks to come. But for the biggest, starriest, flashiest night of nights, tune in for the Super Bowl of cinema, the 84th Annual Academy Awards on Sun., Feb. 26.

Pictured from left: Janet Graham, Laura Tate, Loraine Shields and Sarah Fazeli at a Writers on Fire Workshop in Topanga Canyon.

Not interested in this year’s Super Bowl Sunday? Then stop by the Juicy Heart Reading at Café Mimosa in Topanga Canyon and help celebrate four-plus months of the Writing the Publishable Novel or Memoir workshops through Writers on Fire.

New and published writers will read five-minute pieces featuring the trials and rewards of relationships and love, as well as other tantalizing subjects (see below for writers bios and reading titles).

Wine will be offered, and a special guest musician will perform prior to the readings.

Writers on Fire, founded by widely published author Rachel Resnick, offers writing retreats in Los Angeles and around the world. More information can be found at www.writersonfire.com

Where: Cafe Mimosa, 395 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290

When: Feb 5th. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reading begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.

Café Mimosa in Topanga Canyon

Ann Carli

Ann Carli

Ann Carli is an independent media producer and music consultant by day, and unmasked, capeless writer by night. Currently working on a novel, she owes her current fire and courage to Writers on Fire.

Ann’s story, Hugo the Magnificent, was published in Gentle Strength Quarterly.

Andrea Custer

Andrea Custer

Andrea Custer is an emerging writer currently participating in her first Writers On Fire workshop. She is a devoted reader, occasional historian and full time mom. She is currently working on her first novel.

Custer will read, “Bite and Scratch.”

Sarah Fazeli

Sarah Fazeli

Sarah Fazeli is a graduate of a self-designed interdisciplinary MFA program at California Institute of the Arts. An actress and published author, she writes a column “Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered: Thoughts on Life in Los Angeles” for www.fierceandnerdy.com.

Sarah will read from her memoir-in-progress, “Asleep and Awake in Fantasyland: My Failed Attempt At A Disneyfied Life.”

Janet Graham

Janet Graham

Janet Graham is a writer and psychotherapist, currently practicing in Santa Monica, California. She is presently writing her memoir, centering on love, devotion and loss, while living with her partner of thirty-three years in the mountains of Malibu.

Graham will read, “Dinner Hour.”

Justine Musk

Justine Musk

Musk is the author of two dark-fantasy novels with an imprint at Penguin (BLOODANGEL and LORD OF BONES) and a YA supernatural thriller with an imprint at Simon & Schuster (UNINVITED). She blogs and is working on the novel, “The Decadents.”

Caron Perkal

Caron Perkal is a freelance art director, born and raised in Los Angeles. A short story writer and poet, her poems appear in the anthology “Twelve Los Angeles Poets.” She has done readings throughout the city.

She will read, “Cinnamon Disc.”

Rachel Resnick

Rachel Resnick

Rachel Resnick is the bestselling author of “Love Junkie: A Memoir” and the novel “Go West Young F*cked-Up Chick.” She is the founder and CEO of Writers On Fire, and lives in Topanga Canyon.

Rachel will read an excerpt from the essay published in Slake, “Natural-Born Butcher,” which was nominated for a James Beard Award, the M.F.K. Distinguished Writing Award 2011.

Loraine Shields

Loraine Shields

Loraine Shields is a graduate of Reed College, and recipient of the Kirkwood Award. Her stories, “The Good Life,” and “Borderline” are published online. Loraine also teaches drama, memoir, and directs and acts in film, television and stage.

Lorraine will read her piece on lost friendship: The Last Station.

Laura Tate

Laura Tate

Laura Tate has served as editor of The Malibu Times newspaper, and Malibu Times Magazine. She is the founder of CrackerjackScribe.com, an online content and social media marketing business, as well as DeliciousVoyages.com, a travel and dining publication.

Laura will read, “My Twenty-Year-Younger Lover.”

Also reading are Susan Landau and Lisa Firestone

Photo courtesy of ew.com

The marriage between movie giants DreamWorks and Reliance is hoping to pay off at this years 84th Academy Awards.

With movies like War Horse, which is up for six nominations,  The Help, Puss In Boots, and others, Spielberg and Indian partner Ambani are looking to take home hardware.

Forged in 2008, Reliance Big Entertainment entered into        a $1.5 billion partnership with DreamWorks. Forces were joined, a studio in Hollywood was built, and work quickly began. With new funding, Spielberg and colleague Stacy Snider have pumped financial steroids into their recent films, and the pay off is palpable.

But even with eleven nominations, it is unsure that their films will strike gold. Critics are doubtful the results will as pleasant as years past.

Top dogs like Hugo and The Descendants stand in the way for best picture, while Rango and Kung Fu Panda 2 are set to fight for best animated feature film.

But regardless of the outcome, Reliance DreamWorks will be looking forward to their next crop of star studded films. It is clear this is just the beginning of their success.

The Oscars are scheduled for Sunday, February 26th.

Photo courtesy of missmalibu.com

Miss Malibu Brie Gabriele was named first runner up at the Miss California USA 2012 pageant on January 8th. But it was Natalie Pack, Miss Hoag Hospital, who earned the top spot.

Nearly 300 Californians from Shasta County to San Diego Bay competed in the competition. Gabrielle was named Miss Malibu this fall.

The Miss USA pageant will be held this summer.