“We miss you Cingular!”

By: Gracee Arthur

A funny thing happened in Malibu this weekend which helps prove the government’s anti-trust case against the proposed AT&T “merger” with T-Mobile. Sometime on Saturday September 24th, 2011 AT&T towers were down in much of Western Los Angeles including Malibu. When I noticed my phone searching for a network for an inordinate amount of time I phoned AT&T only to hear the bad news in a recorded message. The outage was extensive and lengthy which was unfortunate for anyone in the effected area who may have had an emergency situation. Here in Malibu we are used to the poor service offered by AT&T so we just sucked it up as our fate.

The outage reminded me of when AT&T was allowed to buy Cingular (essentially what a merger is) to “improve” their service in various areas and widen their coverage area. AT&T had poor reception in Malibu (and many other areas) while Cingular was terrific here. The merger happened and for a very brief time our coverage was a bit better, until the rest of the deal was implemented by the FCC. The merger required AT&T to sell towers in various areas, including Malibu. Suddenly we had dead spots everywhere; near Geoffrey’s, Carbon Beach, Heathercliff Rd. and other former “hot spots” along the PCH! So while this merger eliminated a competitor of AT&T, it did nothing too benefit the consumer but rather raised prices and reduced service. Any AT&T “merger” with competitor T-Mobile threatens to harm the consumer further with higher prices and poorer service. This problem exists with cell service nationwide from Malibu to Manhattan and the government’s implementation of the anti-trust law is way over due.

I would suggest consumers make their feelings on this merger known to their elected representatives and to their cell phone carriers. A monopoly in any business or industry never benefits the consumer, which is why anti-trust laws exist in this country.
The previous President and his administration refused to implement these laws so it is a positive sign this administration is taking action. However, we must keep the pressure on the government not to cave in to AT&T’s lobbyists! Competition helps keep consumer prices down, as well as improves customer service. I also believe AT&T should provide credit to all customers impacted by the lengthy outage and any others which occur in the future.

What do you think?

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts

“The play’s the thing…”

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu is bursting with a cornucopia of entertainment this fall. Malibu Stage Company begins its season with a well reviewed (www.malibutimes.com) presentation of a rarely seen play by Arthur Miller. My friend Mary Lou invited me to a production at the theater last year and I have been a fan ever since. I just bought my season ticket ( a bargain at $90) and am looking forward to seeing some terrific productions of “Victor-Victoria”, “Kimberly Akimbo,” “The Oldest Living Graduate” and the current production “The Ride Down Mt. Morgan.”  I highly recommend locals and visitors check out this great Malibu venue for an evening of quality entertainment. Call for tickets (310)589-1998. www.malibustagecompany.org

All of Malibu will be a stage this coming week with the festivities preceding the fourth annual Malibu Music Awards on September 24th. As part of the festival local restaurants will be featuring performances by local musicians, new talent and celebrity guest performers. The week culminates on the 24th at 7:30 PM with the Awards show at the Malibu Country Mart.  Singer, actress Lainie Kazan will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Frank Stallone will receive the Songbook Award. Tickets to the event are $25 or $45 for VIP tickets.  A schedule of performances at participating local restaurants is posted on the web site www.malibumusicawards.com,where you may also purchase tickets.

Coming next month is the return of the Malibu Film Festival which is celebrating its 12th year! Founder David Katz is promising a stellar event which opens on October 6th, culminating with awards and closing party at the Malibu Lumber Yard on October 8th. The opening night films, which will be screened at the Malibu Cinema, are presented by Keeley and Pierce Brosnan along with Kym Gold. The screenings will be followed by an opening party at the Malibu Lumber Yard. For tickets, schedules and more details go to www.malibufilmfestival.org

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts

By: Gracee Arthur

Celebrity stylist Taylor Jacobson worked with stylist Rachael Zoe and was seen on Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project.” Among the celebrities she has worked for are Anne Hathaway, Deborah Messing and Cameron Diaz. The fashion show, which begins at 7:30 PM, will feature Taylor’s best picks for fall, showcasing merchandise from local retailers. There will be a question and answer session with Taylor after the show, featuring questions on style and fashion do’s and don’ts. Some of the merchants participating are offering discounts and give aways:

• 90265-eyes will raffle off 5 pairs of sunglasses,
• Anouk will serve champagne and offer discounts of up to 75%
• Beauty Collection will discount $10 off a $30 purchase and give away a $300 gift basket
• Earnest Sewn will give a 25% discount off each purchase and give away a $500 gift card
• M. Fredric will discount by 10% and give away a $100 gift card
• Much more!

So for a fun night of fashion, food, music and prizes, stop by the Malibu Country Mart on Thursday and join the party! The event is co-sponsored by Malibu Magazine. For more information go to www.malibucountrymart.com or www.facebook.com/malibucountrymart or www.twitter.com/malibucntrymart.

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts

Setting up for the Chili Cook-Off

Chili Cook-Off Celebrates its 30th year!

By: Gracee Arthur

The first time I attended the Chili-Cook Off was in 1984. I was lucky to have been recruited to work the bar in the VIP tent. This was a coveted position since you were not out in the sun all day, got free wine (even some unsolicited tips) and became a temporary best friend to many imbibing Malibu celebrities. I must admit, I far preferred the Cook-off in the old days, a great one day event with food, entertainment, a luxury car raffle, and a chance to mingle with your friends and make new ones. Granted, you came home covered in dirt from head to toe, but the fun was worth it.

I miss the old location (now Legacy Park) and the super packed one day event. Last year’s event at the new site on Webb Way and Civic Center was attended by 12,000 people. Malibu Kiwanis Club President, John Paola felt despite a few early glitches last year’s Cook-Off was a success. As to the new location Paola told the Malibu times,”It was more compact and more social.”

Nostalgia aside, the Chili Cook-Off is still a great way to celebrate Labor Day with family, friends and neighbors all for a good cause. The event is sponsored by the Malibu Kiwanis Club. More information and a full schedule can be obtained at www.malibukiwanischilicookoff.com and www.malibutimes.com.

Here are some of the highlight events for the two day Chili Cook-Off which begins Saturday September 3 and continues Sunday September 4 from 10:50 AM- 5:50 PM.

• Saturday Opening Ceremony @ 10:50 followed at 11AM by singer Debra Caroway of Ralph’s and “60 minutes” fame

• Performances throughout the day including, Nicole Worley and the Harbor Project Band, Flamenco Dance and Guitar, ‘Bu Note, and more

• Sunday @ 10:50 opening performances begin at 11:30 with Wunderkind followed by The Karma Dealer’s Band, Allan Boivin Band and the Schitzophonics, Nia Peeples sings with the John Lochran Band and more.

The event culminates at 5:50 with Dick Van Dyke drawing the winning
ticket for the car raffle!

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts