VIDEO: MHS Turns on the Lights

On a blustery evening, the Malibu High School community celebrated the turning on of 70-foot tall lights at its athletic field for the first time in years.

The ceremony -- which featured MHS parents, education activists as well as Malibu City Council and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board of education members -- kicked off Friday’s homecoming game against the Fillmore Flashes.

Starting off the event was a parade of student athletes, coaches, Malibu officials, and donors to the “Bring on the Lights” campaign, which funded the lights.

Malibu Councilwoman Laura Zahn Rosenthal praised the community for coming together.

“I just want to say this is a great example of our city and our school district working together with all of you in the community,” Rosenthal said.

MHS Principal Jerry Block also praised the turning on of the lights.

“Now on our 20th anniversary as a high school, we take part in this American institution and come together to support our kids,” Block said. 

MHS parent Pete Anthony, who is also a member of the steering committee for the “Bring on the Lights” also thanked the community for its hard work and generosity.

SMMUSD Board of Education member Ben Allen acknowledged that the homecoming game under night lights came down to the wire.

“I’m excited about this partnership and I’m excited about this field. Every time I come here, this is the most beautiful high school athletics field in the country. I’m excited about this 6-2 football team … and go Sharks!” Allen said.

Under a temporary restraining order stemming from a lawsuit seeking to block the lights, the 70-foot lights can be installed and turned on for football games, but not any other sports at this time.

The lights will be allowed for games until Nov. 8, when Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge James Chalfant will hold the first hearing in the case.