Monks in Malibu?!

Well not monks, but the Franciscan version - Friars!Located only minutes from campus, above one of the most celebrity infested neigborhoods, is an old Franciscan Monastery. It has spectacular views of Malibu and the Canyons behind it.

If you need to get away for some reflection, peace and quiet, or simply to get some reading done. This is your place. Along with its amazing views, the grounds themselves are immaculate and absolutely beautiful. There is a prayer labrynth you can walk, a Way of the Cross path, and plenty of benches and places to sit.

If you come around prayer times you may just catch a friar roaming the grounds, yes, in complete traditional garb - robe and all!

If you REALLY need to get away, you can email the monastery and explain your goal, they will allow you to stay in the monastery in one of the bare rooms for you to pray and do whatever it is you wish to. Extended stays are not allowed, but a couple nights are cool.

Head out south on PCH (toward Santa Monica) just after you pass the Cross Creek shopping center and cross the bridge, you will see a Serra Retreat sign turn here. You will be met by a guard at the gate, let them know you are going up to the monastery. They will give you a pass that will last until the end of the year to keep on your dash. Ask directions up to the monastery. When you arrive be courteous and mantain a "spirit of quiet". Leave your phone in the car and get the most out of your experience!

Retreat is open to the public M-F, 8am-6pm.

Single? UM starts tonite!

Just kidding! (well, kinda...)...

UM aka University Ministries kicks off tonight at Webster Elementary located just off campus. UM is every Tuesday night at 7:30pm, there is worship by a student-led band, a message, and plenty of opportunities to get plugged in at the church and around the community.

Check out their website/blog at http://www.malibupres.org/ministries/um/main/index.html for more info!

Malibu Chili Cook Off & Carnival

The annual Labor Day cook off kicks off tonight for malibu locals (that's you!) and opens officially to the public tomorrow! Entrance is $10 (cash only).

Here's the rundown: there's about a dozen carnival rides, traditional carni games. and some local live music.

All in all it's a pretty small shin-dig but get a group together and you're guaranteed a good time and a couple B/C-list celebrity sightings (last year: Cindy Crawford, Brody Jenner, and Brooke Burke to name a few). You'll at least have a pretty good pre-activity to kick off your weekend nights!

If you're already homesick for that county fair you won't be able to get to this year, this is the closest thing Malibu has got to it, so don't miss it!

Located right on PCH at Cross Creek and Civic Center Way. (across from Ralph's - you can't miss it).

"The Hills" comes to Malibu!

"The Hills" girls are scheduled to film a segment for their "reality" show this Friday the 4th, starting at 2pm at the Malibu Kitchen.

Malibu Kitchen is an awesome deli/bakery next to starbucks in the Cross Creek shopping center with the best lunch in town! Go grab some food and watch the madness unfold! Here is your chance to get your face on MTV and make mom real proud.