Date: 29th September 2001

Malibu Turns Into Rehab City


Malibu residents are up in arms about the drug rehab centre PROMISES that has turned their town from a top area into a drop out centre. Stars such as MATTHEW PERRY, BEN AFFLECK and ROBERT DOWNEY JnR made Promises their home while battling addiction problems, and are often spotted in local shopping centres, enjoying a break from the residential rehab programs.

But residents of Malibu - once known for its multimillion dollar estates and golden sands - are fed up with the new reputation as Rehab City. One former resident says, "It used to be known as an enclave for the rich and famous. You lived there for the beach and the privacy. It was heaven. Now you go there to get off booze or drugs. It's really awful to see what's happened. "

Even local officials have lost track of the number of rehab centres operating in the town, but say it could be as high as 18. Mayor JOANN HOUSE adds, "We have become inundated with them. We have these wonderful residential neighbourhoods and about every 500 feet you'll find a new clinic. "

City council member KEN KEARSLEY says, "These people are sick and they need help, but there are now too many clinics like this in Malibu. There's nothing we can do about it. " (SVD/TG/NFA)

Source: WENN