Don Schmitz - Owner

Don Schmitz, AICP, is President and Principal Planner of Schmitz & Associates, Inc., a land use consulting firm specializing in land development entitlements, strategic planning, project management, and government affairs and advocacy. With over 28 years of planning experience, Mr. Schmitz is recognized as one of the State’s preeminent experts in coastal land use planning.

Long committed to public service, Mr. Schmitz is the founder and president of the Coalition for Fire Safe Communities (CFSC) and the Fifth Amendment Rights Alliance (FARA), was an appointed member and chairman of the City of Malibu Trails Committee, and was the chairman of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce. He is also a founding member of the Recreation and Equestrian Coalition (REC), and a long-term member of the American Planning Association and the California Farm Bureau.

Mr. Schmitz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of California Santa Barbara, a Master’s degree in Geography with an emphasis in land use planning from the California State University Long Beach, and has taught college courses in these fields as an adjunct professor. He is an accomplished public speaker, and is often invited to make presentations on planning and land use issues in various public forums.

In addition, Mr. Schmitz owns Malibu Solstice Vineyard which produces award winning private reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Wine. The vineyard was planted in 1990’s and is located in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking Malibu and the Pacific Ocean.

Liana Wong - Booking Manager

Our lovely and talented Miss Liana handles all bookings from start to finish. She is happy to answer any questions you may have.

She graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with her Bachelor of Science in Experience Industry Management with a concentration in Events Coordination.

Barry Demeter - Estate Manager

Barry Demeter has been Malibu Solstice’s onsite manager for 4 years and has extensive knowledge of the property. He will be available while you are enjoying our estate.