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.

Curtis Paulsen - Event Coordinator

With 20 years of hospitality experience spanning Malibu hotels, San Diego fine dining, and Las Vegas nightlife, Curtis brings a diverse and refined understanding of exceptional service and guest experiences. His expertise includes weddings, retreats, brand activations, private events, and luxury hospitality, overseeing each booking from initial inquiry through completion. Curtis is dedicated to making every experience seamless, personalized, and thoughtfully executed, with every detail handled with professionalism and care.

From the initial inquiry through the final details, Curtis personally oversees each booking to ensure a seamless and elevated experience. He is always happy to assist with questions and provide personalized guidance throughout the process.

Barry Demeter - Estate Manager

For the past six years, Barry Demeter has been a trusted and familiar presence at Malibu Solstice as our dedicated onsite Property Manager. With an extensive knowledge of the estate, Barry helps ensure every guest and event has a seamless and welcoming experience.

Barry oversees check-ins and check-outs, assists overnight guests throughout their stay, conducts property tours, and manages onsite vendor logistics for weddings and special events.

He also plays an important role in caring for the Malibu Solstice Vineyard, helping nurture the vines and contribute to the production of our award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. Barry’s hands-on approach, warm personality, and deep connection to the property make him an integral part of the Malibu Solstice experience.