The Calabasas Coalition
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Calabasas 2023 Emergency Operations Plan - March 2023
Community Input Now Being Accepted for the Calabasas 2023 Emergency Operations Plan
The City of Calabasas is seeking input on the Calabasas 2023 Emergency Operations Plan. Public review of the draft plan is available now, and comments accepted only until Thursday March 16, 2023. You can review the 2-part plan here: Calabasas Emergency Operations Plan information page
Upcoming Community Meeting
There is a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 9th at 6pm. You can join via Zoom to provide feedback and get more information on the progress of this effort. Zoom link can be found at bottom of information page: Click here.
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Environmental Commission Public Forum - February 2023
Join Your Community in this informative in person event!
Missed the in person event? Click here to watch the event: Environmental Commission Public Forum - February 23, 2023
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Congratulations to the Newly Elected Councilmembers - December 2022
We congratulate Councilmember James R. Bozajian and Mayor Pro Tem David J. Shapiro on their successful re-election campaigns. We also send our congratulations to Edward Albrecht, the newest City Councilmember who won the seat vacated by outgoing Mayor Mary Sue Maurer.
This campaign included five candidates and we salute Monica Parmar and Brian Cameron, who ran excellent campaigns. The overall results were very close. View results here: LA County Vote Results
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City Council Race, Vote Verified - December 2022
Calabasas City Councilmembers James R. Bozajian and David J. Shapiro have been re-elected to their Council posts, and Edward Albrecht will join them after winning a seat vacated by Mary Sue Maurer. The Calabasas City Council will certify the results at its December 14th Special Reorganization meeting at 7:00pm in Calabasas City Hall, at which time all the election winners will be sworn-in for their 4-year terms.
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Your Vote Matters - November 2022
What to know for Election Day November 8, 2022 on our local voting centers and ballot drop box: Vote 2022
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The Calabasas Coalition City Council Endorsements - October 2022
This November there are three Calabasas City Council open seats and we proudly endorse:
- Public Safety Commissioner - Ed Albrecht - edalbrecht2022.com
- Councilmember - James Bozajian - jamesbozajian.com
- Mayor pro Tem - David Shapiro - shapiroforcalabasas.com
All three have a distinguished record of service to the City of Calabasas.
Remember to Vote on November 8th.
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All Residents Welcome - Greater Mulwood Candidate Forum - September 2022
City Council Candidate Forum hosted by the Greater Mulwood Homeowners Association. Candidates for City Council will answer your questions.
September 29, 2022 - 6:00pm to 7:15pm
Information and zoom link here: Greater Mulwood Homeowners Association. Please send questions by September 28, 2022 to: lucymartin216@gmail.com
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The Calabasas Coalition City Council Endorsements - September 2022
For the upcoming Calabasas City Council elections there are three open seats. The Calabasas Coalition endorses three candidates:
- Public Safety Commissioner - Ed Albrecht
- Councilmember - James Bozajian
- Mayor pro Tem - David Shapiro:
All three have a distinguished record of service to the City of Calabasas.
Remember to Vote on November 8th.
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Open to All City Council Candidates Forum - September 2022
Where to stream the forum: https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/communications/ctv-the-calabasas-channel
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Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center Seeking Roof Proposals - August 2022
The project to replace the roof of the Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center is in process. The City of Calabasas is now seeking proposals for qualified service professionals. Proposal information and details of the project are available here: AHCCC Roof Replacement RFP
This is an important step in moving the project forward to re-open the Community Center. We will post updates as they occur.
Below is the City's contact for additional information:
Erica Green - egreen@cityofcalabasas.com
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Planning Commission Meets on Traffic and Safety Elements in General Plan - July 2022
Updates to the Traffic/Circulation and Safety Elements in the General Plan will be discussed at this Thursday's Planning Commission Meeting. Traffic and safety/disaster preparedness are issues that directly affect all of us.
This meeting provides an opportunity for the community to see what is being proposed since the Woolsey Fire to safeguard us regarding evacuation routes, wildfire preparedness and more. The meeting will be on Zoom. Below is the login information:
Click here for Meeting Agenda and Zoom Link
Thursday, June 21st - 6:00pm
Passcode: 212687
Webinar ID: 850 2262 8903
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Our Endorsement of Senator Henry Stern for the LA County Board of Supervisors - April 2022
We believe Senator Stern is the best candidate for the LA County Board of Supervisors. He is a champion of the environment and understands how to balance solutions to problems while protecting our precious natural resources. His common-sense approach to issues facing LA County is refreshing just what we need right now.
Visit Senator Stern's website and review his experience, his position on the issues and the impressive list of endorsements he has accumulated: Stern for Supervisor - Los Angeles
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Recently Concluded - Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Strategic Planning Survey - March 2022
Thank you to all community members who took the time to fill out the City's Strategic Planning Survey. We will post any updates or new information on its outcome when it becomes available
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Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Strategic Planning Survey - March 2022
The City's survey on the 2022-23 Strategic Priorities Work Plan and associated projects is open for public input. This is an opportunity for our community to share what they feel is important for the City, and where to focus to help improve services in Calabasas.
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City of Calabasas 2022-23 Strategic Priorities Work Plan Actions - February 2022
In January the City Council began the process of establishing long-term priorities for the City. For each priority there will subsequently be projects with specific and measurable goals. This is an opportunity for the City Council and staff to work with community stakeholders to define the current and future needs of Calabasas.
These six priorities were chosen. They are - - in no particular order - (1) Environmental Leadership (2) Fiscal Resiliency (3) Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (4) Recreation, Youth, and Senior Services (5) Organizational Excellence and (6) Development and Infrastructure.
At City Council meetings following release of work plan actions, the City Council created a priority list of 30 individual actions. Next steps to refine the list further, include public input via an online survey.
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Redistricting Update - December 2021
All redistricting has been completed. Final maps from all areas can be found at these websites:
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LA County Redistricting Update - December 2021
LA County Redistricting Map was adopted. Our community was kept together with our surrounding cities creating an acceptable district. View the map and related information here: LA County District Maps
The state and congressional redistricting process is still ongoing. Communities like Calabasas and our surrounding communities have similar needs and interests and are best served together by single representation. Review the details and express your opinions here: We Draw the Lines.
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Why Redistricting Matters for our Community - November 2021
Redistricting is currently in process and it determines our representation at the state and national level.
We believe that Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and Malibu should be kept together when boundaries are drawn. Our common interests are served by the same LA County Sheriff’s station and Fire Department. We are all located at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and we all live with the threat of wildfire.
We urge the community to get informed and send a letter to the decision makers today. These points should be brought to the attention of those making decisions as this process is only modified every ten years. The links below provide up to date information and show you where you can write to share your opinions on what's right for our communities:
City of Calabasas Redistricting information
County Redistricting Commission
State Redistricting Commission
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Redistricting - Discussions in Progress - What You Should Know - October 2021
Every ten years, elected representatives in local, state and federal office have their boundary lines redrawn to reflect shifts in population. This process is known as redistricting. Sometimes, political boundaries are left almost untouched and in other redistricting years they can change dramatically.
The Calabasas City Council has been very proactive in making sure that the five cities that make up the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (Calabasas, Malibu, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills and Westlake Village) remain together in the same legislative districts. These cities share common interests and when combined, equal roughly 100,000 residents. Furthermore, the COG cities are all served by the same County Sheriff's station, the same fire department, and each is located at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The five COG cities routinely work together to deal with the threat of wildfire and most of these cities are in designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
The five COG cities ARE represented by the same State Senator and the same County Supervisor and we strongly urge the Redistricting Commission to follow this concept and put all five cities in the same Assembly and Congressional Districts as well.
As a resident in this area, it is time for you to speak up and get involved in the process. The Los Angeles County Citizens Redistricting Commission (LACCRC) and the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) are always looking for public input to help draw political boundaries and so often hear only from the largest and most powerful interests.
There are many ways for you to weigh in - online or in person. Review the options when you visit these sites:
LA County Redistricting
We Draw the Lines
One distinct area should be represented by one distinct voice - whether that voice is in the halls of Congress, in Sacramento or downtown LA.
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Workshop: Discussion of California State Senate Bills SB 9 & SB 10 - October 2021
The City is holding a workshop for the community to learn more and ask questions. We encourage our community to get informed of these new laws, details below:
Thursday, October 7, 2021 - 6:00pm
Planning Commission Meeting: Click here for Zoom Login
To review full agenda and documents: Planning Commission Agenda
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SB 9 & 10 Signed by Governor, Becomes Law on January 1, 2022 - September 2021
A brief review of the bills:
SB 9 - requires the city to approve single-family lots to be sub-divided into two lots and then permits two residential units to be built on each lot. This potentially quadruples the density on each lot now zoned single-family.
SB 10 - allows for up-zoning of lots for multi-family housing if it is a ‘transit-rich area”. This is a concern for properties along major thoroughfares like Las Virgenes Road or Calabasas Road.
In addition, the City Attorney has prepared a memorandum with further information regarding SB 9 and SB 10. Review the City Memorandum here: Public Memo re Proposed Housing Legislation: SB 9, SB 10
Proposed State Legislation Threatens Our Neighborhoods - July 2021
There are two California state proposed bills coming up for a vote in the California Assembly in the next month that will re-write land use rules and drastically change what our neighborhoods will look like. Learn more below:
SB 9 – This bill would eliminate single-family zoning in our local cities. Owners of lots zoned for single-family use could split their lots in two and then build two units on each lot. Imagine 4 residential units crammed on the lot right next door to you!
SB 10 – This bill would allow cities, among other things, to zone any parcel of land for up to 10 units of housing if the surrounding area is mostly built out with other types of development.
With these proposed bills the State would allow development that supersedes local ordinances and eliminate local control. These bills, among the many concerns, permit increased density in residential neighborhoods, zoned as single family. This affects quality of life for so many and there is not even a requirement to contribute to affordable housing. Developers support these bills because they increase their bottom line and give them free reign to build without regard to how neighborhoods will be affected. These are the points we are focusing on and encourage you to bring to the attention of your elect representatives:
• Increased neighborhood congestion:
- Changing single-family residential neighborhoods to multi-family with no oversight
- Adding more traffic to already overcrowded streets and highways
- Increasing units per lot, regardless of local zoning
- Includes no requirement for additional parking space for increased housing
- HOA's are not protected in SB9, they are in SB10, but amendments can be applied.
• Increase demand for resources:
- Increase in students in our schools. Has our school districts been engaged to determine if more students can be accommodated?
- Increase in water usage. Has the on-going drought been considered?
- We live in a Very High Fire Severity Zone and evacuation routes are already limited. How has fire safety been addressed?
Legislation with a one-size fits all plan does not work for all cities.
Your voice matters!
Jesse Gabriel - Assemblymember District 45
Calabasas, West San Fernando Valley
818-346-4521
Online Contact Link
Richard Bloom - Assemblymember District 50
Agoura, Malibu, Santa Monica
310-450-0041
Contact information
Jacqui Irwin - Assemblymember District 44
Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks
805-482-1904
Online Contact Link
Henry Stern – State Senator District 27
Calabasas, Agoura, Malibu, Westlake Village, West San Fernando Valley
818-876-3352
Contact Information
Ben Allen – State Senator District 26
Santa Monica, beach cities
310-318-6994
Online Contact Link
Please know this is not just an issue that concerns residents. These local organizations also oppose these bills.
League of California Cities
California Contract Cities Association
Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments
City of Calabasas
There are others throughout the state who oppose as well.
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West Village Update - June 2021
The New Home Company has filed a lawsuit against the City of Calabasas. This is unfortunate but not unexpected.
Our understanding is the next step is the City will respond to the lawsuit. We will add updates as they are available.
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West Village Proposal Denied - May 2021
At the May 17th Public Hearing on the West Village proposal, all five City Councilmembers voted NOT to approve the proposal. Thank you to our community for your efforts and courage to speak up about your concerns. Getting involved makes a difference.
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Planning Commission - Update on Story Pole Policy - March 2021
Thank you to everyone who took the time to write about the proposed changes to the Story Pole Procedures. Mention was made more than once that many letters and emails were received. Your voice was heard!
After listening to a staff presentation and having a robust discussion the Commissioners voted 4-1 to pass their recommendations along to the City Council. The main points are as follows:
(1) Orange netting will now be used to show rooflines and the mass of a proposed project. If orange netting is not practical, then orange flags or ribbons will be used. Thank you, Commissioner Harrison, for suggesting this be part of the process.
(2) There will be signage at all sites depicting what is being proposed.
(3) The decision-making will continue to be shared by the Community Development Director and the Planning Commission as before.
(4) The clause about considering excessive financial expense of putting up story poles as a reason to get a waiver remains. Commissioner Lia strongly objected, but the clause remains in the policy.
The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the amended Story Pole Procedures. Public comments and correspondence will become part of the record. Date yet to be announced.
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City Hall Proposed Parking Lot Community Development Forum - September 2020
On September 14th the owners of the parking lot by City Hall held a community forum to get input from residents regarding early-stage plans to build apartments and retail on the site. No application for this development has been filed with the City at this point.
The overwhelming concern of those who spoke revolved around increased traffic on a two-lane street and loss of parking spaces for City Hall, Library and Senior Center patrons. The developer said he would take all the comments into consideration as they move forward. We will keep you informed if and/or when this proposal reaches the next stage in the process.
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Salsa and Beer Mexican Restaurant Approved for the Former Coco's Location - May 2020
We are pleased to inform you that the Calabasas Planning Commission unanimously approved a Conditional Use Permit for the Salsa and Beer Mexican Restaurant at the former Coco’s location on Las Virgenes Road.
The site has been vacant for several years and had been considered for a preschool. The Calabasas Coalition strongly opposed this use because it borders the 101 freeway. It included an outdoor playground, located adjacent to the 101 freeway southbound on-ramp, where young children would be exposed to toxic exhaust from the vehicles. In 2018, the City Council issued a rare “Call for a Review” which resulted in the City Council voting against the project. The only City Council member voting for the preschool at the location was Councilmember Fred Gaines. He spoke extensively about why the City Council should approve this project. His arguments failed.
We are very pleased that a suitable business for the location has come to our community and we look forward to the opening of this new restaurant. It will bring needed revenue to the City and be an excellent addition to the Las Virgenes Corridor.
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Avalon Affordable Housing Subsidy extended to 9/30/20 - April 2020
The Los Angeles County Development Authority, through its Emergency Preservation and Tenant Assistance Program, has extended payments for the 80 families in the affordable housing units at the Avalon Calabasas apartments.
In addition, the County can also provide one-time moving assistance payments of $1,200 for those 80 families who choose to move out between March 2020 and June 2021. This provides some time to investigate sources of funding for a more permanent solution to the affordable housing needs of Calabasas.
It’s a step in the right direction. Many thanks to all, including the Calabasas City Council and the LA County Board of Supervisors, for their efforts.
The Calabasas Coalition and No on N Protect Calabasas support those efforts.
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Measure N Fails - March 2020
Our Community made it clear that Measure N was wrong for Calabasas. Thank you to all who voted and volunteered to help our effort prevail. Final Results obtained from LA Vote:
Calabasas Measure N
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The Calabasas Coalition works to inform our community on development and redevelopment projects that will have significant impact on our community. We highlight concerns and provide information on how to express individual views within the City's review and approval process.
The voice of our community is significant! Follow the important issues here and feel free to contact us for more information.
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Our Efforts
Bringing awareness to the preservation of our hillsides and undeveloped open space is the key factor behind many of the issues we champion for the Community.
Get Involved
The Calabasas Coalition is a 100% volunteer driven community organization. We are a group of individuals with the goal of keeping our community beautiful.
