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Agoura Hills has never been in better shape, the mayor says
"I know you all came to hear me speak and not Mr. Cooley," said Agoura Hills Mayor Ed Corridori after newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley swore in the new members of the Agoura/Las Virgenes Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Corridori, the keynote speaker, discussed the State of the City; Agoura Hills’ past, present and future. He expressed excitement for progress achieved. "Our city has never been in better shape than it is today," said Corridori. The mayor explained that Agoura Hills began as a community that had been neglected before cityhood. Overcoming that neglect, he said, was the chief goal. Agoura Hills has a budget of $12 million, and while much of the money is restricted for the library, city hall or other projects, Corridori assured listeners that the city’s assets are the highest in history. Corridori emphasized the importance of public safety. A graph showed a large drop in major crimes over the last five years. Citations issued by deputies the past year went up because more squad cars are patrolling city streets. Local motorists should obey the law, Corridori said, or they’ll be ticketed. But the roads are safer because of increased patrols and greater enforcement, he said. The mayor mentioned current construction projects in the area. Pictures were shown of the new library and city hall buildings under construction on Agoura Road. A new fire station on Canwood Street between Kanan and Reyes Adobe roads on the north side of the freeway will mean quicker response time to fires, Corridori said. He displayed drawings of the proposed Agoura Village development on Agoura Road. The pedestrian-friendly shopping area would include stores, restaurants and theaters. The artist’s drawings, Corridori said, reflect the developer’s wishes, not the city’s final approval. The most anticipated project and the most discussed among guests during the Chamber luncheon was the Kanan Road interchange with the 101 Freeway. Corridori explained that it’s the biggest project in city history. Redesign and construction of the interchange is estimated to cost $21 million. Corridori expects that groundbreaking won’t occur for two years. Corridori was excited to announce that the city of Agoura Hills is involved with 80-plus active planning cases. Many are projects to keep open space protected. And new city entry signs are coming soon, he said. "Whether you live or work here," said Corridori, "Agoura Hills is a great place to be." Fifty-seven-year-old Corridori, who was elected to the Agoura Hills City Council in 1993, first served as mayor in 1996 and was re-appointed as mayor in December. He’s the owner of a Westlake Village printing service, has coached youth basketball, and as mayor, is helping bring to life the new city library and city hall. The Chamber of Commerce installation took place at the Renaissance Hotel on Agoura Road, east of Reyes Adobe Road. The event brought business owners and city officials together to share lunch, swap business cards and celebrate the oath of office administered to 15 members to the Chamber’s board of directors. Cooley explained his new plans for making Los Angeles County a safer and better place for residents. He stressed the importance of keeping the public informed and up to date with a modern justice system. He then turned the meeting over to the Chamber’s new president, Alex Soteras. The main goal of the Chamber, Soteras said, is to promote businesses and help provide an open door for the people. "Let’s be a Chamber to give back to the community," he said. The "Agoura Beautiful Award" was presented to Bernie Wickman of Reed’s and Son Furniture, which has opened a new store on Canwood Street in Agoura Hills. |
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