Calabasas director of planning resigns, takes position in
W. Hollywood

Mark Persico, Calabasas director of planning and building services, left Calabasas city hall for the last time Aug. 22 to accept a job with the city of West Hollywood.

For three years Persico headed the department that supervised city planning, building inspection and code enforcement, and served as the chief staff member at planning commission meetings.

"Mark was a good department head and we’ll miss him," said City Manager Donald Duckworth.

Persico’s decision to leave Calabasas was prompted by an opportunity to serve as the community development director for West Hollywood. According to Duckworth, the position offered more money and was closer to where Persico lives. With $750 million in pending projects, West Hollywood also offered Persico a chance to work on a grander scale.

Duckworth described it as "an exciting opportunity to have a hand in shaping that community."

As for attempting to retain Persico, Duckworth said, "It’s one of those things that there was nothing I could say or do. There would be no reason for him not to take that job. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Mark and we wish him well."

Steve Craig, the city’s environmental coordinator, will serve as the interim director until the position can be filled permanently.

To make Calabasas more competitive and the job more appealing, the position title will be changed to "community development director," the industry standard, and will come with a 2 percent increase in pay.

The city will be advertising to fill the position and Duckworth said he xpects to have a permanent director by Jan. 1.

––Gregory Koteles