Calabasas Democrats party for Pavley

Fran Pavley

About 100 Calabasas area Democrats, including several local officials, gathered at the home of Calabasas City Councilwoman Lesley Devine Saturday to raise money for former Agoura Hills mayor and city councilwoman Fran Pavley, who’s running for a seat on the California Assembly, as the 41st District representative.

The event raised about $4,000 for the candidate, according to Devine, who was pleased with the turnout.

As one of Agoura Hill’s founders, Pavley fought for cityhood in the early 1980s and became the first mayor of Agoura Hills when it became a city in 1982. She served four terms on the Agoura Hills City Council and four terms as mayor.

The night was chilly as partygoers sat outdoors at tables decorated with checkered tablecloths, designed to look the Sagebrush Cantina, which donated the food.

After dinner and prior to Pavley’s brief speech, Devine led what she called a "crazy auction" in which she auctioned off Democratic memorabilia and time with city officials.

Prizes included lunch with Agoura Hills Mayor Louise Rishoff, and a jogging session with Calabasas City Councilman Robert Sibilia, who Devine described as quite an athlete, having run in several marathons, including Los Angeles and Boston.

Partygoers were generous with their donation bids and everyone seemed to have a good time, including Calabasas Planning Commissioner Scott Solomon.

"All of us are strong (Pavley) supporters," said Solomon. "I’m here to support her spiritually and financially."

When Pavley spoke to the group, she told them that votes from this area were a major reason she won the primary elections. "I really put the Las Virgenes area on the map … that made the difference," she said.

Pavley said she would be strong on education, if elected, noting her 28 years as a public school teacher. She also said that "quality of life" and environmental issues were important to her, and that she "cherishes the Santa Monica Mountains."

"The Santa Monica Mountains present a wide variety of issues," she told The Acorn.

"People throughout the 41st District really treasure open space … I want to continue to work on that," she said.

As a longtime public school teacher, Pavley opposes Proposition 38, which would provide tax vouchers for children in private schools. She also is against the Ahmanson Ranch development for environment and other reasons.

"The worst thing about it is the 45,000 vehicle trips that would be going through Calabasas daily," she said.

"If I can’t stop (the development), I’d like to change it," she added.

Community residents were supportive of Pavley and her ideals.

"She’s on the right side of the issues, such as the environment and education. She’s a very sincere, committed person," said Calabasas resident Alan Berkowitz.

"She brings a good historical perspective to regional problems and solutions," said Hal Helsley, Calabasas resident and member of the Los Angeles Regional Planning Commission.

"She knows about the local issues, such as controlled development," said Michael Fichera, president of the Calabasas Park Homeowners Association, who said he’ll vote for Pavley even though he’s a Republican and she’s a Democrat.

The 41st District incumbent is Democrat Sheila Kuehl who’s seeking a state Senate seat. It covers a wide area, including Santa Monica, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village and western parts of the San Fernando Valley.

A debate is planned between Pavley and her opponent, Republican Jane Shapiro, at Kaiser Hospital in Woodland Hills, at 7 p.m. tonight, Thurs., Sept. 28.