Calabasas councilman may resign his position

Robert Sibilia

At the Calabasas City Council meeting Oct. 18, Councilman Robert Sibilia told the his colleagues that he may resign his position as of Dec. 1 because of a job offer in another state.

"Every once in a while a career opportunity comes along …a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said.

That opportunity is with a top law firm in Maui, according to Mayor Dennis Washburn.

Sibilia, who was elected to the council in March, 1997, said he "is regretfully likely" to vacate his seat.

"I’m not saying ‘Goodbye’ yet, just making the announcement," he said, adding that he’s enjoyed his four years representing Calabasas.

"It’s a lifetime experience I’ll always take with me," he said.

Sibilia will spend several weeks in November in Hawaii assessing the situation, but those with whom The Acorn spoke felt he’ll take the job.

Washburn said Sibilia he would be missed.

"We’re going to try and get every ounce of your wisdom and expertise between now and Dec. 1," he told the councilman.

Sibilia recently won a top award from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) for his State of the City address, which he made when he was mayor last January. Sibilia’s speech, which highlighted his accomplishments and goals for the city, was broadcast on the city’s own television station, CTV, a government access channel.

Every year, NATOA hands out government access programming awards in September. This year, there were more than 900 entries in 68 categories from government access stations throughout the country, said Deborah Steller, media operations director for the city. Sibilia’s address took first place in the Public Affairs category.

Washburn later told The Acorn that he’s enjoyed working with Sibilia on one of his dreams for Calabasas—a skate park—which will become a reality when it opens at Gates Canyon Park on Saturday morning.

"Bob has focused on his interests and strengths…recreational activities and family," said Washburn.

Councilwoman Lesley Devine expressed similar thoughts.

"When I was mayor in 1997, Bob was the only one who really, sincerely had an interest in recreation, and took on the challenge of making the new community center work," she said.

Sibilia currently serves as the chairman of the joint powers board that oversees the community center, which is shared by Calabasas and Agoura Hills.

Councilman James Bozajian, who was elected at the same time as Sibilia, told The Acorn that he "will greatly miss him."

If Sibilia leaves, the city may have to appoint a member to fulfill the term, which expires in March, or may leave it open because the election is so near, said Bozajian.

City Manager Donald Duckworth said the city attorney would have to address that issue, after seeing what the remaining councilmembers want to do.