Calabasas ‘state of city’ remains strong, mayor say

Photo courtesy CITY OF CALABASAS STRONG SURVIVOR—Calabasas Mayor Barry Groveman presents resident Spencer Shiffman the newly-created Inspiration Award for exhibiting strength and resilience during his battle with cancer. The presentation was part of Groveman’s State of the City address last week at city hall. The City of Calabasas appears strong financially and readily able to withstand the challenges of the future, Mayor Barry Groveman said in his state of the city speech last week at city hall.

At the end of the last fiscal cycle the city’s assets exceeded liabilities by almost $80 million, up over $11 million from last year, the mayor reported.

The strong finances helped the city flourish.

Groveman announced that, among other achievements, Calabasas would break ground on the new civic center this spring. He expects it to open in 2007.

The mayor credited much of the city’s fiscal growth to Calabasas Chief Financial Officer Gary Lysik, who increased city hall efficiency, improved the yield on city investments, instituted a better record keeping system and more.

“Thanks to these bold fiscal reforms, the city has realized almost $2 million in actual, tangible savings,” Groveman said.

A credit service recently raised the city’s credit rating, paving the way for reduced finance charges on civic center bonds.

The mayor said last year’s revenue increases allowed Calabasas to improve traffic conditions, keep the roads in good shape, acquire and preserve open space and protect the creeks and nearby beaches.

In general, Groveman said the city’s successful year could be attributed to a return to “civility.”

“We have a collaborative city council that functions well, it’s efficient and it works together to solve problems,” Groveman said. “Our meetings are dignified, they end at a reasonable hour and they promote participation by conducting business efficiently . . . Civility and high morale have been restored in city hall.” Public safety, open space

and schools

The strong budget allowed the city to double the number of Sheriff’s deputies serving the community, Groveman said.

“In response to citizen concerns, we increased our efforts to enforce vehicle codes, manage traffic near our schools and improve the flow of traffic with a lot of innovative techniques.”

As a result of increased enforcement, the number of collisions reported last year in the city dropped nearly 20 percent, the mayor said.

In November, Calabasas voters passed the city’s open space ordinance, which requires twothirds voter approval before any land designated as open space could be assigned to other uses.

“The voters in our city sent a strong message that we value our natural resources and the high quality of life we enjoy here,” Groveman said.

The up tick in revenues also allowed the city council to give funding to the school district to help offset losses from the state. Last year, the city also began airing Las Virgenes Unified School District meetings on city cable Channel 3.

During Groveman’s term as mayor, Calabasas faced moments of adversity, including the worst fire in the region’s history. The Topanga fire in September and October threatened many Calabasas homes and businesses.

“. . .Thanks to over 3,000 fire fighters and peace officers from every corner of the state, we had no structural damage or major injury,” Groveman said.

The mayor also lamented he recent loss of city founder Lesley Devine, a two-time mayor and member of the city council from incorporation in 1991 until 2005.

“Lesley Devine will always be remembered for her countless contributions to our city,” Groveman said.

Future looks bright

Groveman said the stage is set for more rewards in 2006.

Opening this September is Brandon’s Village, a universally accessible playground located in Gates Canyon Park. In January, donors Bruce and Wendy Friedman gave the city a record $1 million to build the park.

The playground is named after Brandon Kaplan, a child who has special needs.

New this year is the Inspiration Award, an award Groveman created and gave to Calabasas resident Spencer Shiffman.

“In October of 1985, (Shiffman) ran and completed the New York Marathon in a time less than five hours,” Groveman said. “But for the past 20 years, he has battled three types of cancer. He has had five major life-threatening surgeries.”

“His quest is to inspire and motivate others,” Groveman said. “Since meeting him, he has served as a personal inspiration to me.”

Groveman’s term as mayor ends this month. Dennis Washburn will become the city’s new mayor.