Calabasas environmental leader dies

Carl Gibbs Longtime environmental and community activist Carl Gibbs, also one of the founders of the city of Calabasas, died of lung cancer on Feb. 28.

Gibbs, 67, was a founding member of the Calabasas Environmental Committee, later renamed the Calabasas Environmental Commission, and served the organization for 15 years.

"I've worked with Carl for probably 18 or 20 years both in cityhood formation and in launching our environmental committee," said Calabasas Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Washburn. "Carl was instrumental in bringing the environmentally conscious component of our community into play."

Gibbs' accomplishments include helping to create the city's oak tree ordinance, the scenic corridor ordinance and more.

"Carl and his wife, Babette, have been coaches for and primary sponsors for the Envirothon teams that we've entered here-that's our academic decathlon of the environment- and our teams have scored extremely well in the state competition because of their coaching and dedication to the events," Washburn said.

Gibbs and his wife of 38 years, Babette, have lived in Old Topanga since 1978. When the city of Calabasas was incorporated in 1991 and his neighborhood was annexed from the county into the new city, Gibbs co-founded the Old Topanga Homeowners and served as its first president.

Gibbs also was a member of the Calabasas Tree Board and president and board member of his homeowners association.

Gibbs worked in media with his brother until retiring a year ago.

"To me he was the most brilliant man I ever met," Gibbs' wife said. "He was capable of doing anything. He loved the outdoors, he got along well with children, he could build a house by himself, he could paint a picture and he could speak on just about any subject on any level."

The Gibbs had no children.

Gibbs' memorial will take place at 2 p.m. Sat., March 11 at the SelfRealization Fellowship Lake Shrine at 17190 West Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gibb's name may be sent to the address above.