Pavley environment award goes to Calabasas

Fran Pavley After six years of service in the California Assembly, Fran Pavley is stepping down as the representative of the 41st District. But before leaving office next month, Pavley had an important stop to make.

After leading the Pledge of Allegiance at last week's Calabasas City Council meeting, Pavley took the podium to present her final "Sustainable 41" award to the city.

Pavley periodically gives the award to local cities in recognition of their pro-environment friendly policies.

"It's usually given to businesses or nonprofits, or even cities that are doing a tremendous job, voluntarily, not because you are required to," Pavley said.

Pavley referenced the many local battery recycling programs-bins can be found at stores and the community center-and e-waste collection days. She also commended the energy efficiency plans for the civic center.

"And of course I'm very interested in that, because that will not only save you money and your taxpayers money in the long run, but by reducing our consumption of energy, we are reducing the greenhouse gas omissions that are going into the atmosphere, which are primary contributors to global warming," Pavley said.

She also brought up the city's involvement in the Calabasas Creek master plan and watersheds.

"This is the last one of the series" of awards, Pavley said. "I wanted to make sure we brought it right back home to the city of Calabasas. Thank you, and keep up the good work. I'll be watching carefully what you do in the years ahead."

Mayor Dennis Washburn accepted the award and reciprocated by presenting Pavley with tokens of appreciation, a plant and a Calabasas red-tailed hawk pin.

"Thank you for the recognition of our city and its people and our staff members who do work really hard to live lightly on the land, and to take care of it and be good stewards for our community and for the region," he said.

"Your legacy will be with us a long time," Washburn said.