Four-term mayor wants back on council

Dennis Washburn A founder of the city of Calabasas, four-term council member and four-time mayor, Dennis Washburn isn't ready to leave political life yet.

He and Councilmember Barry Groveman are being challenged for City Council seats by Toby Keeler and Dale Reicheneder in the March 6 election.

"I've been able to do that for 16 years, and I think I still can," he said.

Washburn, the current mayor, also held the post in 1991-92, 1995-96 and 2000-01.

"I think this job takes vision and experience and leadership, and requires a lot of commitment," Washburn said. "I've been at this a long, long time. Ultimately, having the leadership, the nerve, the guts to stand up for the direction you think is best, that earns the trust of voters.

Washburn said he looks forward to seeing the Civic Center project come to fruition after 10 years in the planning.

"It all took innovation and vision and determination," Washburn said. "It's probably the biggest thing we'll ever do in the city as far as public works goes."

The center, built on a 7.7acre cite on Park Sorrento behind The Commons, will comprise a twostory, 27,700squarefoot city hall, a 25,700square-foot public library, a 3,000-square-foot assembly hall, an outdoor amphitheater and a public plaza.

"Throughout the years we've identified the links, put it all together, and last year, I'm proud to say as mayor presiding over the activity, we brought plans to fruition," Washburn said. "We've learned to be frugal with money and good with investment."

Washburn said Calabasas is probably one of the most financially solid cities in Southern California, with more than a year's worth of reserves.

Washburn said he's also excited about the General Plan Advisory Committee and its task of revising the city's plan for the coming years.

"That's the joy of local government," Washburn said, "to create a better of life for your people, and to provide leadership and imagination to help them articulate what it is they dream of. That's another one of my passions, looking out to the horizon and finding out how we get there."

Washburn also said he'd like to review the local open space management policies. He facilitated development of, and now chairs, the Malibu Creek Watershed Council and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund. He is also a director and past president of the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Washburn is founder and three-time president of the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments and is a representative on the Southern California Association of Governments.

During most days, Washburn can be found at Pierce College in Woodland Hills working as executive director of the school's foundation.

"It's one of the best things that's happened to me in my life," Washburn said. "I help advance the institution, coming up with innovative ideas and helping people to have fun."

Washburn moved to Calabasas in 1971, and said he literally drew the boundaries of the city in every attempt at incorporation.

He and his wife, Carol, president of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, live in the same house they bought more than 35 years ago. They have three adult children.

"I try not to let anybody down," Washburn said. "I keep my focus, keep a good spirit . . . I resolve conflicts and move forward. And I'm always looking for ways to improve."