Candidate's passion for open space prompts campaign
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Dale Reichender

When Dale Reicheneder moved to Calabasas in 1987 as a junior at Pepperdine University, it was to a home away from home, the Malibu Meadows Apartments. Twenty years later, he wants a chance to help run the city.

Reicheneder and Toby Keeler are challenging incumbents Dennis Washburn and Barry Groveman in the March 6 election for City Council.

"My platform is to stop unwanted development, said Reicheneder, an attorney who represents homeowner associations.

"It's really that one issue that's so important because there is a rippling effect," he said. "There is the strain of city resources, traffic, schools. Ten issues derive from just that one."

Dealing with the city's staff as vice president of Steeplechase Homeowners Association gave Reicheneder the push he needed to run for City Council, he said.

"I went to a planning meeting and a City Council meeting when we found out about a big development going in across the street," Reicheneder said. "I was treated with disrespect. But I saw how they treat developers.

"It wasn't until more than halfway through the meeting that I realized the staff worked for the city, not the developer. And I saw how skewed the attitude is of the City Council."

Reicheneder denies suggestions by some that without local government experience, he isn't cut out for the job.

"That's hogwash," Reicheneder said. "Look at Fran Pavley- she started as a teacher, and she's gone on to having one of the best political careers of anybody."

Because of his experience with Steeplechase and his career as a lawyer representing HOAs, Reicheneder says he's attended city meetings. He said they have given him a good understanding of the local issues.

"Steeplechase is a 240-unit complex," Reicheneder said. "We have every issue under the sun. And we have to get very creative, especially with disputes between neighbors.

"It's a lot about finding solutions to problems and not just getting along with each other, but looking into local problems like traffic and construction."

Reicheneder is a lifelong runner and a former national trailrunning champion. He credits running and competing across the U.S. for helping him gain insight into what makes a successful city.

"Resident concerns have to be No. 1, period," Reicheneder said. "I just feel at this point that, through taxes, I'm paying the city staff to expedite developer concerns. The current City Council is just going crazy with development. Calabasas is a special place with a rural feel, but it's changing."

If elected, Reicheneder said he wants to review all developments that are being processed and reevaluate those projects on which the council hasn't voted.

"I have a lot more experience than any of them about making reasonable choices," Reicheneder said. "I feel like this is a development-minded dictatorship.

"It saddens me," he said, "to see open space and trails getting chewed up."