Creek work starts July 18

The city of Calabasas will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Las Virgenes Creek restoration project at 6 p.m. Wed., July 18 at the creek location next to the Starbucks on 26531 Agoura Road.

The city put the project to bid in June and received four qualified bids. Olivas Valdez, Inc. was the lowest qualified bidder and was expected to be awarded a $1.12-million contract by the City Council at its meeting last night.

Funding for the project comes from grants through the State Water Resource Control Board, Coastal Conservancy, Department of Water Resources and a 10 percent grant match from the city of Calabasas.

The work is expected to be finished in October.

The resoration project includes creek water quality enhancement, the creation of footpaths and trails, wildlife protection, public outreach and education and the restoration of an environmentally harmonious water channel.

In 1977, over 250 linear feet of Las Virgenes Creek between Highway 101 and the Agoura Road Bridge was lined with concrete that has since degraded and polluted the natural habitat.

The Malibu Creek Watershed provides habitats for numerous species including the southwestern pond turtle, the Arroyo toad, the Pacific tree frog, the American goldfinch, song sparrows, coyotes, mountain lions and steelhead trout.

Mayor James Bozajian, Calabasas City Council members, and project leaders will be on hand at the groundbreaking to speak and officially launch the construction.

Light refreshments will also be served and members of the public are invited to attend.