Westlake needs more 'village,' Kirschbaum says
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

Carol Kirschbaum

Being on a city council does not make a person an architect or planning expert, yet council members make development decisions that have long-term effects on the city, says Carol Kirschbaum, who is running for Westlake Village City Council in the Nov. 6 election.

Kirschbaum would like to see the formation of a committee made up of residents who are career architects, engineers, designers and land use experts to advise the council on future development projects.

"I'm not happy with the most recent developments. I'm not happy with the architecture. I don't think it enhances the neighborhood," Kirschbaum said. "I feel we're losing the 'village' in Westlake Village. Our city has a master plan that has been copied by other U.S. and European cities. If it isn't broken, why fix it?"

Kirschbaum is one of four candidates running for two opens seats. Her opponents are incumbent Philippa Klessig, physician Theodore Corwin, and business consultant Ned Davis.

While campaigning doortodoor, Kirschbaum has heard residents' unease about recent development on Lindero Canyon Road. Kirschbaum added.

She was against the proposed construction of a Lowe's home improvement store that was defeated by voters in last November's election.

"I don't feel people were respected and listened to in this community on this issue," Kirschbaum said. "That is one of my mantras. I will listen and respect every citizen."

She believes the size of the proposed Sunrise senior center to be located on the former Westlake Hospital property is too big for the property. To further inform residents, Kirschbaum would like to see more of the city study sessions televised.

"It would help the community be more aware and involved. After all, these projects impact all of us," Kirschbaum said.

Kirschbaum's goals are to unify the community, retain the quality of life of its residents and safeguard Westlake against needless development and traffic.

More communication with surrounding cities for joint projects is another of Kirschbaum's objectives. She'd also like to look into the possibility of creating senior citizen and teen centers.

After college Kirschbaum held a number of jobs in various Southern California companies including Phillips Petroleum, CedarsSinai Medical Center and a property management firm. She negotiated insurance renewals on $20 million premiums and learned to budget, establish reserves and handle dispute resolutions to avoid lawsuits.

"My attitude is there's no such thing as no. You can go up, down, sideways- there's always a way to accomplish a goal," Kirschbaum said.

Kirschbaum and her husband, Ray, moved to Westlake Village from Northridge 20 years ago. They became involved in the community and wanted to preserve the pristine beauty of the area.

The couple formed a group to fight the proposed development of a townhouse project on what is now the Westlake golf course.

A resident of Westlake Island, Kirschbaum served on the property owner association board for three years. She led in the design and development of the community's gatehouse and entryway, and all greenbelts, landscaping and lighting in the neighborhood. She has held leadership positions in other groups including the Westlake Lake Management Association board, the Westlake Yacht Club and the Westlake Village Women's Club.

"I find Carol to be a real cando person," said Patricia Cordover of Westlake Village, who has known Kirschbaum since 1994 and worked with her on several boards. "She is a team player, listens well and makes decisions after due diligence."

Kirschbaum is in her secondterm as vice president of the Angels board of directors for Casa Pacifica, a Camarillo facility that provides long and short-term help for abused, neglected and severely emotionally disturbed children.

"I've been very fortunate in my life and I want to give back," she said. "I cherish this community."