Home . . . at last

RED CARPET WELCOME- Above, the new Civic Center wrapped in ribbon. Left, a young visitor walks near the library. Right, members of the City Council at the center's July 13 grand opening. City Manager Tony Coroalles called Sun., July 13 one of the most important dates in the history of Calabasas, second only to the day the city was incorporated 17 years ago. The grand opening of the city's $41-million Civic Center marked a milestone more than 10 years in the making.

Nearly 400 people gathered to take a first look at the 7.7-acre complex, which includes a twostory, 27,700-square-foot city hall; a 25,000-square-foot public library; an outdoor amphitheater and a public plaza.

City Council members stood behind Mayor Mary Sue Maurer as she cut a giant pink ribbon symbolizing the city's gift to its taxpayers.

"It's a great day in Calabasas," Maurer said.

The audience responded with rousing applause when Councilmember Barry Groveman said not only had the center met its 18month deadline, but that an extra $3 million remained in the budget. He called Sunday a day that's going to "mark history."

JANN HENDRY Acorn Newspapers Maurer credited the project's success to the leadership of community development director and project manager Maureen Tamuri.

Alex Lamis, a partner with Robert A.M. Stern Architects, said he believed the center would become the "beating heart" of the community.

"It's a rare opportunity to help design a civic center," Lamis said. "It will help define your city for years to come."

Assemblymember Julia Brownley, Sheriff Lee Baca, Agoura Hills Mayor John Edelston and Susan Nissman from Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky's office each presented congratulatory proclamations.

"I'm in awe of the grandeur of this library," Brownley said. "I know an educated community will help prepare for the next generation of leadership."

Baca congratulated the residents for their involvement.

"I bring a pledge," Baca said to the audience. "This community deserves the finest public safety you can have.

"There is such a thing as good government and it doesn't start with elected officials. It starts with you."

Past City Council members such as Karen Foley, Bob Hill and Michael Harrison- with whom the vision of a new civic center began- also attended the ceremony.

Fred Gaines has been part of the city's library commission since its inception 10 years ago.

"This is a free, public library open to all," Gaines said. "It's open to all who seek learning and beauty and opportunity."

After the ribbon was cut, the residents flooded the steps. They feasted on In-N-Out burgers and Pink's hot dogs as they wandered through the courtyards and met friends at the tables scattered throughout the corridors. Children played in the kids' room in the library and couples toured the council chambers, media rooms and private offices, all open to the public.

The Mediterraneanstyle buildings feature tall ceilings, archways and tile work.

The stone work on the floors is made of a material called GFRC, composed of concrete fly ash and recycled glass. The sycamore wood wall panels are made from veneers of sustainable American sycamore wood.

The civic center meets the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) "gold" standard, meaning it is 45 percent more efficient than the average building.

Numerous trees adorn the plazas in between and around the two buildings. They will provide shade during the warmer months and will allow the sun in during the winter, when they lose their leaves.

The plants are droughtresistant and the irrigation system is below the surface to prevent evaporation. All the water used for landscaping is reclaimed. The artificial lighting inside the buildings is based on how much natural light is coming through the many windows.

The buildings are designed to use 30 percent less energy and water than nonenviron mentally friendly structures. "This is a gathering place for Calabasas residents to come together," Maurer said. "We have a place to meet new people and to partake in democracy. I am hoping we have much more civic participation."

STANDING TALL- Left, a mariachi band contributes to the festive mood at the Civic Center's grand opening. The new 27,700squarefoot city hall is seen in the background. Above, a look inside the library foyer. Below right, a tile fountain decorates the grounds. Doors to the library and city hall open to the public on July 21.

The first council meeting in the new building be Wed., Aug. 13.

Photos by JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers ON POINT- Above, Calabasas Mayor Mary Sue Maurer greets the community at the July 13 opening. Left, 3-year-old Emily Sefton thumbs through a book inside the library's extensive children's section. Right, a signpost helps visitors find their way. The Civic Center opens for public business on July 21. AMENITIES GALORE- Families enjoy each other's company in the library breezeway. Right, a visit to the outdoor amphitheater. The Civic Center and surrounding landscape is designed to use 40 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than standard buildings. Three-fourths of the 7.7-acre site is open space.