Stream team finishes work
New and improved Calabasas creek unveiled
By Joann Groff  joann@theacorn.com

Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers NEW LOOK--Above center, Calabasas Mayor James Bozajian leads the ribbon cutting for the Las Virgenes Creek restoration project. Below, children explore the pristine stream.

The mayor of Calabasas, members of the City Council and other residents of the community were among the 150 people who attended a dedication last weekend for the newly restored section of Las Virgenes Creek.

The seven-month project included the removal of more than 1,500 tons of concrete from a 400-foot portion of the creek between the 101 Freeway and the Agoura Road bridge.

Native vegetation was planted where the 30-year-old concrete channel once stood in an effort by environmental planners to return the stream to its natural state.

The concrete-lined stream was originally intended as a flood-control channel.

Questa Engineering Corp. of San Francisco, the general contractor on the project, decided the creek could still handle the flood waters--and be more attractive to the eye--if the concrete were removed and the streambed given a new meandering path to follow.

The Ventura chapter of American Public Works Association recognized the creek restoration as its 2007 Project of Year.

"A big 'thank you' is due to our staff for the five years of work they did to devise a detailed plan and obtain funding for the Las Virgenes Creek restoration project," Mayor James Bozajian said.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky also was on hand at the Feb. 23 ceremony, as were representatives from the office of state Sen. Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica) and other state and county environmental agencies.

Certificates of appreciation were give to a group of children who participated in a recent creek cleanup and planted flowers at the site.

The project cost $1.24 million. The state Water Resources Control Board, the California Coastal Conservancy and the Department of Water Resources assisted Calabasas with the funding. Los Angeles County also contributed funds.

To give passers-by a closer access to the new creek, a walkway and gazebo were constructed.

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers BEFORE AND AFTER--The photo above shows Las Virgenes Creek the way it looked for more than 30 years until the concrete-lined flood channel underwent a major facelift.

"The ceremony (was) a family-friendly occasion, celebrating the rehabilitation of this section of the creek and the example it sets nationwide for creek rehabilitation," said Alex Farassati, the city's environmental services manager.

Farassati said he knew the creek was "back in business" when he recently saw ducks gliding through the water.

Bozajian said, "I am sure the community will enjoy the new look of our creek for many years to come."

Mountains Restoration Trust will assist the city with monitoring the creek as plants and amphibians begin to return to their newly created home.