Calabasas mayor gives State of the City address

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The city of Calabasas experienced one of its busiest and most productive years ever, Mayor James Bozajian said in his State of the City address last week. Calabasas acquired an $8.2 million state grant to build its library later this year; it helped save the Ahmanson Ranch property just north of the city from becoming Washington Mutual’s 3,050-home development; and it hired a new city manager, city attorney and chief financial officer, Bozajian said in his speech.


The city’s goal last year was to preserve the quality of life for its residents, the mayor said.


"As Southern California’s population continues to grow at a feverish pace, there will be mounting pressure for Calabasas and other nearby communities to maximize their development potentials," Bozajian said. "As we confront this reality, we must always remember that one of our city’s greatest attractions is the ambience, natural beauty, unique character and the excellent quality of life it offers to its residents, and that our descendants deserve no less."


Among other accomplishments, the city purchased several parcels of land to preserve as open space and assisted Calabasas schools during a time when the state is severely cutting its school budget. Calabasas took measures to reduce traffic on city streets and to promote safe driving habits. It also completed several street and landscape improvement projects, Bozajian said.


The city is made up of 60 full-time employees and 117 part-time employees. The five-member city council often seeks input from the 55 homeowners associations and the more than 21,000 residents who live in the city.


"In a recent survey, the top three important issues cited by Calabasas residents were, (No. 1) traffic by 31 percent, (No. 2) schools by 21 percent and (No. 3) and growth, planning and development issues were cited by 15 percent," Bozajian said.


Calabasas is made up of 12.9 square miles and includes a median household income of $93,860. The median home value is $479,000 and the median new home price is $880,000. Ninety seven percent of the housing units in the city are occupied and three percent are vacant.


Focus on budget


"Taking a look at the projections for 2003-2004, we are going to balance our budget," Bozajian said. "It’s a slight improvement from last year where we ran a small deficit." The city’s expenditures for 2002-03 were $17.8 million, but finance officials say the city expects to limit expenditures this year to $16.3 million.


Calabasas has approximately $14 million in reserves, roughly equal to its entire general fund. Crime


Bozajian said part one crimes, "the most common criminal offenses," numbered 365 last year.


In relative terms, Calabasas still remains one of the country’s safest cities, he said.


Recognition


For the first time, the city recognized a student of the year and Bozajian said he hopes the award will become an annual tradition.


Calabasas recognized Calabasas High School junior Brittany Lin for her contributions to the advancement of both academic excellence and student participation in civic affairs.


"Last year she was appointed by the parks and recreation commission to serve as its student representative," Bozajian said. "This student has participated in the monthly televised Teen Forum program on CTV and served on the traffic and transportation department’s comprehensive vehicle management program student task force, working to lower the number of vehicles on our local streets during peak hours." Lin is on the CHS track team and is president of the interact club, which provides services to the underprivileged. She is an honor student.


The city also recognized Charlotte Meyer as Citizen of the Year for her community involvement. Meyer is a former teacher who served on the board of directors for the Calabasas Park Homeowners Association.


Meyer also served as a charter member of the Calabasas Community Policing Advisory Committee and chairs the Calabasas Education Commission. She sat on the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education and was a former school board president.


The future


The city council plans to identify and purchase new property for the purpose of developing parks and recreational facilities, Bozajian said.


In addition, Calabasas will continue its efforts to build a new civic center at the Commons, which includes the new library.


Plans for the new city hall are expected to be finalized in the coming months.





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