Changing of the guard puts Maurer in charge

CALABASAS



Maurer

Maurer

Veteran City Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer has taken the reins as mayor of Calabasas and promises to boost public engagement during her upcoming year at the city’s helm.

The new mayor and her colleagues took on their new roles at a government reorganization meeting last week.

The council chambers were packed with family members, friends and representatives from other government agencies who came to recognize outgoing Mayor James Bozajian and the other city leaders.

The mayor and mayor pro tem positions rotate yearly.

Maurer, a mother of three adult sons, works for the state Department of Toxic Substances Control.

She was elected to the council in 2005. This will be her third time serving as mayor. Maurer’s priorities on the council over the past 11 years have included environmental protection, senior services, education, and the development of public health and public safety programs.

“I commit this next year to doing the best I can to focus on public engagement . . . and to enhance the experience and expand the number of people involved in the decision-making process,” said Maurer, who was sworn in Nov. 30 by outgoing state Sen. Fran Pavley.

When Pavley was in the Assembly, Maurer represented her at community events and meetings of local organizations, such as the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.

After Maurer took the oath, the new mayor gave Pavley a stuffed mountain lion and an adoption certificate in recognition of the state senator’s efforts to preserve the natural environment and wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains.

“She (Fran) is a true protector of the Santa Monica Mountains and the big cats that call the region home,” said Maurer, who also commended Pavley for her leadership in Sacramento.

Pavley, a retired teacher and former mayor of Agoura Hills who joined the state Legislature in 2000, called Maurer a dedicated civil servant.

Councilmember Fred Gaines, who was elected in 2011, was chosen as mayor pro tem. He took the oath of office with Las Virgenes school board member Dallas Lawrence.

During his acceptance speech, Gaines said Calabasas must continue to set an example on why and how collective action and local government can be a source of benefit and pride to the community.

“Despite the controversies and differences, this council continues to set the standard for public conduct. . . . My hope is that we will take this moment of great national anxiety and turn some of the shock, emotions, fear and uneasiness into positive action and reinvigorate our democracy,” Gaines said.

He said now is the time for people to participate and make their voices heard.

“Stay true to your beliefs and act,” he said.

The special meeting began with a presentation to Bozajian, the outgoing mayor who had just completed his fifth stint as the head of the council.

Officials thanked Bozajian for his commitment to the community, and they recognized his sense of humor and knowledge of the history of Calabasas and of state politics.

“You represented our city exceptionally well this year,” Councilmember David Shapiro said, adding that Bozajian, who has been on the council for nearly 20 years, was a perfect choice to be mayor during the city’s 25th anniversary.

Councilmember Alicia Weintraub said she admires Bozajian’s commitment to the community.

“I’ve learned a tremendous amount from you,” she said.

Bozajian said he is writing a book that will feature 50 stories about the lesser-known side of Calabasas history.

The book will expand on stories that were published in the city’s 25th anniversary brochure earlier this year.


TO UPHOLD AND DEFEND—New Calabasas Mayor Pro Tem Fred Gaines receives the oath of office from Dallas Lawrence of the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education.

TO UPHOLD AND DEFEND—New Calabasas Mayor Pro Tem Fred Gaines receives the oath of office from Dallas Lawrence of the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education.

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