Environmental leader appreciated





Carl Gibbs

Carl Gibbs

The legacy of Carl Gibbs lives on in Calabasas.

The longtime environmental and community activist died in 2006. He was one of the founders of the City of Calabasas and a founding member of the city’s Environmental Commission.

At a recent meeting, the commission recognized Gibbs for his contributions in protecting the local qualify of life and natural resources.

During his 15 years of service on the commission, Gibbs was instrumental in bringing environmental consciousness to Calabasas. His accomplishments include helping to create the city’s oak tree and scenic corridor ordinances.

A Florida native, Gibbs grew up in a close-knit family and enjoyed spending time on his grandfather’s ranch.

“I think what really pleased him and stuck with him about his grandfather was his word,” said Babette Gibbs, who was married to Carl Gibbs for 38 years. “He was an honorable man who could get a loan on a handshake. That’s the way Carl lived—was his word, his honor and of course the environment. Everything that they were doing, they carried the environment in some way.”

After high school, Gibbs served in the Air Force then moved to California to work in the motion picture industry with his younger brother, Alan.

Alan Gibbs was a stuntman, stunt coordinator and director who performed stunts in the TV series “ Star Trek,” and doubled for actors such as Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman and Charles Bronson.

Carl Gibbs worked as a liaison and administrator for his brother.

A cowboy at heart, Gibbs loved the outdoors and riding motorcycles in the desert. He was an expert sports fisherman and marksman. “He knew every little plant , every tree and all the animals that were out there,” Babette Gibbs said. Carl Gibbs built his own home in Old Topanga in 1978. He later co- founded and became president of the Old Topanga Homeowners Association.

In the 1990s, Gibbs and former Mayor Lesley Devine coached Calabasas High students in a competition that displayed their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management.

“ Carl believed in youths and in getting them involved. . . .” Babette Gibbs said. “Many municipalities, government agencies and organizations that work to protect nature and wildlife.

“Dr. Deborah Bennett exemplifies all the qualities that encompass the Carl Gibbs Environmental Excellence award,” Commissioner Lisa Brackelmanns Wilder said. (See story on page 12).

As science department chair at CHS, she is responsible for introducing new classes that allow students to explore a variety of subjects, such as honors chemistry, Advance Placement environmental science and biology, and robotics.

“She engages these young minds in learning in the most active way,” Brackelmanns- Wilder said.


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