First-time mayor no rookie on the job

Weintraub brings years of public policy service to city



Alicia Weintraub

Alicia Weintraub

Calabasas has a new mayor— her first time serving as the city’s top politician.

Alicia Weintraub, who joined the City Council in 2015, was elected mayor at the Dec. 11 government reorganization meeting. She was sworn into office by her husband, Adam Weintraub.

The new mayor said her goals for the coming year include improving the city’s emergency preparedness and cellular service, and addressing the area’s growing homeless population.

“What makes Calabasas so special and unique is that our programs are tailored to specifically meet the needs of the members of our community,” said Weintraub, 42.

“I want to enhance and introduce new community events to ensure that all age groups in our community are well-served. The senior center and its programming is thriving and continues to evolve. I love seeing that.”

Weintraub said vaping by teens has become a cause for concern among parents and educators alike.

She said giving young people a healthy place to hang out with city-sponsored activities could help curb the prevalence of vaping.

“Many programs are available to our young families, but there appears to be a gap in activities for teenagers. I’d like to see popup recreation events introduced for this age group.”

She also plans to ensure the city continues to make smart financial decisions in her coming months as mayor.

Weintraub is a public policy advisor working with the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership at Pepperdine University.

Before joining the City Council she served on the Calabasas Planning Commission for two years. She is a board member for the Foundation for Las Virgenes Schools, a nonprofit that raises money for the Las Virgenes Unified School District.

Longtime Councilmember James Bozajian, who was elected in 1997 and is the longest-serving member of city government, was elected as mayor pro tem for the coming year.

Bozajian said he is proud of Weintraub and looked forward to working with her.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long, long time. Ever since you were elected four years ago, you’ve really brought to the council a new perspective,” he said.

SOLEMN OATH—New mayor Alicia Weintraub is sworn into office on Dec. 11 by her husband, Adam Weintraub. Courtesy City of Calabasas

SOLEMN OATH—New mayor Alicia Weintraub is sworn into office on Dec. 11 by her husband, Adam Weintraub. Courtesy City of Calabasas

“You bring to the council something that, after all this time, perhaps I cannot, and that’s a new and fresh perspective on things. You’ve taught me a lot in the last four years.

“I have really high hopes for you, and I know you’re going to be a really good mayor and you’re going to have a wonderful legacy in the city,” Bozajian said.

Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer, elected in 2005, said she was confident Weintraub would lead the city in a positive direction.

Maurer, who has served as mayor three times, also said she was glad to see a woman as head of the city.

“I want to say what an important role you’re playing for other women, younger women, your peers in the audience, your daughter, her friends,” Maurer told the new mayor.

“This is what we need to have more of, thoughtful women leaders, and I’m so proud of you, and I’ll help you and support you in whatever you want to do.”

Weintraub said she plans to make herself available to residents as much as possible.

“I look forward to hosting more community coffees, which are a great opportunity to speak to residents outside of the council chambers. As I hope you already know, I will make myself available to all residents to meet and discuss vital community issues.

“Together, let’s make this a wonderful year for the city of Calabasas.”