Weintraub brings public policy experience to race





Alicia Weintraub

Alicia Weintraub

The Acorn is publishing individual features for the seven candidates who are vying for two open seats on the Calabasas City Council. The municipal election will take place March 8.

As the parent of two young children and a professional with more than 10 years of experience in local government, City Council candidate Alicia Weintraub, 33, said she represents the present and future of Calabasas.

Her priorities include public safety, fiscal stability, enhancing services and programs, preserving open spaces and balancing the community’s residential and commercial needs through innovative leadership and fiscal responsibility.

The San Fernando Valley native earned a master’s degree in public policy from Pepperdine University and interned for the city of Calabasas before working on economic development projects for the cities of Burbank and Culver City, where she developed community programs and managed urban revitalization.

She is a part time public policy adviser for Aszkenazy Development Inc., a San Fernando-based firm that specializes in redevelopment.

“I understand how cities work and how to get things get done at city hall,” Weintraub said.

She said city officials must work together to balance the needs of businesses and residents in Calabasas. Leaders should also partner with neighboring agencies to develop programs that do not impact the city’s budget.

“As our community continues to grow we need to increase our sales tax base, so the city must explore the right business options to enhance resources,” she said.

Weintraub and her husband, Adam, have two children, Noah, 4, and Lauren, 15 months. The family has lived in Calabasas for two years.

Weintraub looks forward to working with Las Virgenes Unified School District and state representatives to help schools retain their high quality despite the difficult economy.

“The city currently gives $250,000 to parent-teacher organizations and $240,000 to the district’s technology program. I’d be committed to retaining this funding for the school district,” said Weintraub, who is running for office for the first time.

Weintraub wants to increase the availability of programs for local seniors and supports the city’s efforts to eliminate faulty septic systems.

“The health and safety of Calabasas residents is first and foremost. There needs to be uniform codes in our community to protect residents and their homes,” she said.

Weintraub said if elected she would be a consensus builder.

“It’s important to have strong leadership without divisiveness. We must reach out to residents and involve everyone in the decision making process so that new ideas are heard and explored.”

Weintraub uses Facebook to obtain feedback from residents on local issues, such as wireless towers, public transit and commercial development.

“I think what has discouraged a lot of people from getting involved on the council is the cost for campaigning. So I’m trying to get everyone involved with a grassroots campaign,” she said.

To maintain public safety residents should form neighborhood watch groups, Weintraub said.

Calabasas resident Nancy Pardo said Weintraub would be a good addition to the City Council.

“She’s smart, passionate and dedicated. Her professional experience and the fact that she is a mother of two young children with strong interest in community, schools and parks make her a well-rounded individual who has a great interest for the growth and stability of Calabasas,” Pardo said.


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