The Pumpkin Festival is now two days!

Get a free flu shot on November 3!



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CALABASAS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR TWO DAYS

The Calabasas Pumpkin Festival, presented by the City of Calabasas, the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce and the Calabasas Arts Council, is expanding to two days and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, 2007 from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. at scenic  Juan Bautista de Anza Park in Calabasas. 

The family-oriented, fall festival will feature carnival games, arts & crafts, live entertainment, delicious food and beverages (including a beer garden), and a fun zone with inflatable rides.  The main attractions at the Pumpkin Festival, of course, will be the many pumpkin-related activities and treats!  Plenty of additional information can be found at the official Calabasas Pumpkin Festival website located at 
www.calabasaspumpkinfestival.com. 

The City of Calabasas, in association with the California Department of Public Health and the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, will be holding a free "drive thru" flu vaccine clinic open to the public on Saturday, November 3, 2007 from 8:30a.m. - 11:00a.m. at A.E. Wright Middle School.  The clinic, offered as a public service to the area, is also serving as an emergency preparedness drill for the City in case the need should ever arise for mass distribution of medicine or vaccine. 

The November 3 flu clinic will use an innovative "drive-thru" format in which participants must arrive and proceed through the clinic in a vehicle.  This format will allow flu vaccine participants to receive vaccine in an efficient and orderly fashion.  All vaccines will be given by health professionals from the Los Angeles Public Health Department.  Please note that due to the unique nature of this clinic, no walk-in participants can be accommodated.  Also, no pets can be allowed on-site for the clinic.  Flu Clinic registration forms will soon be available on the Calabasas website and Calabasas residents will be receiving additional information at home regarding the clinic. 

PUBLIC HEARING AND FEEDBACK ON PROPOSED AREA CODE CHANGES

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently announced plans for a possible area code change in Calabasas and surrounding areas.  The CPUC is reporting a shortage of 818 phone numbers and is suggesting two possible courses of action.  A public hearing on the matter will be held in Calabasas on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 1:30p.m. at the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, at 4232 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas.   The City of Calabasas is currently formulating a response to the proposals and would appreciate feedback from residents on the following two options proposed by CPUC:

1. Area Code Split – In this scenario, customers currently with 818 numbers would be split geographically into two groups (See Map).   One group would keep the 818 area code and the other would be assigned to the new 747 area code.  The CPUC says it has not decided whether Calabasas would be among the communities keeping the 818 in such a split.  However, residents should note that back in 1999, when the CPUC had the same plan for an area code split, Calabasas was to be assigned to the 747 area code group and lose the 818 area code.
2. Area Code Overlay – In this scenario, every customer that currently has an 818 area code in Calabasas and surrounding communities would keep their 818 number.  Only new customers would be given a 747 area number.  All calls within the area would require 10 digit dialing whether the call is placed to someone down the street or in Burbank. 

Please feel free to email the City at info@cityofcalabasas.com and indicate a preference regarding the two options above.  While there is still a chance the CPUC could decide not to add the 747 area code (as was the case in 1999), the City realizes that there is a strong chance that one of the two options above could be  a reality as soon as next year.  A discussion of the City’s position on the matter is expected at the Wednesday, October 17, 2007 City Council meeting prior to the October 23, 2007 public hearing.  For more information on the issue, please visit http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/telco/reports/area+code+info/ac818/index.htm.

Calabasas students and parents will be walking to school together on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 during Walk to School Day which takes place between 7:30a.m. and 8:00a.m.   Part of International Walk to School Week, Walk to School Day is an opportunity for parents and their children to take advantage of cooler weather by walking to and from school during daylight hours while reducing traffic and increasing exercise levels.  Participating schools include A.C. Stelle Middle School, Bay Laurel Elementary School, Lupin Hill Elementary School and Chaparral Elementary School.  So make a change, form a walk-pool in your neighborhood and make a healthy decision for your family by walking to school. 

2007 FALL RECREATION BROCHURE

The 2007 Fall Recreation brochure has been mailed to all Calabasas residents and is available online.  Paper copies are also available at City Hall, the Agoura/Calabasas Community Center and the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center. 

The brochure features detailed information about adult and youth classes, senior citizen programs, community news and information, sports activities and much more.   Classes run  through December and a wide variety of activities are available for all age groups.

The City is holding a free electronic waste collection on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at Calabasas City Hall, 26135 Mureau Road in Calabasas from 10:00a.m - 3:00p.m. Acceptable items include but are not limited to CD players, laptops and personal computers, microwave ovens, printers, radios, stereos, telephones, and VCR’s. 

Also on Saturday, October 13, 2007 there will be a free water based paint and used oil collection event at the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center located at 23400 Park Sorrento from 10:00a.m - 2:00p.m. For more information, please contact the City of Calabasas Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator at (818) 878-4225. 

Donated eyeglasses may be placed in the collection box at the Calabasas City Hall or at a number of City facilities.  In partnership with the Lions international, Calabasas collected and recycled 240 eyeglasses during the past year.  The recycled eyeglasses will eventually be shipped to developing countries and will be distributed for free to those in need of reading glasses. Please recycle by dropping off dry cell batteries, old cell phones and empty inkjet cartridges at designated locations throughout the City.

Conejo Players Theatre - Thousand Oaks
      Once on this Island Jr. - Conejo Children's Theatre
     October 6, 7, 13 & 14
     Saturday and Sunday at 1:00p.m. & 4:00p.m.
     Friday October 12 at 7:00p.m.

Madrid Theatre - Canoga Park
     October 2007 Calendar

Scherr Forum Theatre - Thousand Oaks
     October 2007 Calendar

Stage Door Theatre - Agoura Hills
28311 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills
     The Game of Life
     October 5 - November 9, 2007
     By Kimberly Demmary
     Directed by John Barker
     Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00p.m.
     Sunday October 7, 21 & November 4 at 2:00p.m.
     For reservations, please call (818) 889-5209.

OAK TREES ARE PROTECTED IN CALABASAS

Oak trees located within the City of Calabasas are a valuable resource and are consequently protected by local ordinance.  Section 17.26.070 of the Calabasas Municipal Code outlines the requirements for the preservation of the valuable oak tree habitat found in our city.  The Code states that “any person or entity that owns, controls or who has custody of any real property within the city shall maintain all oak trees and scrub oak habitat located therein in a state of good health pursuant to the most current Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines” (CMC 17.26.050.B).  Collectively, the Municipal Code and the Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines are exhaustive in detail on the subjects of oak tree care and preservation, maintenance, removal and replacement, and the permit processes associated with these actions.
 

The Oak Tree Preservation and Protection Guidelines, permit applications, and other important information are all available at the public counter at City Hall and on the Planning Division site found at: http://www.cityofcalabasas.com/departments/planning-division.html.

On Saturday, October 27, 2007 there will be a free bulky item pick-up by Calabasas permitted haulers for Calabasas residents ONLY.  Furniture, mattresses, carpet, refrigerators and other appliances can be picked up through appointment only.  Appointments must be made by noon on Friday, October 26, 2007 with the waste hauler serving your residence.  To make an appointment with GI Industries/Waste Management, please call (800) 675-1171.  For more information about either the bulky item pick-up or the paint and used oil collection, please contact the Calabasas Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator at (818) 878-4225.

Fall is the time of year when many pool owners drain their pools.  It’s important for residents to know how discharge pool water in order to protect the environment.  Everything that is spilled onto the street drains directly into local creeks, unfiltered, via the storm drain system.  Chlorinated water and spent diatomaceous earth material are not creek-friendly substances.  Recent studies have indicated that urban runoff (such as car washing, hosing off driveways, discharge of chlorinated swimming pool water, overflow from excessive watering of fertilizer and pesticide applied lawns, etc.) as well as direct dumping into the gutters/storm drain system is the number one pollution source of local creeks. 
 

The following are legal methods of swimming pool waste water disposal:

           1.    To a sewer line,

           2.    On the property (i.e. for irrigation) if the property is large enough to ensure that runoff will not encroach on abutting properties.

           3.    To a tank truck.

         4.    Discharge of swimming pool water into the street is legal only if it has been dechlorinated/debrominated by halting chemical treatments for a minimum of 10 days and having water tested prior to discharge. 
 

Never clean a filter in the street or near a storm drain.  Rinse cartridge filters onto a dirt area, and spade filter residue into soil.  Backwash diatomaceous earth filters onto dirt. Dispose of spent diatomaceous earth in the garbage. Spent diatomaceous earth cannot be discharged to surface waters, storm drainage systems, septic systems, or on the ground.
 

Appropriate disposal of pool filter backwash includes options such as running the backwash line directly to a sanitary sewer system, disposing of the solid materials in residential trash or even distributing the rinse water materials amidst existing vegetation (please check with a landscaper or local nursery first to see if plantings can tolerate the chlorinated water and diatomaceous earth material.) 

Calabasas elementary and middle school students can start the new school year off on the right foot and get free help with homework at the Calabasas Library.  The Calabasas High School Study Buddy program makes high school students available to help elementary and middle school students with homework and study skills.  This program is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30p.m. to 4:30p.m. in the Calabasas Library multipurpose room.  The library is located at 23975 Park Sorrento in Calabasas.  For more information about the Study Buddies program, contact Barbara Lockwood at (818) 225-7616.

The Calabasas Environmental Commission is hosting an environmentally themed coloring contest open to students in elementary and middle schools.  The contest is titled: “Benefits of Bottle and Can Recycling” and encourages students to submit hand-created drawings.  Drawings must be done on 8½” x 11” format in landscape orientation.  Contest submissions are due to the City of Calabasas, Environmental Services Division, 26135 Mureau Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 by November 6, 2007.  Thirteen (13) winners will be chosen by the Environmental Commission on November 6 based on the creativity and theme of their illustration.  The winning drawings will be printed in the 2008 City of Calabasas Community Recycling Awareness Calendar.  The first place winner’s drawing will be printed on the cover of the calendar; however each winner will receive a $25.00 gift certificate.  For more information, please contact Kay Ayazi at (818) 878-4225 Ext. 314.

The City’s expanded Public Transit Program has released revised public transit routes for the fall.  The new schedule is simplified with Lines 2, 3, 4 and 5 replacing Lines 2 – 11. The routes will continue to be revised as needed.  Please continue checking the City’s website for the most recent schedule, as times and locations may change to improve service.  For additional information regarding the City’s Public Transit Program, please contact the Public Works Transportation Division at 818-878-4225, x289.

Early packet pick up will be hosted by Kings Fish House located in the Commons at Calabasas on Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10, 2007.  For more information on our events or raffle, please visit www.CalabasasClassic.com or email Julie Talbert directly.  Watch for more updates and don't forget to register at www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1382056.  Be sure and visit www.TalbertFamilyFoundation.org to see all the families that are being helped this year.

Did you know that when it rains, trash, litter, debris and pollutants in the streets flow through the storm drains straight into the ocean?  Unlike the sewer system, water traveling through the storm drain system is not treated, so the pollutants and debris end up in our rivers, and the Pacific Ocean.  In addition to polluting the ocean, this can cause flooding by clogging the storm drain system and allowing water to back up into the streets.

October 1 is the official start of the rainy season and with Southern Californians gearing up for the rainy season in general, the Calabasas Environmental Services Division is asking residents and businesses to remember basic tips to keep the storm drains clear of trash, litter and debris. 
 

It’s easy to forget that everything in the street (trash, cigarette butts, pet waste, oil that leaks from our car) washes into the ocean when it rains.  The first real rain of the season is the perfect time to think about what each of us can do to improve the quality of our waters and protect the environment.  Everyone can do their part by following a few simple steps.  Here are some tips to prevent flooding and reduce storm water pollution:

• Don’t throw litter and debris into the street.  Not only does it look bad, it ends up contaminating the ocean.  The quality of life in our neighborhoods suffers and trash can clog gutters and cause street flooding when it rains.

• Pick up after your dog.  Animal waste contains disease-causing pathogens that, when left on the ground, wash down the storm drains and contaminate beaches.  It can increase the risk of viral infections, especially after it rains.  When taking your dog for a walk or to the park, don’t forget to bring a bag or other container for clean up.  Most communities have an ordinance against leaving dog waste on the sidewalk or street.   Some carry a fine.  Here in Calabasas, we rely on residents’ responsibility.

• Reduce pesticide and fertilizer use.  Excessive fungicides, insecticides and fertilizers can run off your property when you water and flow into the storm drains contributing to storm water pollution.  Follow the directions on the container carefully, and use sparingly as the products include toxic and synthetic chemicals such as cadmium and phosphorus. 

Storm water pollution occurs as trash and other pollutants travel through the storm drains and contaminate the beaches, the ocean and waterways.  Each year, the County Department of Beaches and Harbors removes more than 4,500 tons of trash from area.  When it rains the volume of water flowing through the storm drain system can increase up to 10 billion gallons making it impossible to use the nets.

To report spills into storm drains, clogged storm drains, illegal dumping or for more information on how to prevent storm water pollution in the County of Los Angeles, call 1 (888)CLEAN LA or visit www.888CleanLA.com.

The Calabasas Men's $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit Challenger Tennis Tournament is taking place on Monday, October 15 - 21, 2007 at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center.  All matches from Monday through Thursday are free of charge.  Tickets are necessary to view the quarterfinal, semi-final and final matches which take place over the weekend and are currently available at the Tennis & Swim Center! For more information about the Challenger Men's Tennis Tournament, please call (818) 222-2782.

The Association of California Water Agencies, a coalition of 450 public water agencies, has launched a statewide public education program, “California’s Water: A Crisis We Can’t Ignore.”  This multi-faceted program will inform Californians about critical challenges now confronting the state’s water supply and delivery system.  California is facing serious problems that could ultimately lead to water rationing and reduced supplies throughout the state.  ACWA’s public education program will educate people about these mounting problems, such as aging infrastructure, environmental concerns, drought, climate change and new pressures associated with California’s every-growing population.

As the local face of water in their community, local water agencies have a responsibility to help educate the public about the challenges California is facing with its water supply and delivery system.  ACWA’s new public education program is designed to educate the public about the state’s growing water crisis through television, radio and print advertising, as well as through the Internet and community outreach.  The program kicked off in September and will continue through the remainder of 2007.  For more information, visit www.calwatercrisis.org.

Be sure to tune in to CTV on cable channel 3 in Calabasas, through live online web-streaming, or watch any meeting or CTV program at ANYTIME through the new CTV archive.

New this month on CTV:

Visit the CTV Channel Guide for a complete listing of programming.

City Council Agenda Items are available online the Thursday prior to a City Council Meeting. Agendas for all commissions are available online the Friday prior to the commission meeting.

For a complete calendar of events and meetings during
October, please visit our Calendar Page.