As of April 18, 2009, all calls placed from the 818 area code will require 11 digit dialing (1 + area code + the seven digit phone number).   The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted in 2008 to implement an area code overlay in the 818 area code.  Residents are encouraged to change their speed-dial and programmed phone numbers now to reflect 11 digit dialing.  Beginning April 18, 2009, residents in the 818 area code must use the new dialing procedure for all calls. After this date, if residents do not use the new 11 digit dialing procedure, the call will not be completed and a recording will instruct callers to hang up and dial again.  Phone numbers with the new 747 area code may be issued beginning May 18, 2009.  Please note that adding “1” and the area code when dialing calls, and the ultimate addition of the new 747 area code, does not change the cost of the call; calls that are in a resident's local calling area continue to remain local calls.  Residents may still dial three digits to reach 911, 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811.

The City of Calabasas Community Services Department invites children ages 2-12 to grab a basket and take part in the fun at the annual Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.  Over 2,500 eggs will be hidden in the fields of Grape Arbor Park in Calabasas with guaranteed prizes!  Eggstravaganza participants can also enjoy taking pictures with the Easter Bunny (for a small fee), visit a petting zoo, take part in an egg toss and play other fun games.  The egg hunt and the petting zoo are free.  Please note that participants must bring their own baskets.  Grape Arbor Park is located at the corner of Canwood Street and Parkville Road off the Lost Hills exit of the 101 freeway (map).  A full schedule for Eggstravaganza and other event information can be found online.   Please call (818) 880-6461 for additional information. 

The City of Calabasas will host an annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.  The event is free and will take place at the Las Virgenes Creek restoration site on Agoura Road and Las Virgenes Road behind Starbucks.  The Earth Day celebration will feature entertainment, learning booths, informational speakers, and activities that focus on the environment.  A number of event sponsors will highlight their activities and green products including the BMW Hydrogen 7 fuel car and the all-electric MINI E vehicle. There will also be live animal presentations by the Nature of Wildworks and live music by the Acoustic River Band.  Additionally, residents will receive giveaways and information from participating organizations on the many ways they can care for the environment.  For additional information about the Calabasas Earth Day Festival, please call (818) 224-1600.

The 12^th annual Calabasas Fine Arts Festival will take place over two days on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. at the Calabasas Civic Center and the Commons at Calabasas shopping center (just adjacent to the previous Park Sorrento Fine Arts Festival location).  Admission and parking are both free.   

As always, hundreds of artists will be on hand selling unique art that can fit into any budget.  The Calabasas Fine Arts Festival features a number of returning artists along with an exciting list of new artisans. The show will have a variety of genre’s of art including, glass, acrylic, mixed media, metal and sculpture art, wood work, photography, jewelry and much, much more. Please join Calabasas for this wonderful May weekend of great artistry, entertainment, food and fun!  For more information about the Calabasas Fine Arts Festival, please visit www.calabasasartscouncil.com or visit www.cityofcalabasas.com.

The Calabasas Historical Society (CHS) is now taking reservations for a free guided tour highlighting historical Calabasas landmarks. The Calabasas History Tour will be offered on Saturday, April 11, 2009 and again on Saturday, May 16, 2009.  The City’s red trolley will bring tour participants past landmarks related to the old west, early moviemaking, the roaring 1920’s, the suburban 1960’s and more.  The tour visits several significant landmarks representing the Calabasas area’s rich historical diversity. Knowledgeable guides from the Calabasas Historical Society will share local facts, legend and lore at such points of interest as the Masson Homestead House, Old Town Calabasas, Park Moderne, and King Gillette Ranch.  Tours are conducted by the Calabasas Historical Society with special guests.  The tour is 2.5 hours in length and departs at 10:00a.m. from the Calabasas Civic Center at 100 Civic Center Way in Calabasas (map).  Seating is very limited and reservations must be made in advance by calling (818) 222-7466.

The 13th annual Point Mugu to Point Dume Whale Festival will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at Leo Carrillo State Park (located between Point Mugu and Dume at 35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265) The Festival celebrates the annual migration of the California gray whale and its successful return from the brink of extinction.  Whale appreciation and environmental awareness are celebrated through live entertainment, environmental conservation information booths, whale watching stations, arts and crafts for children, activities, music and food.  Experienced naturalists will be on hand to help participants spot and identify gray whales and bottlenose dolphin directly from the beach.  Parking for the public is $10 or free for schools with pre-arranged reservations.  The event is sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association.   For more information contact: (805) 488-1827 x106 or visit the website www.malibuinterp.com. 

The Calabasas Community Services Department is currently taking registrations for the Summer 2009 VolunTEEN Program.  The program is for individuals between the ages of 13 and 17 who are interested in volunteering in the community this summer. Participants will have the chance to help with a variety of activities including recreational classes, summer camps, sports, programs, and special events.  Some teens will have the opportunity to work in an office setting at the Calabasas Civic Center  and the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. VolunTEEN registration is ongoing at Juan Bautista De Anza Park (3701 Lost Hills Rd. in Calabasas) from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information please call Recreation Specialist Michelle Lee at (818) 880-6461.

The 6th annual Calabasas Relay for Life, a 24 hour team event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society, will take place on May 16, 2009  beginning at 10:00a.m. and ending at 10:00a.m. on May 17, 2009 at A.E. Wright Middle School in Calabasas.  Relay for Life is a chance for the community to come together to raise awareness of cancer, celebrate survivors, remember those lost to the disease, and raise funds to fight cancer through research, education, advocacy and patient services. 

Anyone is welcome to participate by starting a team, joining an existing team or simply donating to a team that is already set-up.  Teams are currently forming from local businesses, student groups and residents and members are raising funds which can be donated securely online or by check.  For more information about Calabasas Relay for Life, to create or join a team or to donate, please visit the official website. 

The Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center is seeking Lifeguards and Swim instructors for the upcoming summer season. This exciting summer job opportunity provides a comfortable outdoor work environment near a pool,  interaction with  friendly people, and the opportunity to assist with City events like Movie Under the Stars or the 4^th of July Splash Party. 

For applicants who are not yet certified as a lifeguard or swim instructor, the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center will be hosting lifeguard and water safety classes.  All classes costs $150.  Please see the linked flyer and application for more information including class dates and times.  Applicants with questions should call Recreation Coordinator Raine Kishimoto at (818) 222-2782.

2009 SPRING/SUMMER RECREATION BROCHURE, SUMMER BASKETBALL & TEEN FITNESS

The City of Calabasas Recreation department has published a combined Spring and Summer Recreation brochure for 2009.  The double issue, mailed to residents and now available online, gives families a chance to plan early for summertime activities and classes while also taking advantage of all the spring recreation opportunities in the City.  The brochure features detailed information about adult and youth classes, senior citizen programs, community news and information, sports activities and much more.   For more information about Calabasas recreation opportunities or for help with class registration, please call the Recreation department at (818) 880-6461.

The Community Services Department is currently accepting registrations for the Calabasas Summer Basketball League.  Sign-ups for boys and girls (ages 5-16) are ongoing at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Rd., Calabasas, CA 91302.  Registration hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. or until leagues are filled.  League play runs from June to August 2009.  For more information please call (818) 880-6461.

A teen fitness program is being offered at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center beginning on  April 20, 2009.  The program includes a variety of fitness activities including circuit training, teen spirit yoga, teen hip-hop, kick-boxing, and "drums alive."  For more information, please contact Deborah Heumann at (818) 825-7385.

The Calabasas Big Sunday Creek Clean-up will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. at Las Virgenes Creek on Agoura Road and Las Virgenes Road just behind the Starbucks. 

Big Sunday is an annual volunteer weekend that takes place each year in the Los Angeles area and Calabasas is participating this year with a special Creek Clean-up Event. Big Sunday will take place on May 2 and May 3, 2009 and include a series of environmental events labeled as Green Sunday.  Big Sunday volunteers come from, and volunteer in, all neighborhoods from the greater Los Angeles area.  There are volunteer opportunities for every passion, every talent, and every age. Projects are scheduled throughout the weekend to work with any schedule.  Projects can last anywhere from one hour to two days.  Everything about Big Sunday is completely non-denominational and non-political.

For more information on Big Sunday, please visit http://www.bigsunday.org/.  For more information about the Calabasas Creek Clean-up, please call (818) 878-4225, ext. 307.

The City of Calabasas  organizes two free monthly electronic waste collection events in addition to the usual monthly water based paint and used oil collection event. On  the first Saturday of each month (Saturday, April 4, 2009), an electronic waste collection will take place at the Albertson’s parking lot, 26521 Agoura Road (at Las Virgenes Road) in Calabasas from 10:00a.m to 3:00p.m. A second monthly electronic waste event will take place on the 3rd Saturday of the month on Saturday, April 18, 2009 in the Vons Shopping Center parking lot at 23381 Mulholland Drive in Woodland Hills from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Acceptable items include but are not limited to CD players, laptops and personal computers, microwave ovens, printers, radios, stereos, telephones, and VCR’s.

On Saturday, April 11, 2009 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 to 2:00p.m. For more information, please contact the City of Calabasas Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator at (818) 224-1600.

On Saturday, April 18, 2009, there will be a free bulky item pick-up by Waste Management for Calabasas residents ONLY.  Furniture, mattresses, carpet, refrigerators and other appliances can be picked up by appointment only.  Appointments must be made by noon on Friday, April 17, 2009 with Waste Management by calling (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) 224-1600.

The City of Calabasas and the Lost Hills Disaster Communications Service would like to invite the public to attend an Amateur Ham Radio Study and Exam Session for an Entry Level FCC License on Sunday, April 19, 2009 at the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.   The class will take place from 9:30a.m. to 3:00p.m. and the exam will begin at 3:00p.m. and last one hour.  There is a $25.00 class fee that includes class expenses and snacks.  Please note that registration is required and walk-ins will not be accepted.  Register today by sending a check to Norm Goodkin, 22287 Mulholland Drive #162, Calabasas, CA 91302.  Please write "Ham Class" on the check memo.  For more information, please contact Debbie Larson at (818) 224-1600 or dlarson@cityofcalabasas.com.

Calabasas Teen Court, a program run by teens for teens, will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2009 at 4:15p.m.  The April session marks the 12^th anniversary of Calabasas Teen Court.  The location is at the Founders Hall inside the library, 200 Civic Center Way, Calabasas, CA 91302.  

Teen offenders, between the ages of 13 and 17, who have committed a misdemeanor crime have their cases heard by a jury of their peers. A local volunteer judge or attorney presides as Judge and is directly involved in the Court proceedings.  All high school students are welcome to serve on the jury.  For more information about Teen Court jury participation, please call Michelle Lee, Recreation Specialist, at (818) 880-6461.

The Calabasas High School Study Buddies program allows Calabasas elementary and middle school students to get free help with homework from at the Calabasas Library.  High school students are available to help elementary and middle school students with their homework and to work on study skills.  Study Buddies is available on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30p.m. to 4:30p.m. in the Calabasas Library meeting room.  The library is located at 200 Civic Center Way in Calabasas.  For more information about the Study Buddies program, please contact the library for availability at (818) 225-7616.

The City of Calabasas recently entered into separate solid waste franchise agreements with Waste Management, Inc. and Crown Disposal Co. to provide collection services for City residents and businesses. Waste management will provide regular residential and commercial collection services and Crown Disposal Co. will provide temporary collection services. The goal of a waste franchise system is to guarantee the best service to residents at the best possible rates.  The franchise agreement increases recycling and trash collection efficiency. It provides a uniform collection service for residential recycling and trash collection and eliminates duplicate trash collection services along city roads, resulting in less large vehicular traffic and associated wear and tear on City roads. Additionally the franchise agreement requires that all trash collection vehicles must operate on 100% alternative fuel by the year 2012.   The City has received several inquiries regarding Waste Management rates and procedures and has created a Frequently Asked Questions document that is available on the City's website.

Conejo Players Theatre - Thousand Oaks
    The Tea House of August Moon
    May 1-23, 2009
    Thurs., Fri. & Sat. at 8:00p.m.
    Sun. at 2:00p.m.
    Buy Tickets
    
Madrid Theatre - Canoga Park
     April 2009 Calendar

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza - Thousand Oaks
     April 2009 Calendar
     
 

Between now and June 12, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders. 

If you do not have a digital television, Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to keep using their analog TV sets after June 12, 2009.  The Program allows U.S. household to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

Consumers have a variety of options including:
1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after June 12, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite of other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

You can visit the official Digital Television Transition website for information on whether or not you need a converter box, to obtain a coupon, for FAQ's and more information on the transition.

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.


This month on CTV:

Calabasas, A Living History
(View this program anytime with CTV Archiving)

Join host John Loesing, on location in the backyard of longtime Calabasas resident, Dave Brown.  Tune-in to hear about Mr. Brown's history and his influence on the Calabasas Planning Commission.

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.  All City Council meetings and commission meetings take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 100 Civic Center Way in Calabasas.






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