12th Annual Calabasas Fine Arts Festival
May 2 & 3, 2009

Calabasas Relay for Life
May 16-17, 2009
A.E. Wright Middle School

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A new variation of the flu virus known as H1N1 Influenza was first detected in Mexico and began appearing in parts of California and several other US states beginning in late April.  Initial cases in the United States have been mild and health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the virus. All residents are encouraged to:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible.
• Practice good health habits including getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious foods, and keeping physically active.

Calabasas residents can visit the Los Angeles County Public Health website, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization for updates and advisories regarding swine flu, flu prevention tips, and a list of frequently asked questions regarding swine flu.  The City of Calabasas website will also be updated, as warranted, with additional information regarding the Swine Influenza outbreak.             

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. There will be an array of live stage entertainment, delicious food at the Commons restaurants, plus a wine garden hosted by Mi Piace restaurant.  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 6th annual Calabasas Relay for Life, a 24 hour team event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society, will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2009  beginning at 10:00a.m. and ending at 10:00a.m. on Sunday, 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 City of Calabasas will be releasing revised schedules for 2009 summer public transportation service in May.  Line 1 will continue unchanged and Line 2 – Line 5 will begin summer service on either June 23 or June 29, 2009 depending on the individual Line and summer schools served.  Lines 2 and 4 will be providing looping service for students needing to attend Agoura High School.  Lines 3 and 5 provide access to Sumac Elementary School.  As always, the summer transportation service is provided at no cost to riders and seating is limited on a first come, first served basis. The revised routes and schedules will soon be available for viewing and downloading under the Public Works Department website.  Please contact Calabasas Public Transportation Customer Service at (888) 287-7929, with any questions. 

City of Calabasas Shuttle Bus riders during peak hours are required to register for a free Peak Hour Shuttle Pass.  Applications are available on the City website or at City Hall. Please note that every passenger must fill out an application and minors are required to have their parent or guardian sign the form. The Peak Hour Shuttle Pass must be shown to the Shuttle Bus driver upon boarding. Every rider, adult or minor, will need to show a valid pass to ride the Shuttle during peak morning and evening hours. Fully completed applications may be returned to: Traffic & Transportation Division, City of Calabasas, 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas, CA 91302. Click here for a brochure with City of Calabasas Shuttle Rules and Regulations. Please note that violators of these rules and regulations may be subject to removal and suspension from the Calabasas Transit System.  Line 1 and the Calabasas Trolley are exempt from the Peak Hour Shuttle Pass. For more information, please contact the Calabasas Transportation Department at (888) 287-7929.

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 Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) is notifying customers that a Water Budget Program will take effect in Calabasas and other LVMWD communities on July 1, 2009.  The program was authorized by the LVMWD Board in response to a third consecutive year of below average rainfall and judicial restrictions on pumping water to Southern California, resulting in a reduction in allotted supply announced by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. After July 1, single-family residential customers will start each eight-week billing cycle with a base allotment of 16 billing units of water (nearly 12,000 gallons) for indoor use and apartment/condo customers will start with 12 billing units.  An additional outdoor budget may be added, based on the size of the property served and the parcel group to which it is assigned.

LVMWD has announced a series of “Community Water Budget Workshops” that will explain the budget program to customers, answer their questions and distribute information on conservation methods that will help them comply with their individual budgets. Each workshop will start at 7:30 p.m.  Workshops will be held in Calabasas on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center and on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Agoura/Calabasas Community Center.  For more information, please call (818) 251-2100.

The Calabasas Historical Society (CHS) is hosting a free guided tour highlighting historical Calabasas landmarks. The Calabasas History Tour will be offered 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 Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center will be hosting a special “Spring Fit” event on Monday, May 11, 2009 from 8:45a.m. to 1:00p.m.  The event will include iron yoga with Gina Cool, “gTONNICKS” with Mr. G (precision toning for the abdomen, hips, thighs, and more), healthy snacks, raffles,  lunch with massage chairs  by Zellmar & Associates, and muscle and posture analysis by Calabasas Chiropractor Dr. Elham.   The fee for this day of fitness is only $25 for Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center members and $35 for non members. Registration is available at the Tennis & Swim Center.  Please call the Tennis & Swim Center at  (818) 222-2782 for additional information or to register.

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 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

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 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, May 2, 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, May 16, 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, May 9, 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.

While safe and proper construction of homes and commercial buildings may not be an everyday topic for most people, staff at City Hall focus on building safety every day while assisting businesses and residents with projects throughout the City.  To help raise awareness of building safety, the City of Calabasas is celebrating Building Safety Week from May 3-9, 2009 by promoting the use, enforcement, and understanding of building safety to protect lives and property in Calabasas.

“Building Safety:  Where you Live, Work and Play” is the theme of Building Safety Week 2009.  In celebration, the City will have plenty of helpful handouts available at City Hall for adults along with free coloring books for children.   Residents are encouraged to participate in Building and Safety week by coming to the Building & Safety Division located at City Hall at 100 Civic Center Way.  For more information, please call (818) 224-1600.

Bring a  new and emerging reader from grades K-3 to the Calabasas Library on Saturday, May 2, 2009 to share in the unique reading program featuring some very special dogs.  Each participating child will have 15 minutes to read to a therapy dog.  The dogs, each trained through the non-profit organization Paws 4 Healing, will sit (or lie!) and listen while your child experiences the joy of reading aloud.  The program is from 11:30a.m. to 1:30p.m and reservations will be accepted beginning at 11:00a.m. in the library.  The Calabasas Library is located at 200 Civic Center Way in Calabasas (map). For more information call, please call Jill Nevins, Children’s Library assistant, at  (818) 225-7616, ext. 2.

The Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center will be holding a special Summer Movie Night on Saturday, June 27, 2009 featuring the family favorite Scooby-Doo.  Tickets are FREE and will be available for pick-up beginning on Monday, June 1, 2009 at the Tennis & Swim Center front desk.  Tickets are limited to 5 per family.  Doors will open at 6:00p.m., fun games begin at 6:30p.m., and the movie starts at 8:30p.m.  Please feel free to bring a swim suit, towel, a short beach chair, swim noodle, change of clothes and money for snacks.  The Cafe will be open for movie treats and dinner.  Please do not bring any outside food, beverages or alcohol.  Smoking is prohibited.  For more information, please call (818) 222-2782.

The 14th annual Calabasas Chamber of Commerce Wine Tasting and Silent Auction will be held on Friday, June 5, 2009 from 5:30p.m. - 7:30p.m. at the Calabasas Civic Center Plaza at 100/200 Civic Center Way in Calabasas (adjacent to the Commons at Calabasas).  The event will feature distinctive wine varietals from around the world and an array of hors d’oeuvres from the finest local restaurants.  The annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction benefits Chamber of Commerce business programs and activities during the year. Tickets for the event are $40 per person and reservations can be made through the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, please call (818) 222-5680.

The Nature of Wildworks, a non-profit wildlife education organization located in the Santa Monica Mountains, is hosting a "Calabasas Goes Wild" benefit on Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at the historic Leonis Adobe Museum, 23537 Calabasas Road in Calabasas.   The program will include a brief bluegrass concert by Mollie Hogan and her partner Mike Martsolf; a 40 minute animal show featuring native species housed at Wildworks; optional house tours of the Leonis Adobe; a silent auction; hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks, and a cash bar with wine and beer.  The cost for the benefit is $25 per person or $65 for families up to 4; additional children are $10 each.   The event is open to the public and reservations must be made by Monday, June 1, 2009.  Walk-ins will be admitted if space permits and they will be charged an additional $10 per person.  For tickets, please contact the Nature of Wildworks at (310) 455-0550, via email at info@wildworks.org, or purchase tickets online.

Calabasas Civic Center Plaza
     Billy Joel Tribute Band Concert
    Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 6:00p.m.
     Free event!

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
     May 2009 Calendar

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza - Thousand Oaks
     May 2009 Calendar

The City of Calabasas is pleased to present the first 2009 Summer Concert Series performance featuring Michael John's Billy Joel Tribute show in the plaza area at the Calabasas Civic Center on Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 6:00p.m.  Michael John, a native of Las Vegas,  found out early in life that he had the voice of Billy Joel.  Michael has perfected his Billy Joel tribute show and has landed gigs playing the world famous Legends In Concert, and on FOX Television’s “Performing As...” portraying the famous piano man.  The concert is free and delicious refreshments will be available for purchase at the show.  The Civic Center is located at 100/200 Civic Center Way (formerly Park Centre) next to the Commons at Calabasas.  Plenty of free parking is available.

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:

Author's Night
(View this program anytime with CTV Archiving)

Host Karyn Foley's guest are Marilyn Stolzman, Ph.D., L.M.F.T and Gloria Lintermans, authors of: "The Healing Power of Love" and
"The Healing Power of Grief".

Calabasas City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

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 May, please visit our Calendar Page.