As we move further into the fall season, Calabasas continues to focus on preparedness, connection and community resilience. This week’s updates highlight several important topics — from maintaining the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability and introducing our new emergency alert system, to staying safe during wildfire season and learning how to spot new financial scams.

I also encourage you to take part in community events that strengthen both our spirit and our readiness—like the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill and the upcoming A.E. Wright Middle School Fall Concert.

Fiscal Sustainability
At the study session on Oct. 6, the City Council agreed that pursuing a local sales tax measure offers the strongest and most responsible path to secure the City’s long-term financial sustainability. This is not something we take lightly. The simple fact is that costs outside of our control, like our Sheriff’s contract, the JPIA (insurance) and more, are rising faster than our revenues. Meanwhile, we have the second smallest share of property tax of any California city and the County continues to delay the annexation of Craftsman's Corner.

Part of the discussion this week was on budget cuts that have happened over the last five years, which included a one-time 5% cut across-the-board, staff reductions, programming cuts and more. We made mention of the Cost Allocation Plan, which shifts the burden on the General Fund towards other funds with additional revenue sources like the Tennis and Swim Center, the Library and lighting districts. We also spoke of expenses that we were not willing to cut, including the community center, security, sheriffs and public safety.

As a first step, the City will begin working with a professional survey research firm to gather community feedback on a potential measure. Community input will be central in shaping whether and how a measure moves forward. Feedback from residents will help clarify local priorities, ensure transparency in the process and confirm whether there is support for placing a measure on the ballot. I will share more about how you can participate as we move forward.

Next steps will include further research and analysis by the City Manager’s Office, with results presented to the Council to guide decision-making in the months ahead.

The Council’s consensus reflects its commitment to fiscal responsibility and safeguarding community priorities. By advancing a local sales tax measure for further exploration, the Council affirms its belief that this is the most effective tool to maintain essential services and build a sustainable future for Calabasas. We had about a dozen people participating in the discussion this week, up from one a year ago. We want to be sure that everyone who would like to weigh in has the opportunity to do so. If you want more information or would like to contribute to the discussion, please feel free to reply, email the council or join us at the next study session.

New City Alert System: Genasys Alerts
The City of Calabasas has transitioned to the Genasys Alerts system, a modern emergency notification platform designed to deliver timely and targeted messages during emergencies. Whether it's wildfires, urgent safety advisories or community alerts, Genasys allows us to send voice calls, texts and emails directly to affected residents.

To receive alerts, ensure your contact information is up to date through the City’s alert registration portal. Existing users of FinalSite Connect should reset their passwords and verify their accounts with the email or phone number used for FinalSite.

Users who did not use FinalSite Connect should register to create an account. Stay informed, stay safe and stay connected — especially when it matters most.

Wildfire Safety Spotlight: Radiant Heat
In partnership with the City of Calabasas, EPIC-FSC is raising awareness about the second-most common way homes catch fire during wildfires: radiant heat. Unlike flying embers, radiant heat can ignite siding, fences or even break windows without direct contact from flames. In neighborhoods where houses are close together, one burning home can trigger a dangerous domino effect, spreading quickly from house to house.

Calabasas residents are encouraged to harden their homes and create defensible space to help protect not just their own property but the entire community. Stopping the domino effect starts with each of us.

Learn more about hardening your home.

Money Movement Scams
Recently, scammers have been contacting individuals by phone, email and text while posing as banks, law enforcement or government agencies like the FBI or IRS. These criminals pressure victims into believing their money is at risk, convincing them to transfer funds, invest in fake schemes or hand over cash, gold or other valuables to a courier. Anyone can be affected, regardless of age or background.

To stay safe:

• Don’t answer unknown calls or click on suspicious links.
• Verify contacts by calling the organization directly using official phone numbers.
• Never move money or deliver valuables based on an unexpected message or call.
• Talk with trusted family, friends or law enforcement before taking any action.

Remember: legitimate agencies will never demand secrecy or pressure you to act immediately. Stay cautious and help protect yourself — and your community — from scams.

Updated Agoura Road Closure for Wildlife Crossing Construction
To minimize the full road closure of Agoura Road, Caltrans has updated the construction schedule for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project. The revised schedule reduces impacts on motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, and does not affect the estimated completion date. 

New dates are as follows:

• Phase 1 work began Oct. 6., with one-way traffic controls in place on weekdays (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.) between Rondell Street and Hydepark Drive for three to four weeks. Minimal delays are expected.
• Phase 2 will occur from mid-November 2025 through June 2026. The same section of Agoura Road will be fully closed on weekdays, excluding major holidays. Local residents will still have access, while all other traffic will be detoured to U.S. 101.

A shuttle service will be available for cyclists and pedestrians during the full closure. For updates and maps, visit Caltrans QuickMap or sign up for project updates here.

Please plan ahead, follow detour signs and use caution in the work zone.

Fall Concert at A.E. Wright Middle School – Oct. 16
The A.E. Wright Parent Faculty Club invites you to the school’s Fall Concert on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in the school gym. This free, community event highlights the incredible talent of A.E. Wright’s music program. All are welcome — come in costume and enjoy an evening of music and celebration!

The Great ShakeOut – Oct. 16
On Thursday, Oct. 16, Calabasas will join communities around the world in the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. At 10:16 a.m., participants will practice “Drop, Cover and Hold On” — a key safety procedure that reduces injury during earthquakes.

This drill gives residents, students and businesses a chance to rehearse what to do when shaking begins — building preparedness and awareness across our community. I encourage everyone to take part in the ShakeOut, review your emergency plans and ensure your household is ready should the earth shake.

Learn more about emergency preparedness and the Great ShakeOut.

I encourage you to stay engaged, stay prepared and take advantage of the many opportunities to connect with your neighbors over the coming days. Thank you for helping make Calabasas a safe, resilient and welcoming place to call home.

Warm regards,
Peter