I am honored to welcome you to my first newsletter as your new Mayor. Stepping into this role again is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I look forward to building on the steady progress we have made together. Calabasas is a place where people look out for one another, stay engaged and take pride in our community. 

I hope this newsletter is a helpful way for us to stay connected. As we take time to recharge and enjoy the holiday season, this will be the final newsletter of 2025. Regular updates will resume the first week of January with plenty of news, events and information to share in the new year.

I am excited for the year ahead and grateful to begin it with all of you.

Stay Active This Winter: Community Center Memberships
Looking to stay active this winter or for a convenient, affordable way to fit in your work-outs? The Calabasas Community Center offers flexible monthly fitness memberships.

• Gym 2 Gym Membership – Enjoy unlimited access to the weight room, cardio equipment, locker room showers, and open-play pickleball, basketball and volleyball. Members also receive priority registration for Community Center classes.
• Gym 2 Gym with Premier Pass – Includes all benefits above, plus unlimited access to group fitness classes such as yoga, spin, cardio dance and body sculpting.

To sign up, visit the Civic Rec Registration System and click the Membership tab.

Ride the Calabasas Flyer
Are you looking for an easy way to get around town — especially with holiday shopping in full swing? The Calabasas Flyer has you covered. This on-demand ride service makes it simple to move around the City without worrying about parking or traffic, whether running errands, heading to an appointment, or meeting friends.

Rides are just $2.50 within Calabasas and $4 to nearby destinations, making it an affordable option for quick trips. Simply download the Calabasas Flyer app, book your ride and you are on your way.

For those who need a little extra support, the City also offers Flyer Plus — a weekday service for residents 65 and older and individuals with permanent disabilities or serious medical conditions.

To learn more about how the Flyer can make getting around easier this season, visit our website.

Holiday Travel Reminder: Agoura Road Closure Continues Through June 2026
Due to construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, the section of Agoura Road between Hydepark Drive and Rondell Street remains closed on weekdays through June 2026. Only local residents will be allowed to access the area. 

As you travel this holiday season, please remember to use the 101 Freeway detour between Chesebro Road and Liberty Canyon Road. A weekday shuttle is available for pedestrians and cyclists, and temporary bus stop relocations will be posted as needed.

This closure supports the next major phase of the wildlife crossing, a project designed to protect mountain lions and other species, reconnect critical habitat and help restore biodiversity across our region.

Happy Holidays
Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Merry (Orthodox) Christmas!  This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14, and continues through Monday, December 22.  As they have since 1998, the Calabasas Shul will sponsor a Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Calabasas Civic Center on Tuesday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m.  It is open to the public.

City Hall Holiday Closures
As the holiday season approaches, please note the following City Hall closures:

• Wednesday, December 24: Closed.
• Thursday, December 25: Closed.
• Wednesday, December 31: Closed at noon.
• Thursday, January 1, 2026: Closed.

Normal business hours will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026 (after The Twilight Zone Marathon).

New Building Standards Take Effect January 1
Beginning Thursday, January 1, 2026, the updated 2025 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) goes into effect, bringing significant changes to construction requirements Statewide. These updates focus on electrification, wildfire resilience, seismic safety and sustainable building practices — all designed to improve long-term safety and environmental performance.

Please note that any new project submitted after December 31, 2025, will be required to comply with the new standards.

For questions or guidance on how these changes may affect your project, please contact the City’s Building and Safety Division.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with family, friends, moments of connection, safety and health. 

I look forward to sharing news and updates with you again in January.

James
Mayor, City of Calabasas