35^th Anniversary of Calabasas’ Incorporation Election
Next week will mark the 35^th anniversary of Calabasas’ historic first election. On March 5, 1991, local residents voted to incorporate the City of Calabasas. The vote in favor of incorporation was approved with more than 90% of the vote, a margin that has not been matched in any local election since. Concurrently, 13 candidates competed to serve on the first City Council. The five individuals who were elected that day were Dennis Washburn, Bob Hill, Marvin Lopata, Lesley Devine, and Karyn Foley.

Explore Community Center Memberships
The Calabasas Community Center is a hub for fitness, recreation, and connection in our community. With flexible membership options, residents can enjoy access to fitness equipment, open gym opportunities, and a wide range of programs for all ages and activity levels.

If you are looking for a convenient way to stay active and engaged close to home, I encourage you to explore the Community Center’s membership offerings. It is a simple step that can support a healthier, more connected year ahead.

Brush Clearing with Goats
Beginning in March, a herd of 500 hungry goats will arrive in City open space areas to provide fuel reduction efforts in strategic, fire-prone areas identified by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.  This brush clearance project is in partnership with the City of Calabasas, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), and the Los Angeles County Fire Department through the Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan. The effort helps create strategic, defensible space around communities within the Santa Monica Mountains, including Calabasas, Topanga, Malibu, and Agoura Hills.

Visit the Calabasas Library
The Calabasas Municipal Library continues to be one of our community’s most welcoming and popular spaces. Whether searching for your next great read, exploring digital resources, or attending an upcoming program, the Library offers something for residents of all ages. If you have not visited recently, I encourage you to stop by. It is a wonderful place to learn, connect, and spend time in the heart of our community.

New Water Partnership Strengthens Regional Reliability
The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District has entered into a new Water Storage and Exchange Program with the Irvine Ranch Water District to enhance long-term water reliability for the region.  Through this partnership, LVMWD will have emergency access to a portion of water stored in IRWD’s Water Bank — a resource captured during wet years and reserved for times of drought or supply disruption. The agreement allows LVMWD to withdraw up to 850 acre-feet of water annually during declared emergencies, strengthening local resilience in the face of California’s increasingly variable climate. While this partnership adds an important layer of preparedness, both agencies continue to emphasize that everyday water conservation remains essential to sustaining our shared water future.

Join the Community Services Team
The City of Calabasas Community Services team is hiring part-time Recreation Attendants to support operations across several City facilities. These customer service–focused roles are available at the Calabasas Senior Center (front desk), Calabasas Community Center (front desk, rentals, and gym oversight), Juan de Anza Park (program and sports support), and the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center (fitness monitoring and rental oversight). Applications are now being accepted, with the first round of review scheduled for Monday, March 9. If you enjoy serving the public and being part of a welcoming team, learn more and apply.

Film Screening: Western Monarch Butterflies
Join the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains for a special outdoor screening of Western Monarch Butterflies: Protecting Our Pollinators, a compelling film by Ian Nelson that highlights efforts to protect Western Monarchs.  The event takes place Saturday, March 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Peter Strauss Ranch (30000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura).  Pre-show activities begin at 5 p.m., including partner tabling and a meet-and-greet, followed by a question-and-answer panel at 6 p.m. before the film. Tickets are $15, with free attendance offered for children 12 and under.  Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy this family-friendly evening focused on pollinators and local environmental stewardship.

Learn more and purchase your tickets.

Save the Date: Arbor Day Celebration
Help us grow a greener Calabasas at our annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Gates Canyon Park. This community tree planting event is a meaningful way to support local sustainability efforts while enjoying time outdoors with neighbors and friends. We hope to see you there.

Save the Date: Bunny Trail Junior Egg Hunt
Spring fun is just around the corner. Join us for the Bunny Trail Junior Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at Juan Bautista de Anza Park.  Families will travel the trail loop to visit farm animals, hunt for eggs, enjoy crafts, and hop through a bunny obstacle course. The experience takes about 30 minutes, with start times scheduled every 10 minutes from 9 to 11:50 a.m. The morning will also feature a Recreation Showcase, offering a preview of upcoming classes and camps and a chance to meet instructors. Space is limited, and registration opens tomorrow, February 28.

Have a great weekend,
— James