The grand opening of Wild Walnut Park this weekend was a huge success. It was truly wonderful to witness such a strong turnout from our community, all coming together to enjoy this new addition to our city. The Park not only offers spaces for children and dogs to play but also features a newly created area with picnic benches, providing a perfect spot for relaxation and community gatherings.  Watch a recap video here: Wild Walnut Park - Ribbon Cutting

I am also pleased to announce that both Freedom Park and Highland Park are now officially open, boasting brand-new play equipment that will surely be enjoyed by all!

As a reminder, the City will observe Labor Day on Monday, September 2nd, and City Hall, the Library, and the Senior Center will be closed in observance. This holiday, rooted in the late nineteenth century, was established to honor the many contributions that workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being.
 

Our second “Explore Calabasas” hike program is scheduled for Saturday, September 14th. This hike will take participants along the Calabasas De Anza Loop. For more details and registration, please visit  Explore Calabasas Hike Registration.

As you begin to notice campaign signs around the city, you might wonder about the absence of signs for the City Council election. For the first time in our city’s history, there will not be a City Council election this year. Only two candidates, Mayor Pro Tem Peter Kraut and I, filed papers to run. With two candidates for two seats, the City Council voted to cancel the election and adopted Resolution No. 2024-2019, appointing us to the Office of City Council, which was to be elected on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

For more information, you can review the staff report and attachments from the August 14th City Council meeting:
Item 10B - Staff Report
Attachment A - Resolution No. 2024-1921
Attachment B - Certificate of the City Clerk
Attachment C - Notice of Insufficient Candidates

Although there will not be a City Council election, there are still important elections for two LVUSD school board seats, LA County District Attorney, and other local races that will directly impact Calabasas. Let’s not forget the national elections as well.

We will be hosting a Voter Information Night, organized by the Mayor’s Youth Council, to review the ballot.  This event will be on Monday, October 14th, and it is open to the entire community.  Calabasas has a strong tradition of high voter turnout, and we hope to see that continue in this critical election.  Please make sure you are registered for the November election: https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/elections

This past Wednesday the City Council introduced an ordinance to prohibit certain aggressive and unsafe forms of solicitations that are a threat to public health, safety, and general welfare. The Council appreciated all the members of the public who submitted letters of support on this item. Our City Council is committed to strengthening public safety and this is another tool to accomplish this.  You can watch the agenda item here: Item #7 - Calabasas City Council Meeting - 08/28/2024

Have a good weekend,
Alicia