|
 Calabasas
celebrated twenty years as a City in 2011. On March 5,
1991, Calabasas residents overwhelmingly voted by a 9 to 1
margin to break away from Los Angeles County and incorporate
as a City. That vote resulted from many years of tireless
work by the Calabasas Cityhood Committee and a number of
area residents who wanted decision making power to be
localized. On April 5, 1991, Calabasas officially became
the 88th City in Los Angeles County.
"After more than a decade of struggle, we now are in charge
of our lands, our laws, our revenues and our resources," said
Dennis Washburn who gained the most votes in the 1991
election and was later named the first Mayor of the City.
Councilmember Washburn recently decided to retire in 2011
after being elected five times and serving a remarkable 20
years on the City Council.
After incorporation, the Calabasas City Council, Commissions
and staff took charge of managing local development,
protecting the environment, creating parks, and maintaining
the independence that differentiates Calabasas from the rest
of Los Angeles County. The City’s first ordinance was an
oak tree preservation and protection law. The City began
the process of drafting a General Plan, organized
commissions and boards, and began preparations for a park
site at Lost Hills and Las Virgenes Roads that would become
Juan Bautista de Anza Park. The City’s red-tailed hawk City
logo was commissioned and city services were established.
Today, Calabasas remains the youngest city in Los Angeles
County. Twenty years after incorporation, Calabasas
provides residents with exceptional quality of living while
serving as a national leader in environmental and public
health issues. The City Council, Commissioners and staff
would like to thank all Calabasas residents for their active
participation in making Calabasas such a remarkable place to
call home. |
