City of Calabasas issued the following announcement on Dec. 17.
As your new mayor, it is my pleasure to write my first Letter to the Community – following the footsteps of my two predecessors, James Bozajian and Alicia Weintraub. These weekly messages are as much from your city as an organization as they are from me, personally.
First, I want to thank my City Council colleagues. I cannot thank them enough for working together to navigate a rough couple of years, with a multitude of city managers, plus the pandemic and all the assorted problems we have had to face.
I would like to especially thank my predecessor, James Bozajian, for leading us through these challenges during the past 12 months. Nobody works longer hours, and often behind the scenes, but his invisible hand can be felt throughout the city.
This past week started off with news of a frightening robbery and assault on two people near the Sagebrush Cantina. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement and condemn this vicious attack. It happened just outside Calabasas city limits, but in a part of town we have all visited many times. Our thoughts are with the crime victims. We have asked the Sheriff’s Department to increase law enforcement presence in the community, and especially around busy commercial areas.
Police say this was an isolated incident – but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings wherever you are, especially at night. Try to stay in well-lighted areas, and if confronted by someone with a weapon, remain calm and don’t escalate the situation. Don’t make any quick or unexpected movements, and be a good witness so police can catch the person responsible. Sheriff Villanueva will be addressing public safety issues and your questions in a webinar on Thursday, January 20th at 6:00pm. Here is a link to join the meeting:
https://bit.ly/3o5U4YE
To listen only: (213) 306-3065
Access code: 2494-203-7518
Something else we should all do as soon as possible – get your booster shot. Calabasas residents have gotten their COVID vaccines in large numbers, but booster shots are now recommended for anybody over 18 – and over 16 for those who originally got the Pfizer vaccine.
2022 will be a time to work together to establish a new foundation to build on Calabasas’s future. The council and staff will set high-level strategic goals, followed by short-term operational goals that can be carefully measured. The public will be allowed to provide valuable input on how we meet those strategic goals. In the City’s 30 years, we have never taken a good hard look at long-term strategic planning and I hope you will attend our workshops and share your ideas.
And just as important, in 2022, the city needs to make greater strides to reduce our contributions to toxic greenhouse gases. We live in one of the wealthiest cities in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. We need to pause and look at our high-levels of consumption and its waste stream, monitor our high energy-use, and conserve our critical natural resources. Ask yourself, “What can I do differently right now to lesson my impact on climate change?” Remember, we are role models for our children who emulate our behaviors.
In closing, Calabasas is a small city and we have a small number of people who work for the City. But the work they do is incredible and deserve our respect and thanks. They endured months of working remotely during this pandemic, and still delivered world class service to residents. Our workers are the back-bone of this organization and if you see them out and about doing their jobs, give them a thumbs-up, and join me in saying thank you.
No matter how you celebrate this time of year, Happy Holidays and a wish for a safe and wonderful New Year.
Mary Sue Maurer
Mayor
City of Calabasas
Original source can be found here.
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