What You Missed At The Calabasas State Of The City Address

Calabasas CA

14 October, 2021

3:53 PM

Description

CALABASAS, CA — At the 24th annual State of the City Address, Mayor James Bozajian discussed ongoing building projects, pandemic response and honored the "Citizens of the Year." The City of Calabasas was incorporated 30 years ago, on April 5 1991. Bozajian offered the first Calabasas state of the city address in 1999, during his first term as mayor. Bozajian stands beside a picture of him giving his first annual State of the City address in Calabasas. Citizens Of The Year AwardJohn and Joanne Suwara, "the ultimate power couple," moved to Calabasas in 1975 and have since lived in the same Malibu Canyon home. The couple was recognized for their long-standing commitment to the city through involvement with Calabasas schools, local government and the community. The couple founded the Calabasas Coalition in 2015, an organization that helps inform and mobilize residents on political issues that may affect the city. "We have been able to unite and inform residents of Calabasas about issues that affect their quality of life, and were looking forward to continuing to work to be the voice of the community," Joanne Sawara said in a video message. Joanne and John Suwara accepted the award with a prerecorded video. (The City of Calabasas) The couple has been involved in the community in many other ways. John Suwara has been a scout leader, little league baseball and youth basketball coach in Calabasas. He started a boys volleyball club at Calabasas High School and served as president to a girls volleyball club in the area. Joanne Suwara worked as a fifth grade teacher in the Las Virgenes Unified School District for 22 years and served as the business manager for the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce. She has also been active in the Malibu Canyon Community Association, Las Virgenes Homeowners Federation and Lupin Hill Elementary School parent faculty club. Building and Construction ProjectsBozajian offered updates on the many development projects ongoing in Calabasas right now. The city continues to rebuild following the 2018 Woolsey fire, which destroyed 19 homes in Calabasas. Bozajian said two of these houses have been rebuilt and two remain under construction. The Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center is the only municipal building that hasn't reopened following COVID-19 closures, but the city is working on securing funds to renovate the community center. Bozajian said the city has already received grands from the county and is expecting a federal grant in coming months. The Cambria Hotel, located at 26400 Rontell Street, will likely be completed later in 2021, as will the Hilton Garden Inn's expansion, located at 24150 Park Sorrento. Additionally, the city received recognition from the American Public Woks Association for its Malibu Hills Road Green Street project, which will be repeated on roads across the city. The project manages stormwater runoff to minimize pollution entering bodies of water, according to the city. The city is currently working on updating its housing plan and will accommodate a greater demand for affordable housing in the city. The housing plan is required by the state to be updated every eight years, and must demonstrate the city's ability to meet projected housing needs. COVID-19 Calabasas received $5.7 million in federal stimulus packages this year, Bozajian said, some of which has been distributed to various city programs. The city put the funding towards technology upgrades to move different city functions to virtual platforms, a grant for the chamber of commerce, funding for senior citizens' programming and for housing support to individuals experiencing homelessness. The city also used some of the money for emergency preparedness programs. 30th Anniversary Award Bozajian honored Michael Brockman with the 30th Anniversary Award, recognizing his long-term devotion to the city. Brockman was one of the original members of Calabasas' communications committee and worked on the city's incorporation in 1991. He has since worked on different city projects, including developing important city areas and helping build out the city's media presence. "It's been a joy for me to be a still active part of this vibrant community for over 40 years. James, I greatly appreciate this distinctive award," Brockman said in a video message.