Mayor Highlights New Policies; Transparency in City Address

In the annual State of the City Address delivered Thursday, Mayor James Bozajian referenced a series of local legislative accomplishments that were heavily influenced by transparency with community members.

"Among the recurring themes I have emphasized are trust, transparency, and accountability," said the 15-year member of the before an audience of more than 100 people at the "Adhering to these values helps ensure that our city government properly represents those citizens whom we are responsible to serve. We have provided greater opportunity for direct citizen input into our decision-making processes."

In January, the council repealed the . The mayor also noted how the council last June on new wireless telcommunications facilities until an updated ordinance with stricter installation requirements is adopted.

Both actions gained traction following comments from concerned residents at council and commission meetings.

The mayor also noted the council's vote last fall that lets if they've been parked in the same spot for more than 24 hours.

Resident Robert Orgen said he complained about the issue to the city and after the mayor's speech added that he was pleased that the council was able to take action.

"I complained bitterly about the signs parked illegally on Calabasas Road," Orgen said. "It's an eysore."

A self-proclaimed fan of statistics, Bozajian presented a long list of Calabasas stats. One of the numbers he said he was the most proud of was the adoption of 395 acres of open space last year.

"The total inventory of land within Calabasas dedicated to permanent open space is 3,546 acres — 41 percent of our land mass —  much of it now owned by the city itself," Bozajian said.

Resident Stephanie Adams the continued acquisition of open space shows that the city is committed to constructive growth.

"They're concerned about how the city is growing and they're thinking strategically and smartly about the growth and the impact it will have on citizens both in the immediate future and the near future," she said after the mayor's address.

In 2011, the city continued its known reputation for environmental legislation by implementing a for all local businesses, Bozajian said.

Resident and former councilman Michael Harrison said although he is in favor of the plastic bag ban, the city could have incorporated more elements such as having grocers pay shoppers five cents for each returned bag.

"I think they missed an opportunity because they just copied the Los Angeles County version [of the ban,]" Harrison said.

Looking to 2012, Bozajian said he looks forward to the arrival of two new businesses: Old Town Calabasas restaurant and , which will be a retail car lot and automobile museum.

"Despite the challenges presented by a protracted national recession, this past year brought many new retail and commercial businesses to Calabasas to serve our community," he said during his speech.

After his speech, the mayor recognized the first five Calabasas council members as citizens of the year in honor of the community's 20th anniversary of cityhood.