Historical Overview

By James R. Bozajian

A historical summary of achievements during James Bozajian's tenure on the City Council (1997 to present).

¡ñ Fiscal responsibility. Through prudent oversight, James has helped ensure Calabasas¡¯ ongoing financial stability. The city boasts a healthy general reserve fund of about $18 million.

¡ñ Calabasas Civic Center. As our Mayor in 1999, James signed the agreement to purchase the land upon which the Civic Center site would later be built. As Mayor again in 2003, James helped secure an $8.2 million state grant to construct our library. The beautiful Calabasas Civic Center was opened to the public in 2008.

¡ñ Slow growth. James has always fought against over-development. He led the fight to acquire Upper Las Virgenes Preserve (2003) and King Gillette Ranch (2005) as public parkland.

¡ñ Open space. James was the primary sponsor of the Calabasas Open Space Initiative (2005) and the Calabasas Historic Preservation Ordinance (2008).

¡ñ Public safety. As a career prosecutor, James understands the importance of enhancing public safety. With former City Councilwoman Karyn Foley and others, James helped establish the Calabasas Teen Court (1997) and presently runs the program.

¡ñ Public schools. James has spearheaded the city¡¯s financial assistance for public schools through creative joint use agreements, city grants for special programming, and support for local bond measures.

¡ñ Private enterprise. A long-time member of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, James worked with business and community leaders to bring such successful enterprises to our city as The Commons (1998) and Creekside Village (2000).

¡ñ Senior citizens. James helped establish the city¡¯s popular ¡°Savvy Seniors¡± group (2011) and supports construction of a Senior Center.

¡ñ Statewide leadership. James is a strong, effective, and respected advocate for Calabasas¡¯ interests outside the city. He has served on the Board of Directors of the California Contract Cities Association since 2008, including one term as its President (2011-12).

¡ñ Integrity and reliability. James¡¯ balanced, thoughtful, and open-minded approach to his work has served the City well. Highly accessible and readily approachable to his constituents, James has never missed a City Council meeting or a single vote in 16 years.

¡ñ Community spirit. James embraces our sense of community spirit. His efforts have ensured that Calabasas continues to offer outstanding educational and recreational opportunities for our residents ¡ª including such premier annual events as the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival and the all-day Fourth of July Celebration.