13.3 square miles, it offers access to thousands of acres of open space and over 500 miles of trails. Approximately 40% of the city’s 13.3 square miles is dedicated to open space. Incorporated in 1991, Calabasas focuses on safety, education, and community programs. “Calabasas is primarily a residential community,” notes Michael Klein, Community Development Director, highlighting the city’s modest commercial corridors designed to enhance the quality of life.The Las Virgenes Unified School District,“a key asset to the community,” serves both local and nearby students, consistently ranking among California’s best public school system.The city also offers diverse recreational programs, including a robust senior center catering to residents of its aging yet active population. Old Town Calabasas serves as a cultural anchor, blending history with a lively, modern atmosphere. “The Calabasas Old Town actually borders L.A. city,” says Klein, where historical charm is maintained through a master plan that guides development. Unique shops, restaurants like “The Mulholland,” and a bustling weekly farmers market add to the area’s charm. Investments in upgraded sidewalks, L.E.D. lighting, and the preservation of the Old West theme, along with landmarks like the Leonis Adobe, enrich the community. DIVERSE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Calabasas offers an impressive array of educational opportunities that extend beyond its public school system. While the Las Virgenes Unified School District plays a significant role in the city’s academic landscape, Calabasas also houses private institutions and higher education programs that further enrich the community’s learning environment. In addition to the public schools, Klein points out, “There’s also a K through 12 private school, which is located in the city.” He refers to Viewpoint School, a unique institution set within the Santa Monica Mountains.The campus itself feels like a hidden gem, “almost like its own little canyon,” with an enrollment of about 1,200 students. Higher education also finds a place in Calabasas through Pepperdine University’s satellite campus. 61 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 CALABASAS, CA
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