California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that gives an allocation of $5 million dedicated to supporting the City of Calabasas’ open space acquisition initiatives.
The City will collaborate with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) to ensure optimal implementation of this funding.
“The City of Calabasas, in collaboration with the SMMC, anticipates that this funding will not only safeguard valuable open spaces but also contribute to the overall well-being and recreational opportunities for the community,” said Calabasas Mayor David J. Shapiro. “Our sincere appreciation goes to State Senator Ben Allen and SMMC Executive Director Joe Edmiston for the pivotal roles they played in advocating for this allocation.”
“I’m excited we were able to secure substantial state funding for land acquisition and conservation in Calabasas,” said Senator Allen, who chairs the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislative Environmental Caucus. “We know this could make a big difference for the community and I hope it will help with the purchase of property to preserve and protect this beautiful land for generations to come.”
Rudy Ortega, Jr., chairperson of the SMMC, said, “We are looking forward to working with the City of Calabasas so that we can bring more critically needed open space into permanent protection.”
The specific properties targeted for acquisition have yet to be determined, but the funds will be directed toward those that contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the City’s natural environment.
