CALABASAS, Calif. — The of City of Calabasas is between the foothills of the Santa Monica and Santa Susanna Mountains in the San Fernando Valley.
David Shapiro has served on the Calabasas City Council since 2012, and recently wrapped up his third term as mayor.
“In Focus SoCal” host Tanya McRae sat down with Shapiro to discuss his California roots, what makes Calabasas such a unique SoCal city, and his commitment to programs that support residents of all ages.
Shapiro grew up in Northern California in Santa Rosa and attended UCLA for undergrad and UC San Diego for law school.
In the 1990s, he moved his family to Calabasas and established his own law practice.
“We have very beautiful commons, some incredible homes, and gated communities, but we also are the last of ‘the Old West’ as is described in Old Town, where the Leonis Adobe is. And it really has a lot of history. There’s a lot of history in the city going way back and there’s a portion of the residents who want that feel still in our city. And then you have the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and you have open space, and those who want to preserve it and enjoy nature. And we’re very lucky to have a mix,” he said.
Shapiro is a representative on the Clean Power Alliance and is working toward making Calabasas an environmentally forward-thinking city with renewable and clean energy.
“Our city was one of the first cities to join. We approved as a council 100% renewable energy as the default for our city and businesses. And we are working constantly toward a zero emission fleet, which we have instituted in our city going forward,” he said.
Shapiro added that, “Our civic center — which includes our library, City Hall, and now our senior centers — are all LEED standard buildings as well.”
The father of three has a long history of public service in the community and being a representative for change. And one of his to priorities has been to make the city a place that has no place for hate.
“I believe you can’t necessarily change someone who’s much older on their views. You can try. But if you reach youth, and you give a chance for youth to think independently, and believe that they can be the voice of positivity and not hate, then you have a better chance. I started the first year I was on council with a program with some athletes and entertainers, called Rock Life, which former Laker Mitch Richmond was part of. And that was an anti-hate, anti-bullying [campaign],” he said.
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