Calabasas Expected To Receive $4.5 Million Stimulus Grant

Press release from the Mayor's Office:

March 12, 2021

Good morning,

From a local government perspective, this has been one of the most encouraging weeks in a long, long time.

First, the U.S. Congress approved a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill, what has been dubbed the “American Relief Plan.” The vote was strictly along party lines, so I wish to be clear that my comments are reserved solely for those elements of the legislation affecting local government. The bill provides significant grants for cities, certainly the largest of its kind that Calabasas has ever received. According to preliminary figures provided by the League of California Cities, it is estimated that regional municipalities will receive the following levels of funding.

· Calabasas --- $4,489,805
· Agoura Hills --- $3,806,349
· Hidden Hills --- $355,751
· Malibu --- $2,224,856
· Westlake Village --- $1,546,670

These amounts, as you might have already guessed, are based roughly on population. Cities will receive the first half of their allocations approximately 60 days after enactment of the bill, with the second half to follow one year later. There are some limitations as to what the grants can be used for, though overall there is considerable flexibility. The total aid for all U.S. cities and counties is $130 billion, with incorporated cities receiving $65 billion of that amount. For those of you who enjoy government statistics as much as I do, the complete enumeration of funding for California’s 482 municipalities can be studied here: https://www.cityofcalabasas.com/Home/Components/News/News/230/15

To reiterate, I have no intention of wading into what was obviously a highly partisan national debate. But as your Mayor, I am very pleased that we will be receiving this much-needed economic boost. Whether you support or oppose what transpired, we are now receiving the money and will put it to good use.

The second bit of good news involves COVID-19. It is likely that by this time next week Los Angeles County will move downward from the State’s so-called “Purple Tier” to the less restrictive “Red Tier.” Once that happens, newly-permitted activities and modified safety protocols will include the following. Note that this is only an abbreviated list of permitted activities, and there will still be additional conditions associated with each.

· Museums, zoos, and aquariums can open indoors at 25% capacity.
· Gyms, fitness centers, yoga, and dance studios can open indoors at 10% capacity.
· Movie theaters can open indoors at 25% capacity.
· Retail and personal care services can increase capacity to 50%.
· Restaurants can open indoors at 25% capacity.
· Indoor shopping malls can increase capacity to 50%.
· Institutes of higher learning can re-open all permitted activities.
· Schools are permitted to re-open for in-person instruction for students in grades 7-12.
· Private gatherings can happen indoors with up to three separate households.

Just one more thing, as my favorite classic television character is wont to say. Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, so be sure to turn your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night. As I was told at a very young age: “Spring forward, fall back.”

Have a great weekend.

James R. Bozajian
Mayor
City of Calabasas

This press release was produced by the Mayor's Office. The views expressed here are the author's own.