Politics & Government

Mayor Delivers State of the City Address [Video]

Mayor John Edelston emphasizes the city's financial responsibility during a time of economic crisis.

 

Mayor John Edelston delivered his State of the City address at the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel on Thursday. The program and luncheon was presented in conjunction with the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The event also commemorated Agoura's 30th anniversary as an incorporated city. Sen. Fran Pavley, Agoura's first mayor, was in attendance.

Find out what's happening in Agoura Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"With news stories over the past years reporting about cities considering and even filing bankruptcies, Agoura Hills continues to be financially responsible and prepared for the future," Edelston said.

The City has been able to adopt a balanced budget for fiscal 2012-2013 despite many challenges and limited opportunities because of state government cuts, Edelston said.

Find out what's happening in Agoura Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"This year, as in each year, the City Council has been diligent in adopting balanced budgets while funding services that our community and our council have come to expect," he said.

Addressing a packed room filled with local and state dignitaries, Edelston highlighted the city's achievements.

"This year we have had an aggressive budget, highlighted by public safety, capital improvements, and plans for a new and premier recreation facility located high up on Ladyface Court above City Hall," he said.

Following the speech, a video presentation, narrated by Edelston, was shown.

The video featured highlights from the eighth annual Reyes Adobe Days and Cultural Arts Council programs as well as plans for the expansion of the Comado Canyon Road Interchange at Chesebro Road and the establishment of the four-phase Hilton Headquarters.

Next, Edelston presented the Sheraton Agoura Hills Hotel with the 2012 Business of the Year award.

Kristen Davis, chairman-elect of the chamber's board of directors, followed with a state of the chamber update.

Davis emphasized an ongoing partnership with Agoura Hills in the development of a low impact tourism initiative established to bring a high-volume of visitors to the community.

"Conferences, film festivals and our partnerships, including Pepperdine, the National Park Services and California Lutheran University, to name a few, will allow us to regain a competitive advantage now held by others who promoted their communities high points," Davis said.

A reorganization meeting will be held at the end of the month at which Mayor Pro Tem Denis Weber will be sworn in for the fifth time as mayor.


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