Kuehl Seeks Funds for Community Center

Planners of the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center may get a much-needed financial boost if a request by Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica) for state funding is approved.

Kuehl has introduced a motion requesting $500,000 in funding for the center in the state’s 1997/98 budget.

Although it is too soon to celebrate, local city leaders said they are heartened that the center has received some attention at the state level.

“It remains to be seen if this survives budget talks, but it’s great that Assemblywoman Kuehl is putting her considerable influence behind this,” said Agoura Hills Mayor Fran Pavley.

Kuehl’s interest in the regional project stemmed from the fact that it targets the needs of at-risk young people and seniors, according to officials in her office.

The request was one of three items Kuehl placed under consideration this week to benefit her 41st Assembly District. Others were $10 million to counties to combat child abuse and $1,178,496 to purchase the 160-acre Frank Capra property in the Santa Monica Mountains.

“It seems to me, when you look at each of the items, we’re the least expensive,” said Greg Johnson, Calabasas community services director. “I think it looks like a good overall project that would have an appeal to a lot of people.”

The center is expected to cost nearly $5 million, with the financing to be shared equally between the two cities. Using county Proposition A monies, the cities are able to shoulder about $3.8 million of the total expense, but the grant would help, Johnson said.

A committee also has been established to raise funds from other sources to furnish and equip the center, expected to begin construction in the fall.

The community center, planned for 4.5 acres on Malibu Hills Road in Calabasas near the border of the two cities, will include a gymnasium, weight room, health facilities, a dance room and a senior center.