By Stephen Witt
State Sen. Ben Allen (D-Westside Los Angeles, Calabasas, Topanga, Malibu, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood) addressed Calabasas Chamber of Commerce members at their recent luncheon with Calabasas Mayor Peter Kraut, highlighting several key legislative initiatives affecting local businesses and communities across his district.
The three-term lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, focused much of his remarks on wildfire resilience efforts following the devastating Palisades fires. “We’ve been spending so much time recently on wildfire resiliency and insurance and the future utilities industry in these areas,” Allen said, noting he had recently visited Thousand Oaks to learn about new controlled burn technology.
Small Business ADA Reform Stalled
The senator drew attention to Senate Bill 394, introduced by colleague Sen.Roger Niello (R-Palcer, El Dorado Counties). This bill would give small businesses time to remedy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations before facing costly lawsuits. Allen said the bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support but has stalled in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
“Businesses face more ADA lawsuits in California than literally all other 49 states combined,” Allen said, calling for chamber advocacy to advance the legislation. He emphasized that while businesses should be ADA accessible, the focus should be on compliance rather than “gotcha and very costly lawsuits.”
Water Theft Legislation Heads to Governor
Allen announced that his bill, SB 394, addressing hydrant water theft, is awaiting the governor’s signature. The legislation would increase penalties for stealing water from emergency hydrant systems, a problem that has cost local water districts thousands of gallons and compromised fire safety.
Working closely with the West Valley Municipal Water District, Allen explained that current fines are so low that some contractors factor them into their cost of doing business. “Water for emergencies [must] remain available for when they’re most critical,” he said.
Hollywood Tax Credits Showing Results
The senator also celebrated the expansion of California’s film tax credit program, which he co-led with an assemblymember. The California Film Commission announced 22 new production projects worth over $1 billion in economic activity, signaling what Allen called proof that “Hollywood’s back, productions back.”
Allen concluded his remarks by introducing Krauss, praising the Calabasas mayor, a mechanical engineer and business owner, and his community advocacy and leadership since joining the city council in 2020.
The legislative session is set to conclude on September 12, but several of Allen’s priority bills are still being considered.
