By Stephen Witt
Local business leaders gathered for a candid discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing the Calabasas business community at the annual Calabasas Chamber of Commerce Mayoral Luncheon with Calabasas Mayor Peter Kraut.
Kraut was first elected to the City Council in 2020, and, according to the Calabasas bylaws, the City Council elected him mayor for a one-year term this year. A successful mechanical engineer by trade and longtime entrepreneur, he founded his firm, South Coast Engineering Group, in 2001 and opened his office in the heart of Calabasas, near where he and his wife, Lesli, lived and raised their two grown children. In 2025, he sold the firm to Greenberg Farrow and currently serves as the Managing Director of their Calabasas office.
In his opening remarks, Kraut thanked the Calabasas Chamber and its President and CEO, Lisa Clayden, for all their work advocating for the local business community. He also noted that Calabasas, in part, continues to have a thriving local business community because the City has no taxes on business licenses and permits.
He then moderated a lively panel discussion featuring five prominent business leaders: Karla Ash, VP of Human Resources at Gelson’s Markets; Rick Bilgrien, General Manager of Cadillac of Calabasas; Jake Demirchyan, Director of Operations – Valley Region for Caruso; Dave Morgan, Chief Operating Officer of UCLA West Valley Medical Center; and Shirin Paider, owner and founder of Florentyna’s, A Fine Flower Company.
Power Infrastructure Emerges as Key Concern
Kraut opened the discussion by addressing a critical issue facing local businesses: frequent power outages. He revealed that a local law firm recently relocated to Woodland Hills specifically due to “too many power outages” in Calabasas.
“We are working as your city council to solve that,” Kraut assured attendees. “We are working with Edison to try to improve the quality of the infrastructure here in the city and improve communications.”
The power issue resonated strongly with panelists. Morgan from UCLA West Valley Medical Center noted the particular challenge for healthcare facilities, explaining that power outages force the shutdown of entire medical operations, impacting both patient care and hospital finances.
Ash from Gelson’s Markets echoed these concerns, emphasizing the critical need for reliable power when “you need to keep ice cream cold and milk cold.”
Retail Crime Challenges Business Operations
The panel addressed the ongoing challenge of retail theft, which has become a significant concern for local businesses. Ash reported that shoplifting and walkout thefts are “at an all-time high” and that Calabasas is “not immune to that.”
She praised the Sheriff’s Department’s quick response times but suggested increased patrols in parking lots could serve as a deterrent. The discussion highlighted the delicate balance businesses must strike between maintaining security and preserving a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Strong City-Business Partnership
Despite challenges, panelists praised the city’s support for business operations and expansion. Rick Bilgrien from Cadillac of Calabasas commended the city’s building department for its assistance during a recent construction project.
“The city really helped us move through the building phase with ease,” Bilgrien said. “It seemed that no one wanted to keep anything on their desk for a long time.”
Demirchyan from Caruso highlighted the personalized attention businesses receive from city leadership, noting that council members regularly check in with business owners to ask how they can help.
Calabasas Brand Drives Business Success
The panelists unanimously agreed that the Calabasas name carries significant marketing value. Bilgrien explained that advertising the dealership as “Cadillac of Calabasas” attracts customers who expect a premium experience.
“I believe the city of Calabasas has an image of being secure, being of higher expectations,” he said.
Morgan noted that their “Calabasas primary specialty care is so successful” partly because “the name Calabasas denotes quality and high expectation.”
Chamber of Commerce Facilitates Community Connections
Several panelists credited the Chamber of Commerce with helping them establish crucial community connections. Bilgrien described how Chamber CEO Lisa Clayden helped him meet “many fantastic people in the community” shortly after opening in 2022, leading to participation in six different community events.
Looking Forward: Addressing Empty Storefronts
The discussion also tackled the challenge of vacant retail spaces in the city. Ash suggested forming a focus group to identify what types of businesses the community actually needs and wants, noting that some businesses fail because they don’t match community demand.
High rents were identified as another barrier to attracting new businesses, with panelists suggesting the city explore additional incentives beyond the current policy of no taxes on business licenses.
Kraut suggested this might be a good issue for the Chamber to study as it’s in their wheelhouse.
Safety and Security Measures
The panel highlighted various security initiatives, including the Sheriff’s Department’s real-time watch center, which allows businesses to connect their cameras directly to law enforcement for improved response times.
Morgan detailed UCLA West Valley Medical Center’s enhanced security measures, which included doubling its security force, installing weapons detection systems, and providing duress buttons to all staff members. While this appearance may not be as inviting to patients, it does give them and the employees a greater sense of security, and is a necessity, he said.
