Calabasas staff announce May mail-in special election for local sales tax

Assistant City Manager Scott Trujillo announced at a Calabasas environmental forum that the city will hold a standalone, mail-in special election in May on a local sales-tax measure, an accelerated timeline adopted to keep local revenue ahead of a competing county proposal.

Trujillo said the county of Riverside moved a half-cent sales-tax proposal into June, prompting Calabasas to move its measure earlier to preserve local control of the revenue. "The biggest thing going on in the city right now is a sales tax measure," Trujillo said, adding that Calabasas "are gonna do a standalone special election in May to get ahead of the county to keep that sales tax local." He told residents ballots would arrive by mail, distinguished by a yellow envelope, and be mail-in only.

Curtis Castle, the city's public works director, framed the announcement as part of broader city stewardship work and encouraged residents to bring questions to staff. Trujillo said ballots are expected to be mailed in April; he also offered staff availability to answer questions about the measure.

The statement at the forum described the city’s schedule and logistics but did not record a formal council vote or resolution at the event. Organizers said additional details and official notices will follow through city channels. For residents who want more information, city staff present at the forum said they are available to answer questions and that official materials will be distributed ahead of the mailings.