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Residents and advocates press Calabasas to pursue autism‑friendly city certification
Summary
Local parents, an autistic advocate and the nonprofit Just Be urged the Calabasas City Council to certify the city as autism‑friendly, describing everyday sensory challenges and proposing training for businesses and first responders; medical and advocacy representatives offered a curriculum to support implementation.
Several speakers during public comment on March 11 urged the Calabasas City Council to pursue autism‑friendly city certification and adopt practical changes to make public spaces more accessible to neurodivergent residents.
Leila Luna, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Just Be, described founding the organization after personal experience raising a nonverbal son and said Just Be has certified municipalities in other states. She asked the council to "bring Just Be home" and said Calabasas has an opportunity to "lead by compassion." Luna cited national prevalence figures presented by the CDC during her remarks and argued for citywide inclusion measures.
Autistic advocate Connor Tomlinson, who identified himself as an autistic adult and referenced his public profile from the television series Love on the Spectrum, said sensory factors—bright lights, loud sounds and crowded spaces—can make ordinary outings overwhelming and recommended small changes such as quieter spaces and clearer communication. His mother, Lisa Smith, and Dr. Diane Cullenane, a developmental pediatrician who said she authored Just Be’s curriculum, described family experiences and professional training that support community implementation.
Speakers proposed city training for businesses, restaurants and first responders and noted existing programs such as a South Carolina "Rio's Law" initiative that provides an identifier plate for vehicles carrying someone on the autism spectrum. Council did not take immediate action on the request during the meeting but heard the presentations and public sentiment; staff or a council member may return the matter for formal consideration at a later meeting.
