Advocates ask Calabasas to become first autism‑friendly city in Los Angeles County

Speakers at the March 11 Calabasas City Council meeting asked council members to pursue a designation as an autism‑friendly city in Los Angeles County. Leila Luna, founder and CEO of Just Be, described her nonprofit’s work supporting families with autistic and neurodivergent members and requested that Calabasas seek certification. Luna recounted personal experience raising her son and said Just Be has certified other municipalities; she cited CDC prevalence figures that are part of her presentation and said that California has higher diagnosed rates among boys.

Autistic adult advocate Connor Tomlinson, who identified himself as known from the program Love on the Spectrum, urged simple, practical changes—quieter spaces, clearer communication and awareness of sensory challenges—to make public spaces more accessible. Dr. Diane Cullinane, a developmental pediatrician associated with the Just Be curriculum, said the training is designed for businesses, restaurants and first responders and aims to help communities welcome neurodivergent people.

Council members listened but the mayor reminded the public that council cannot act on items not on the agenda; the comments were recorded as public input for possible future consideration. Advocates asked the council to “bring Just Be home” and to consider steps that would make city services and community events more inclusive.

The speakers also noted related activities and precedents: Just Be’s certification of Mount Pleasant and North Charleston, South Carolina, and legislative efforts in other states to support identifiers and training for first responders. No formal council action was taken at the meeting; advocates requested follow‑up from staff to explore certification and training options.