Calabasas council unanimously installs James Robert Bazogen as mayor; names Edward Alrech mayor pro tem

The Calabasas City Council on Dec. 10 unanimously elected James Robert Bazogen as mayor and swore in Edward Alrech as mayor pro tem during its annual reorganization meeting.

Council member Winrob nominated Bazogen for mayor and Council member Albert seconded the motion; the council then voted 5–0 to approve the nomination. Bazogen took the oath of office administered by a family member and delivered a short address outlining his priorities for the coming year.

“The top priorities will be long-term financial stability, preserving public safety and strengthening wildfire resilience,” Bazogen said. He also said the city is pursuing an energy-efficiency and solar initiative to improve municipal buildings and add backup generators, and that the council will work on repairs to aging infrastructure such as roofs and HVAC systems.

Bazogen identified one specific land-use objective: pursuing annexation of Craftsman’s Corner, a roughly quarter‑square‑mile parcel north of the freeway off Parkway Calabasas, which he described as an "important historic district" with redevelopment potential. “It also will bring into the city an isolated island of county land,” Bazogen said.

Council members praised the new mayor’s regional engagement and experience. Council member Shapiro said he looks forward to working with Bazogen and noted his long involvement in local and regional issues. After Bazogen’s remarks, the council opened nominations for mayor pro tem; the body voted unanimously, 5–0, to elect Edward Alrech.

Alrech was sworn in by his son and said he and his family are proud to serve. In his brief remarks he thanked supporters and pledged to represent the city, including a focus on public safety.

Both votes were recorded as unanimous; no amendments or additional motions accompanied the reorganization items. The council invited the public to a post‑meeting reception and adjourned.