WASHBURN IN FRONT IN EARLY BALLOTING.

Byline: Michael Coit Daily News Staff Writer

Dennis Washburn jumped to the lead Tuesday night in the race for two seats on the City Council, with Daniel Glaser and Janice Lee in a close battle for second, based on partial returns.

Helene Regen was trailing the field.

Voters went to the polls on the final day of a campaign that largely centered on the issue of controlling growth and limiting the impact of development.

Calabasas, population 29,000, was incorporated in 1991 after Los Angeles County rejected two previous cityhood efforts, amid residents' concerns about the size and scope of land development.

In a community where civic involvement is critical in a run for the council, Glaser, Lee and Regen figured this election was a good opportunity. Washburn was the lone incumbent on the ballot, as longtime Councilman Bob Hill decided not to seek another four-year term.

Washburn said he wanted to emphasize optimism and creativity on the council.

Glaser, an attorney, has served on the city Parks and Recreation Commission for three years.

Lee, a longtime environmental advocate, said she decided to seek office because a council seat would give her a role in the remaining land use issues which, she said, will define Calabasas.

Regen serves on city tree and transportation panels. Community involvement prompted Regen earlier to sell her garment manufacturing business and devote more time to homeowners boards.

Among the projects generating concern in the city are a 550-home Baldwin Co. development approved by the county that the city wants to scale back, a middle school and a private school proposed in the Mulholland Highway scenic corridor, and the potential arrival of an auto dealer that residents fear might trigger development of a virtual auto mall.

One proposal that residents welcome is the civic center, expected to feature a city hall and library on four acres the city recently purchased near a shopping area, The Commons at Calabasas.

Lee said the council needs another voice for people willing to hold the line on overdevelopment.

Washburn said his battles date to the birth of the first incorporation effort. Saddled with county-approved projects, Washburn said the council has improved them to ease impacts on traffic, trees and other areas.

Glaser described himself as someone who would listen to both sides of a development debate. The challenge, said Glaser, is not to oppose a project solely because buildings will go up and trees removed.

A theme in Regen's campaign was her concern for preserving the city's oaks. Regen said she would welcome the opportunity to face the scrutiny residents give to so much that passes before the council.

Lee contended many residents don't want the city to over-emphasize revenue generation over the impacts that will be created by allowing too many homes, shopping centers or office buildings.

CAPTION(S):

Box

BOX: Latest election results