East County Issue / Outlook for...

Dennis Gillette, Director, Conejo Recreation and Park District; vice president for instructional advancement at Cal Lutheran University

Wearing my park district hat, I would have to say that the biggest issue of 1992 will be the ability of the district to provide adequate services and activities to the community during this recession. As resources continue to dwindle, it’s going to be an exercise in where the available resources are used and to make sure they are used appropriately. As an administrator at Cal Lutheran, I am concerned about affordable, adequate housing for the community, and specifically the faculty and staff. Although affordable housing is a regional problem, the same thing exists at the university, which is having a difficult time holding onto faculty and staff because they can’t find good homes. I also hope this possible recall (of two council members) is resolved this year. Thousand Oaks is a beautiful and well-run community and this recall issue has been hanging over it like a negative cloud. This community is very good and has the potential to be great.

Dorthy Beaubien, Vice president, Conejo Valley Unified School District

One major issue in these tough times is money. The district’s school finances are going to have a definite effect on the community. The governor’s proposal to not suspend Proposition 98, which ensures that school districts get 40% of the state budget, will help, but class sizes will continue to be huge, while teachers, programs and maintenance services are cut. Another big issue will be busing. The courts have ruled that we can charge students for busing. Something is going to have to happen this year. Difficult decisions will have to be made because it involves a horrendous amount of money. Another thing will be vocational education, which has gone by the wayside. The schools have been so intent on getting people into and through college that we have forgotten the importance of teaching skills done with the hands. In 1992, we will definitely see more attention focused on vocational education.

Mervyn Kopp, Chairman, Thousand Oaks Planning Commission

I am concerned with people just doing what they want to do with their projects, regardless of the approved permits or plans that were drawn. There were several cases last year where applicants deviated from the plans or built something without pulling the proper permits. I want to make sure that people who avoid following the process correctly are penalized. For any kind of new projects in 1992, I would like to see the (Planning Commission) staff recommend to applicants that they use local people to stimulate the local economy. We need to make applicants aware of people available in the area before they look to the outside for help. This year, the commission will review existing ordinances and zoning requirements, some of which are archaic. Since there are very few easily developed parcels of land left, we need to make them more flexible to allow for commercial development.

Rorie Skei, Chairwoman, Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency

Open-space issues will depend on whether or not there are any bond measures on the ballot this year that will provide funding for activities and for acquiring the remaining land left in the Conejo Valley. Open space is very important to the Conejo Valley and Thousand Oaks, and it is important that any money that becomes available is used to fund projects that specifically meet the goals and needs of the people in the area. Many residents say that open space is a No. 1 priority, but with the way things are going financially, it will be a question of whether people are willing to pay for things to preserve it. Last year was a very good year, especially with the upsurge in volunteerism. Many people donated their time and money to help preserve the land and the many activities in the Conejo Valley. People have recognized the treasure here, and I hope to see a continuation of the interest in 1992.

Judy Lazar, Thousand Oaks city councilwoman

Economic development is going to be an important issue this year. Thousand Oaks has changed over the years. It used to be a bedroom community where almost everyone worked elsewhere, but now about 50% of the people living here work here. I support Mayor (Bob) Lewis’ proposed blue-ribbon economic committee, involving people from all aspects of the community, which will create ways to bring new businesses into the city. Also, this year, and from now on, citizens need to take a major role in everything that goes on. The population is increasing, but there are less and less resources. Recycling and water conservation have helped, but residents have to take even more responsibility for things and not rely on the federal government so much. Through local government, residents can have a greater control on what happens and make this city a good place to live.