Environmentalism a Conejo Tradition

In recent press reports regarding the politics of east Ventura County, readers might get the impression that the grass-roots environmental movement in the Conejo Valley is a new phenomenon.

Indeed, environmental and growth issues have been, and continue to be the most important concerns of the people of Thousand Oaks. For many years there has been a strong and effective grass-roots environmental force that elected among others, Frances Prince, Lee Laxdal and Bob Lewis to the Thousand Oaks City Council. These councilmen campaigned on the vital land-use issues and were elected and reelected by sizeable majorities.

Since incorporation, the environmental groups in the Conejo have fought for preservation of the hillsides, the oak trees and the canyons. They have championed open space and relatively low densities; while at the same time, preserving historical landmarks, establishing museums and libraries, enriching the schools and promoting the arts and culture.

This positive approach to civic service and politics has contributed greatly to the enrichment of the Conejo. I rather suspect that these traditional environmentalists will continue their advocacy of the above mentioned issues in the years ahead.

J. MICHAEL HAGOPIAN

Thousand Oaks