OAK VIEW : Civic Council Asks Greater Recognition

The Oak View Civic Council has appealed to County Supervisor Susan K. Lacey for greater recognition as a voice of its community in ongoing discussions about being annexed by the city of Ojai.

“Oak View is a sleeper, but look out if you step on it,” said Lanie Springer, Oak View’s two-term honorary mayor.

Members of the nonprofit council voiced frustration last week when they were not invited to join in discussions to determine future land-use policies and annexing portions of the Ojai Valley.

Ojai’s inquiry into annexing surrounding areas prompted the Oak View Civic Council to write a letter last week to Lacey.

In its letter to Lacey, the council asked if Oak View would become part of a new city and questioned whether the supervisor wants to lose its 5,000 residents as constituents.

Lacey said Ojai is reaching out directly to surrounding unincorporated areas and her office is not involved with their survey. Oak View residents would remain her constituents even if the community incorporates or is annexed by another city, she said.

Ojai City Manager Andy Belknap said the city has invited residents in the Ojai Valley to discuss its annexation study at a public forum on Dec. 18. He will also talk about it Tuesday to the Ojai chapter of the League of Women Voters.