MOORPARK : Site for Paint Ball Games Approved

The Moorpark Planning Commission has voted to establish a site for paint ball games in the city.

The commission voted 4 to 0 Tuesday to approve the application by two Los Angeles brothers to conduct weekend war games on Tabor Ranch at 14506 Los Angeles Place. Fred Tabor, who owns the ranch, supports the permit application.

Paint ball players don camouflage clothing and carry air guns that shoot gelatin capsules filled with a paint-like substance. The participants stalk their opponents, with the goal of “shooting” them and capturing the enemy flag.

Before the vote, several people who own property near the proposed site urged the commission to turn down the application. Homeowners from the Virginia Colony neighborhood just west of Tabor Ranch said they were concerned about traffic problems caused by the contestants.

“We object most strenuously to the idea of somebody coming in to our quiet and peaceful community to play war games,” resident Tony Simen said.

Two men who own vacant property next to the site said they are concerned that the games will spill over onto their properties.

About 30 to 60 contestants are expected to attend the games, which would last from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, according to a Planning Department report.

According to promotional literature on the sport, paint ball began about 1981 and is included in training at military bases and by law enforcement agencies nationwide. About 1,000 paint ball facilities have been established nationwide.