SIMI VALLEY : County Steers Clear of Suit Over Road

The Ventura County Transportation Commission has decided not to take sides in a legal tangle over a four-lane road that has been proposed between Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.

On Friday, the commission’s six-member board denied Simi Valley’s request for the county panel to join a lawsuit that would force Thousand Oaks to build Sunset Hills Boulevard through to Wood Ranch.

The decision was lauded by Thousand Oaks Councilman Frank Schillo, who serves on the commission’s board.

“The commission should provide information, but on an objective basis,” Schillo said. “I don’t support the lawsuit.”

Simi Valley sued Thousand Oaks on Nov. 25, challenging the City Council’s decision to drop plans for the road extension. City planners said there was no need for the extension.

The road would also significantly increase traffic in residential neighborhoods in Sunset Hills, Thousand Oaks planners said.

Simi Valley officials, however, have argued that elimination of the road extension could cause serious problems in emergency situations.

“Anytime you have a roadway on a piece of paper for 20 years . . . and without discussion from anybody you decide to take it off, it’s not fair,” said Councilman Bill Davis, who also serves on the transportation panel.

Simi Valley City Atty. John Torrance said he believes the commission’s decision would not hurt the suit. Thousand Oaks is expected to schedule a date for settlement talks by Dec. 15, he said.