Some in Thousand Oaks Would OK Tax Hike to Fight Crime

Concerned about increasing gang violence in Thousand Oaks, dozens of city residents Wednesday night indicated they would support a small property tax increase to expand the county Sheriff Department’s anti-drug and anti-gang education program in public schools.

More than 100 residents crowded into the sheriff’s East Valley Station to discuss with city and police leaders strategies to halt the spread of gangs and related violence in Thousand Oaks, historically one of the safest cities of its size in the nation.

In response to a question posed by Thousand Oaks Councilman Alex Fiore, the vast majority of residents said they would support a $1 or $2 parcel tax to expand the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program in high schools and junior highs. The city-funded DARE program is now primarily limited to elementary schools.

Fiore, who spontaneously raised the question about a parcel tax, said he was surprised at the overwhelming support for it among residents of a conservative city that generally opposes new taxes.

“It shows they are concerned,” Fiore said. But he said he has not decided whether to pursue such a tax because it would require approval by two-thirds of city voters.

Residents at the meeting said they want to stop what they see as increasing gang problems underscored in recent weeks by a separate gang shooting and stabbing.

“There’s no question we need to have continuing education for kids as they become teen-agers and young adults,” resident Tony Cerato said. “I think to have further education will raise the consciousness of kids and maybe they will bring home materials from school that will get their parents more involved.”

Residents also talked about conducting round-table meetings with different service groups to come up with new anti-crime and gang-prevention programs.

“This is a huge problem all over the world,” said resident Melody Aimes. “And people need to get together to try to put a stop to this.”

Councilwoman Elois Zeanah, who along with Fiore is a member of the 40-member crime prevention task force, unveiled a step-by-step plan on how to form a Neighborhood Watch group.

Zeanah said citizens need to help form such watch groups in communities, schools and businesses.