Do the Right Thing

I was greatly disturbed to read in the L. A. Times (Jan. 28, Ventura County) that the majority of the Civic Arts Commission had blatantly recommended an oversized marquee for the Civic Arts Plaza in direct violation of Thousand Oaks’ sign code.

The reasons my wife and I moved to Thousand Oaks were the same as many others’: the country atmosphere and the well thought-out plans for the orderly development of the city by far-sighted people. If I had wanted to live in a city atmosphere surrounded by tall storage buildings and flashing electronic signs, I would have moved to Los Angeles.

It seems we were wrong. Building codes appear meaningless, and it appears that waivers are the rule rather than the exception. The Times stated that Commissioner Virginia Davis said, “The City Council has already waived a handful of municipal codes for the Civic Arts Plaza and other public buildings, such as the teen and senior center and the main library.”

Why not do away with all codes since no one appears to be following them? Or are the codes only for the “little people” and not for the “chosen few?”

My faith in human nature was restored when I read that one commissioner, Larry Sparrow, had the courage and integrity to do the right thing and oppose the oversized marquee. I applaud Sparrow for his stand and would strongly suggest Sparrow consider running for City Council; we need more people with his integrity.

It is my sincere hope that some on the City Council will have the courage and integrity to follow Sparrow’s lead and do the right thing.

W. C. Gourley Jr.

Thousand Oaks