THOUSAND OAKS : Gateway Monuments May Herald City

Beige concrete signs adorned with an oak tree and mountain ridgeline could soon welcome motorists to Thousand Oaks, if the City Council on Tuesday approves a $30,000 program to install gateway monuments at key intersections.

The proposed signs, designed by former Planning Commissioner Denise Filz, would stand four feet tall and be approximately seven feet long. A textured landscape would stand out against the earth-tone concrete background, and raised brass letters would announce “City of Thousand Oaks.”

“The design really speaks to what Thousand Oaks is,” Councilwoman Judy Lazar said.

“It always gripes me that if you go to Westlake Village, they have signs welcoming you. Our desire is to have something similar.”

The council will consider installing six signs at a cost of roughly $5,000 apiece. Money could come from the city’s gas-tax funds or special grants, according to staff.

A gateway task force has recommended six locations for the signs: Westlake Boulevard both north and south of the Ventura Freeway, Hampshire Road north of the freeway, Lynn Road south of the freeway, Moorpark Road north of Thousand Oaks Boulevard and the Moorpark Freeway near the Olsen Road off-ramp.

Councilman Frank Schillo said he would like to see an additional sign in Newbury Park, perhaps at the intersection of Borchard Road and Michael Drive.

The Ventura County Transportation Commission recently allocated $200,000 to spruce up that intersection.