THOUSAND OAKS : City Council to Vote on Policy Changes

Thousand Oaks’ community goals haven’t changed much in the past 24 years, but city leaders figure they could use a little fine-tuning.

So, after two years of canvassing residents, council members tonight will vote on revisions to the “goals and policies” segment of the General Plan.

Many of the changes emphasize preserving the environment by maintaining wilderness trails, creating an open-space ring around the city and preserving the rugged ridgelines. Another policy change calls for developing attractive gateways at the main entrances to Thousand Oaks.

“These aren’t new things--we have been saying them all along--but when you put them in writing, you remind everyone that you really do stand behind them,” Councilwoman Judy Lazar said.

The revised General Plan policies also urge protection of land that animals cross while traveling from one park to another. That issue generated considerable debate earlier this year, when a council majority approved a residential development on the Dos Vientos Ranch in Newbury Park, despite testimony that the project would destroy a key wildlife corridor.

Other policies urge preservation of the equestrian ranches that “protect the city’s semirural character,” encouragement of light industry along Thousand Oaks Boulevard, and development of a mass-transit system.

The council will discuss the General Plan policies at a public hearing at 7:30 p.m. A committee is working on updating the entire document and adding new sections dealing with air quality and business.