MOORPARK : Attorney Takes Seat on Planning Panel

Moorpark Mayor Paul Lawrason reappointed four incumbent planning commissioners and named Ernesto Acosta, a 38-year-old Cuban-American attorney, to take the fifth spot.

Former Chairman Michael Wesner decided last month not to seek reappointment to the panel. Lawrason’s appointments were approved by the city council at a meeting Wednesday night.

Acosta and his family have lived in Moorpark for seven years. His Thousand Oaks law office specializes in personal injury claims and business.

“I decided to run because I love Moorpark,” he said. “I want to make sure that it is heading in the right direction, so that when my children grow up they can still feel proud about living here.”

Acosta said his job would be to balance developers’ desire to build on land in the city, and residents’ desire to preserve the small-town feel of the community. He said his background as an attorney could also help.

“Now we live in very dangerous times,” he said.

“When a city government does anything they seem to get sued. I think having a lawyer on Planning Commission could help.”

Serving two-year terms with Acosta are incumbents Ted Martens, Bart Miller, Christine May and John Torres.