Controversial Fence Is Finally Removed
The strange, perplexing saga of reclusive millionaire Charles E. Probst and his city-code violating, wrought-iron fence has finally come to an end.
After ignoring a Jan. 15 deadline to take down his fence or have Thousand Oaks take it down for him, Probst buckled to the demands of city officials and hired a contractor to do the work.
Mares Wrought Iron, a Ventura-based company, took down the 1,000 feet or so of ornate fence that violated city codes--and angered neighbors--because it was not set back 35 feet from Westlake Boulevard.
The work, which began Wednesday, was finished by Friday morning.
Paul Stansen, Probst’s attorney, said last month that his client had decided to hire workers himself to take down the fence.
Deputy City Atty. Jim Friedl confirmed last week that the city--which had a $9,000 security deposit and written agreement from Probst saying he would have the fence removed--had talked to the millionaire’s lawyer and agreed not to send city employees to do the work.
Probst could not be reached for comment Friday.
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