Councilman to Urge Removal of Barrier

A barrier that has physically and mentally divided the city could soon come down if Councilman Andy Fox has any say on the matter.

On Tuesday, Fox will ask his colleagues to remove a plastic barrier that has blocked the back entrance to the Conejo Valley Adult School since August.

Conejo Valley Unified School District trustees recently instructed their attorneys to sue the city if the barrier does not come down.

To appease traffic-wary neighbors, trustees in turn vowed to close the school’s back gate if the barrier is removed. The gate would only be opened during special events and emergencies.

A previous proposal that would have required the school district to put that statement in writing was shot down at a recent City Council meeting.

The suggestion also incensed trustees, who have already shifted classes to other campuses and staggered starting times to accommodate neighbors.

A day after that meeting, trustees directed their lawyers to file a lawsuit to remove the barrier.

“This is a difficult and sensitive issue,” Fox wrote in a memo to his colleagues.

“In my opinion, all five council members have the same goal--to reduce the traffic impact. Approval of this recommendation to remove the barricade and work for continuing cooperative relationship with the school district will accomplish a great deal toward that goal.”

The suggestion pleased Assistant Supt. Rich Simpson of the Conejo Valley Unified School District.

“This is a good solution for both of us,” he said.

“The board has indicated that, with the removal of the barricade, they have no interest in suing.”