Park Official Named in Nuisance Complaint

With a warrant issued for his arrest over a nuisance complaint, the director of the Conejo Recreation and Park District has failed to attend the board’s past two meetings.

City officials said the warrant was issued after Mark Jacobsen failed to appear in court in July for an alleged court violation stemming from his failure to maintain the front yard at a property he owns in the 1200 block of Sheffield Place.

Jacobsen, who has served as the park district’s executive director for 30 years, was placed on probation in 1996 after being cited for not maintaining the home, which he moved out of 10 years ago.

Although he was supposed to clean up the yard that is now overcome with weeds and dirt, it remains an eyesore.

When Jacobsen, who lives in Upland with his wife, failed to appear in court July 28, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

City officials sent two Ventura County sheriff’s deputies to the park district’s meeting Thursday night. But for the second meeting in a row, Jacobsen was absent.

Former Thousand Oaks Mayor Larry Horner told the board that he was dismayed by the situation.

Board member Dennis Gillette said he and his colleagues were doing all they could to help Jacobsen resolve the matter.

“We all feel a great deal of sadness over this situation,” Gillette said.

Neighbors said they just want Jacobsen to clean up his property, adding that when he lived at the house he always kept a tidy yard.

“They were very nice, good neighbors, and oddly enough he had one of the nicest yards on the street,” said Evan Ramsdale. “It’s just disappointing that he has chosen to neglect his neighbors.”

Jacobsen could not be reached for comment.