Agencies Make Plans to Shore Up Hillsides

Officials of the Conejo Open Space and Conservation Agency are working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stabilize hillsides charred in last month’s North Ranch brush fire, hoping to prevent flooding and landslides in the event of heavy rain in the coming weeks.

Thousand Oaks City Council members Tuesday will consider allocating up to $50,000 toward the effort, including consultant work and supplies.

Wednesday, the board for the open space agency--a joint venture between the city and the Conejo Recreation and Park District--is set to discuss the issue, said Mark Towne, agency coordinator.

The Dec. 26 blaze burned 600 acres of open space and came within 100 feet of million-dollar homes in North Ranch, an exclusive section of Thousand Oaks. The fire was started by sparks from a van, authorities say.

Light showers could hit Ventura County as soon as Monday, said Ray Tanabe, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. More rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

Final hillside stabilization measures have not yet been developed, Towne said, but federal officials are preparing a damage survey report with recommendations. The past week has been spent collecting data at the site that will be used to determine the best techniques to shore up the hillside, he said.

Options could include spraying mulch to help slow down runoff, or using sand and gravel bags to soak up water if it rains, Towne said.

He said final remediation measures and a cost-sharing agreement should be worked out in the next several days.

The Agriculture Department has agreed to pay 75% of the yet-to-be-determined tab. The remaining 25% likely will be split between the open-space agency and the two affected homeowners associations, Towne said.