Challenges and Solutions
Challenges Facing the City
Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to run for re-election to the Thousand Oaks City Council. It has been an honor to serve you for the past three and a half years, bringing my diverse background and innovative solutions to address many of our city’s challenges. As we head toward November’s election, let’s work together to “Make A Great City Even Better.”
With extensive experience at the federal, state, and local levels, I am eager to continue bringing creative problem-solving skills to the Thousand Oaks City Council. Together, we can address key issues facing the Conejo Valley, including:
Reduce Homelessness
in the City and County
Engaging with many homeless individuals at our city’s free clinic and those living in tents near my clinical practice by Lutheran Social Services on Moorpark Road has given me profound insights into their struggles and the challenges they face trying to escape homelessness.
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Our city’s faith-based and service organizations have been instrumental in addressing the immediate needs of the homeless, often more efficiently than government services.
While essential services that meet immediate needs are crucial, they only sustain individuals without providing a pathway to a purpose-filled, self-reliant life. We need innovative solutions that promote self-reliance rather than dependency.
A comprehensive model involves utilizing central location in Ventura County that offers mental health services, drug addiction treatment, job and career training, and safe shelter. In this environment, homeless individuals can receive necessary services and develop the tools needed to reintegrate into society to the best of their abilities.
By relocating services to a centralized site within the county for all cities to utilize, we can ensure that the homeless receive comprehensive support in one place. As the homeless individuals reach milestones for self-reliance, they will transition to on-site tiny homes and eventually to independent apartment living, with ongoing monitoring by mental health professionals to ensure continued progress.
Let’s create a system that not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for a brighter, self-sufficient future for our homeless population.
The City Council has long been committed to addressing homelessness in our community, with an average local homeless count of around 200 people annually. This year, we will launch a significant initiative to meet immediate shelter needs with the introduction of a Navigation Center. Unlike traditional shelters, Navigation Centers are organized, low-barrier entry points into a comprehensive system of care. They focus on individual needs, guiding each person on their path to wellness and stable housing, effectively breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Workforce Housing
Workforce housing is essential for maintaining vibrant, functioning communities, particularly for professions like teachers, medical residents, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and city employees. These professionals are the backbone of any city, ensuring safety, health, education, and essential services. However, the increasing cost of living in many urban areas often makes it challenging for them to live near their workplaces.
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Workforce housing aims to provide affordable living options for these critical workers. By offering reduced rent or financial assistance, such housing initiatives ensure that key employees can reside within the communities they serve. This proximity not only reduces their commute times, enhancing their work-life balance, but also fosters a stronger connection between them and the local community.
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Moreover, workforce housing contributes to economic stability. It helps retain essential workers, reducing turnover and the costs associated with recruiting and training new employees. It also promotes diversity and inclusion, as it enables individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds to live and work in the same area.
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Investing in workforce housing is a strategic approach to supporting essential workers, ensuring they can afford to live near their jobs, which in turn, enhances community resilience and cohesion.
Prevent Water Supply Shutdown to Ventura County During an Earthquake
Law enforcement and fire personnel have been told by geological experts that the next earthquake will take down services like water, sanitation, electric, etc. for not days or weeks but most likely months before services are back online.
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As an instructor at Ventura College, I teach students entering the water treatment and wastewater treatment professions. It is evident that Thousand Oaks and Ventura County are highly vulnerable to running out of drinkable water in the event of an earthquake. However, I am pleased to report that the Calleguas Municipal Water Treatment Plant is taking proactive measures to address this risk by adding redundant sources to ensure continuous water flow during natural disasters.
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A connection with the Las Virgenes Water District is near completion, enabling the two local water treatment plants to share water in emergencies.
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Additionally, a second line from the Metropolitan Water District is nearing completion, providing a crucial backup in case of a failure.
Reduce Water Rates While Becoming Independent of Los Angeles Imported Water
A recent report from the Ventura County Grand Jury warns that “without major, immediate changes, Ventura’s water shortages will reach alarming levels within five years.” The report emphasizes that cities must address their water needs, noting that “Ventura County may have survived the worst of the state’s drought, but several cities rely too much on imported water and lack plans for emergency water shortages.”
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It’s clear that our cities must take action, as the state legislature in Sacramento is not addressing this critical issue. Ventura County cities are on their own to find solutions.
A creative and economically viable solution, supported by back-of-the-envelope calculations, could provide a continuous revenue stream for infrastructure. Calleguas Municipal Water District, which supplies drinking water to Thousand Oaks and much of Ventura County, purchases 87,541 acre-feet of water annually from the Metropolitan Water District at a cost of $82.5 million. After conventional treatment, Calleguas distributes the drinking water to the city and county.
An innovative approach to reduce dependence on imported water is to redirect the ultra-pure effluent back to Calleguas for reuse. This strategy could save Thousand Oaks residents $11.4 million annually, lowering the average homeowner’s water bill by $600 each year.
The ultimate goal is to make Thousand Oaks less dependent on imported water from Los Angeles, provide more water to Central Valley farmers, and establish a sustainable revenue stream to maintain water and wastewater systems without raising rates or issuing construction bonds.
Education Partnership Benefiting Our City
Reading, writing, and mathematics form the cornerstone of education, equipping students with essential skills for success in life. Without these fundamentals, students may face limited opportunities and career prospects. In support of all students in Thousand Oaks, several recently approved apartment developments will feature a Tutoring/Learning Center. This center will provide a quiet environment for students to study and receive assistance from tutors sourced from our local colleges and universities.
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This initiative is a collaborative effort between developers and our community, reflecting a shared commitment to the future of Thousand Oaks. Developers recognize the community benefits of investing in education and are partnering with us to provide valuable resources for students. Additionally, this partnership benefits tutors by offering them valuable teaching experience as they work toward graduation from the Department of Education. Ultimately, this collaboration aims to empower students with the lifelong skill of learning, setting them on a path to success.
Support of Public Safety and Law Enforcement
We’re fortunate to have a highly responsive police department in Thousand Oaks, with officers who are deeply appreciated by our community. The people of Thousand Oaks recognize the invaluable service provided by our police force, and this mutual appreciation fosters a safer city.
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As a retired LAPD reserve police officer, I am dedicated to upholding law and order, standing firmly against acts of retail theft, looting, and rioting.
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Keeping our city safe is my first priority.
Remodel of City Hall Campus
Renovating the current City Hall is essential and currently underway to better serve our community. The plan includes innovative concepts such as a public market along the boulevard, offering diverse food options and experiences for all ages, creating a vibrant gathering place.
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The renovated campus will feature enhanced City services, including a more accessible public service counter and an improved layout for easier navigation within City Hall.
Centered around our theaters, the Campus Master Plan aims to establish a true downtown core for the community. This significant investment, a long-held goal of the Council, will create the anchor hub we need to keep people in our community for entertainment, improving access to the facility and attracting businesses that encourage visitors to come early and stay late.
By highlighting the best features of the current configuration and exploring additions like an outdoor amphitheater and an accessible play space, we aim to offer entertainment and activities for all ages and interests.
Businesses and Job Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic forced over 30% of our businesses to shut down, many of them never to reopen. Families exhausted their lines of credit, savings, and home equity to keep their businesses afloat. We must support the businesses that provide jobs in our community.
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Additionally, our local businesses have recently faced a wave of predatory lawsuits targeting those unknowingly violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These lawsuits result in significant financial penalties without giving businesses a chance to correct the violations. To combat this, the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce has launched a media campaign to educate business owners and conduct seminars on how to address ADA violations proactively. I have been actively working with our state’s Assembly member and Senator to advocate for a “cure” period in the current ADA law. This would give business owners the opportunity to address and rectify violations without facing crippling financial penalties.
I am committed to supporting both our disabled residents and our local businesses that provide jobs to Thousand Oaks. The growth of the Bio-Tech Hub in Newbury Park is a prime example of forward-looking development, bringing both high-paying jobs and entry-level positions to our city. This allows high school graduates to start careers in the Bio-Tech industry and attracts well-educated researchers and scientists. We must continue this trend, making Thousand Oaks the Silicon Valley of Bio-Tech.
As I walk through Thousand Oaks, it’s heartbreaking to see so many of my favorite businesses closed. Both employees and business owners have been profoundly affected. Since the city’s main source of revenue for essential services comes from local sales tax, maintaining a vibrant economy is crucial for our community’s well-being.
Fortunately, the city has two years of conservatively invested cash reserves, allowing us to weather future economic challenges. I support this financial discipline and policy, as it ensures that needed services for our residents can continue uninterrupted.
Leadership with 30 years of business experience, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, and innovative problem-solving skills are essential to uphold and advance the policies established by past city councils. Let’s keep Thousand Oaks thriving and resilient.
Support the Arts,
Music and Culture
The arts, music, and dance are integral to the cultural development and enjoyment of our city. The management of facilities for these events is best handled by private enterprises. Beyond its core functions, the government cannot match the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the private sector in providing these products and services. The government can play a crucial role in fostering and encouraging cultural development within our community.
Support Service for
Our Seniors
Let’s rally behind our aging population, encouraging them to remain active and vibrant members of our community. This support encompasses various initiatives, including transportation assistance, Meals-on-Wheels programs, and the resources available at the Goebel Adult Community Center.
Open Spaces and
Natural Preserves
One of Thousand Oaks’ most appealing qualities is its Ring of Green, offering picturesque landscapes that we all cherish. These open spaces provide opportunities for families to stroll, hike, bike, and even ride horses, enhancing our connection with nature. As a water science instructor at Ventura College, I deeply understand the importance of preserving our natural environment and working in harmony with it.
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To alter or harm our open spaces would fundamentally alter the essence of Thousand Oaks. I am committed to safeguarding the serene atmosphere of our city and its surrounding areas, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the tranquility of our green spaces.
No to Sales Tax Increase
No new sales tax increases in Thousand Oaks. Government needs to provide services within its means. Money in your pocket is spent the wisest.
Wildfire Preparation and Prevention
Around 25 years ago, a US Forest Ranger shared insights into fire prevention strategies, including clearing dead brush, thinning forests, and maintaining clearances around power lines to minimize fire risks. These proactive measures not only prevented wildfires but also fostered healthier forest growth. In the event of a wildfire, swift containment was possible.
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The Ranger also foresaw a looming wave of wildfires in California, attributing it to changes in wildfire prevention policies by the Sacramento legislature. The shift towards a hands-off approach—”letting nature take its course”—proved to be misguided. Overgrown forests became fuel for wildfires, exacerbated by dead trees and ignited brush under power lines.
While wildfires are a natural part of the ecosystem, we are bearing the consequences of this cycle. However, we can mitigate the loss of lives and property by reverting to the proven methods employed by the US Forest Service. These time-tested practices not only safeguard against wildfires but also promote forest health and resilience.
Continue the Safe Sidewalks Repair Program
Thousand Oaks residents regularly stroll through their neighborhoods where, overall, sidewalks are well-maintained. However, some areas require leveling to prevent tripping hazards.
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The Safe Sidewalks initiative, working alongside the city’s Project Works Department, engages local residents and organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. These groups inspect sidewalks, identifying and flagging uneven or raised sections in need of repair. This collaborative effort ensures thorough inspection and necessary repairs across all sidewalks.
This highly effective program has significantly reduced tripping incidents, thereby lowering lawsuits against the city. It also promotes walking, enhances quality of life, and conserves city funds by minimizing legal expenses, allowing resources to be allocated to other community services. I wholeheartedly endorse the program and advocate for its continued implementation in our sidewalk maintenance strategy.