Note from Neil:

Thank you to everyone who sent me notes after the Ventura County Star article this morning.

(http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/may/07/westlake-village-names...).

There's been a bunch of questions, which I thought I would just answer here.

The City of Westlake Village is giving $500 to the charity of my choice. And, I have selected the Triunfo YMCA's Strong Kids campaign (formerly known as Family to Family). This program focuses on those who cannot afford to send their kids to camp, or take part in Indian Guides, or any one of the programs the Y offers. It's local, and it's about kids ... and that just screamed out to me as the right place to direct the donation.

This week, and over the past year and a half, I've gotten scores of queries about donations, ads or offering subscription fees to Westlake Revelations. I've never wanted to do this, and still do not want to, as Westlake Revelations is simply my contribution to the community.

But there are ways to give back. So, if you have valued Westlake Revelations or some other effort, you are welcome and encouraged to make a tax deductible donation to this kid-focused program (Strong Kids) as well. Any and all amounts are appreciated.

Simply go to (http://www.westlakerevelations.com/donate.php) or you can call the Y directly at 818-707-9622, and make a donation over the phone.

More information below from the Y about their Strong Kids Campaign.

Up Front Note From the Editor:

For those of you new to Westlake Revelations, our goal is simply to present facts so you can make up your own mind. Usually, we can see an argument on both sides of an issue. But, sometimes after intensive investigation (research that few of us have time to do), there is no doubt in our mind as to what the conclusion should be. Obviously, we can only form our thoughts after digesting the considerable education we've gotten on a topic, and drawing conclusions from it. As a result, you should consider this post as an "editorial", unlike most Westlake Revelations articles.

Whether you are a resident of Thousand Oaks, or any area of the Conejo, the upcoming Thousand Oaks' vote (June 3rd) on Measure B will likely affect you. Here's our top line conclusions on Measure B:

* The consequences of Measure B are severe. For example, the hospital will likely need to close the ER for something like a year, and the area will have nearly $1 billion in annual economic losses.

* It's just not workable. Citizens do not have the time to research each development that comes up for vote properly -- no one has time to read 150-600 pages of documentation on *each* vote. Without reading that material, you would not be making an educated decision. And making a gut, emotional decision will likely do substantive damage to the community over time. Think of it this way, would you read something 25-100 *times* the length of this article before voting on each project?

* Traffic is likely to get worse, not better if Measure B comes into existence. This is completely contrary to the stated goal of Measure B.

* Finally, in regards to the research we've done on this issue, we're convinced the consequences, impartial analysis, and the rest of the details from the city and other sources are realistic.

We were unable to find any argument from DoIt Center nor their representatives that could answer, refute or be worth, the effects of Measure B.

Synopsis

The initiative identifies larger developments with traffic impacts (as many large developments have). In these cases, after the planning process, land use committee, and the city council has approved them, voters would ultimately approving or turn down the project. What voters will need to decide is if Direct Democracy is a good thing, and if having voter veto control on every qualifying project is worth the effects Measure B will cause.

Measure B is the DoIt Center backed initiative for the City of Thousand Oaks that is formally called the "Right to Vote on Traffic Congestion". The "for" side will tell you this initiative puts decisions about many big developments into the hands of the voters. The "against" side has enumerated a variety of other likely consequences ... including the closing the Los Robles Emergency Room, nearly $1 billion of economic losses to the area annually, and reduced government services. The thought of these economic losses comes at the same time as the City, along with Conejo Schools (CVUSD) and the Conejo Recreation and Park District, look to query residents on what type of new taxes citizens are willing to weather a tough fiscal period.

Even more significant is that Measure B significantly changes how government works. Currently working as a representative government, Measure B takes Thousand Oaks towards a Direct Democracy.

Disclaimer: Westlake Revelations is all about presenting both sides of an argument factually. In the case of this article, the "Yes on Measure B" campaign not only could not answer questions asked in person, but the consultants behind the campaign wouldn't return any of many phone messages, so we had to rely on their web site only. (Ed note: It's a huge red flag to us when someone won't return calls or answers questions.) On the flip side, the City of Thousand Oaks staff, Los Robles Hospital, and the "No on Measure B" campaign were very responsive to inquiries, and answered all questions posed, even under scrutiny.

Measure B puts the responsibility of being educated not only on the city and representatives. Larger projects have 150-600 pages of materials to review. As a comparison, this Westlake Revelations article is approximately 6 pages (or less than 4% of those material you would review at the smaller end of the spectrum). So, to make an educated decision, voters should expect to review 25-100 times as much material as is in this article for each development brought to the voters under Measure B.

Furthermore, the City's impartial analysis looks at the impact Measure B has on traffic. In short, in the trade off between a number of smaller developments spread over a larger area, vs. a single larger development, traffic would be less with the larger development. Presuming that voters turned down larger developments, Measure B stands a good chance of increasing traffic instead of reducing it.

Using a combination of accepted ratios, real life surveys, etc., the proposed Home Depot should generate 23% less traffic than the Kmart shopping center did before. Weekend truck deliveries are just a handful, and weekend truck deliveries are in the mid-teens per weekday. Using the existing measurements from the city and the county, the intersections where Hampshire crosses the freeway and Thousand Oaks Blvd. will continue to be at C level of service or better, even after Home Depot comes in.

DoIt Center has put approximately $400-500,000 into this initiative to date, with that amount continuing to grow -- but they are not taking outside donations. Home Depot, probably the first project that would be affected by the initiative, has also put up approximately $400-500,000 to fight it, but unlike DoIt Center, there are other contributors. These two businesses have done battle in the past (e.g., the Agoura initiative limiting large retail, and DoIt also backed the No on Z campaign in Westlake Village to keep out Lowe's).

The following is greater detail of all of these issues. If you are interested in having residents vote directly on each project, it would be a good exercise to not only review this article, but all the materials available from the City of Thousand Oaks, and both the for/against web sites to make an educated decision.

Synopsis

When the USPS wanted to change zip codes, Westlake Revelations investigated and found no publicly stated valid reason for change, and brought that to the attention of government officials. (For more info about the USPS position change, see http://www.westlakerevelations.com/?q=node/102)

Area codes, however, are entirely another matter. We're not running out of phone numbers per se, but we are running out of "whole prefixes" which is how phone numbers are allocated to providers. In other words, it's becoming very difficult to get new numbers.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) had two choices: split the area code into two areas (one keeping the old, the other keeping the new) as happened when 818 was created ... or create an overlay. With some history behind it, the evidence is clear that an overlay is less costly to implement for people.

As a result, this afternoon, the PUC voted unanimously for an "area code overlay" -- second area code to the same geographic region. The good news is that if you have an existing 818 number, your number will not change. If you want a new number, however, starting next year, it's likely to be in the new 747 area code.

More importantly, everyone in 818 will need to dial 1+ the area code and the telephone number for all calls. This applies even when you are dialing your next door neighbor. While not yet required, you can start to dial this way today if you'd like. In fact, many people living in this area are already doing this especially if they work/live in both 818/805 area codes.

Toll charges will continue to be based geographically, and not by area code. In other words, if your next door neighbor gets a new number with 747, it won't be a toll call. But, if your friend in Burbank does ... that will continue to be a toll call.

Synopsis

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for young people 15 to 20 years of age, causing roughly one-third of all fatalities in this age group. Last year, over 6,000 young people ages 15-20 died in motor vehicle crashes. Even though this age group makes up only 7% of the driving population, they are involved in 14% of all traffic fatalities.

STTOP is an intervention program developed by the Lost Hills/Malibu Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, to educate young drivers and their parents. STTOP encourages citizens to call 877-310-STOP and report dangerous drivers (teen or otherwise), or fill out this form on the web http://www.sttop.net/report_a_driver.htm -- either way, your information is kept confidential.

After locating the driver, a Sheriff's Deputy conducts an intervention with the driver (and his/her parents if a teenager). STTOP follows on all reports regardless of the drivers age. The programs' intent is not to prosecute, but to correct poor driving habits so collisions and citations can be avoided.

Thursday, April 24th, 7-9pm at the Westlake Village City Hall, the Sheriff will be presenting a program "Is your teen road ready?"

Synopsis

The Sheriff has arrested multiple people for stealing mail and other identity theft related crimes. In some cases, these crimes date back months. Below is the official notice about the mail theft which affected about 100 victims in the areas from Thousand Oaks to Calabasas and beyond.

The long and short of it is that you should no longer use your personal mailbox as a way to send mail. Mail theft is now common enough that "mail boxing" has become a verb among the criminal community.

You should drop your mail, instead, in a blue USPS mailbox or at the post office.

If you do suspect mail theft, contact the Sheriff for your area and let them know. Information is what helps them catch thieves. And, if you see anyone suspicious around mailboxes, take down descriptions of them and their vehicles and report that as well.

Synopsis

Lindero Canyon Middle School's music programs are renowned. Matt McKagan, a recent recipient of the national Mr. Holland's Opus award, leads the program. For some time, public funds have not been able to fully support this program, and fundraising is a necessity. This year, with expected budget cuts, this is not likely to get any better.

Esteban, the guitarist who constantly tops the Billboard charts, will be performing a special concert at The Canyon club in Agoura Hills on Sunday, May 18 at 7:30 pm. Esteban, along with his band, will donate all proceeds to help the LCMS music program.

Tickets are $22.50 for adults, and $17.50 for students, including the $2.50 surcharge from the The Canyon box office. You can also buy them by phone for slightly more by calling The Canyon at 818-879-5016. Finally, if you don't mind the larger surcharges, you can buy them online at Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/74116). "Dinner and show" tickets available only through The Canyon box office.

Alternatively, if you want to support the LCMS music department, but not go to the concert, you can make a direct donation. Contact Kayla Sayeg, kaysay@sbcglobal.net, for more information.

Synopsis

The weekend of April 11th and 12th is packed with community activities that run the entire weekend. In order of start times, these include:

Saturday:
* MS Walk for the Conejo Valley
* Dole/YMCA Healthy Kids Day
* 2008 Soap Box Derby
* AHS Grade Nite Garage Sale

Sunday:
* Pancake Breakfast
* Charity Run
* 14th Annual Street Festival

Dole/YMCA Healthy Kids Day/Soap Box Derby
Car Show Entry Deadline Approaching

If you are interested in entering a automobile in the Antique and Classic Car Show that's part of the 2008 Dole/YMCA Healthy Kids Day/Soap Box Derby event, the deadline is approaching, and there's a limited number of slots available.

Register no later than April 6th (although spaces may fill prior to then).

Car show registration form at:
http://www.westlakerevelations.com/soapbox/carshow/

Soap Box Derby and Healthy Kids Day Event information at:
http://www.westlakerevelations.com/soapbox/

Synopsis

As you are likely aware from communications from your schools, or the news, the state is predicting a budget shortfall at a level never before seen. The budget is highly complex, and is the responsibility of the State Legislature. The Governor can make proposals and set a tone, but ultimately, the State Assembly and Senate have to pass a budget, which is then handed to the Governor to sign.

The next fiscal year is projected to have a $16 Billion shortfall. The largest that the state has experienced to date was $4 Billion. The Governor is proposing a 10% cut across all departments, except for entitlements (which constitute the majority of the budget).

Because the state is in a declared budget crisis, the schools may not be protected by Proposition 98 that was voted into place to protect school funding. In short, Prop 98 has not yet been suspended, but the Governor is proposing that the Legislature suspend it for next year.

The end result is that LVUSD is being told that it will lose as much as $6.8 million of the almost $100 million budget it has. Approximately 86% of LVUSD's expenses are personnel, and approximately 85% of the revenue for the schools comes from the state. This change would move the state into next to last place for spending per pupil.

There will be a large scale forum to discuss the issues among not just LVUSD, but all the local school districts in the Conejo Valley. All those interested should attend this forum on Wed, April 2nd, 4:30pm at Thousand Oaks High School, Performing Arts Building.

Synopsis

Over the past couple of days, there's been a number of emails flying around a couple of troublesome situations. The first is about a registered sex offender frequenting Westlake Village on the Ventura County side. The second is about a "follow home" situation where an individual may be following people to their homes.

Synopsis

The USPS has decided not to change the zip code for Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Newbury Park.

In researching the reasons behind the change, it become very clear that the reasons were either not true, or no longer true. We asked the City of Westlake Village and Congressman Waxman's office to investigate. Mayor Klessig from the City of Westlake Village pressed for a new meeting with the USPS, and information from Congressman Waxman's office.

Congressman Waxman's office investigated, and the additional scrutiny gave the USPS the opportunity to analyze the decision again, and decide against it. The announcement verifies that they found the savings to not be as substantial.

A great deal of credit needs to go to Mayor Klessig, the Westlake Village City Council and Congressman Waxman's office, for getting to better and more realistic answers from the USPS management than the public could do on its own.

Synopsis

In 2006, the residents of Westlake Village voted down Measure Z (aka Lowe's), and the property was nearly immediately sold to Opus West for approximately $38 million (previous purchase price was in the $20-25m range).

Opus West has development agreements in place that give them the right to build up to 376,000 sq. ft. of office space on the 21.5 acre site, with a maximum height of 4 stories. To recoup the high purchase price, Opus needs to build to the maximum allowed for this property, as expected.

The community gave Opus feedback of wanting more mixed use. Furthermore, with office space creating the greatest noticeable impact on traffic in Westlake Village, several requested that Opus work to reduce that impact.

The Opus project goes before the City Council for vote on March 12th. The primary decision for the council is whether to vote for the "base" project of offices and two restaurants, or the proposed project that adds a health club, associated retail space, and a third restaurant. But, the council could also ask for revisions on design if they don't feel that it meets the standards of Westlake Village.

Conservative traffic estimates put the two projects at about a wash, but there's a reasonable possibility that the larger could actually make traffic better because it would provide services that many others on Russell Ranch Road could also use.

Synopsis

Tonight, the City Council held the official vote to deny the application for the Sunrise project. The vote was 4-0, with Mayor Klessig abstaining, and the project is officially denied. The applicant may not bring this project, nor one that is substantially similar to it, before the council for a minimum of 12 months. They can, however, present a substantially different project at any time to the land use committee.

LVUSD: Your chance to voice opinions, and understand the budget for the local schools

In the next couple of weeks, there are two opportunities to get information from the leaders of the Las Virgenes School District, or ask a question, voice a suggestion, or more.

Ever wonder what the relationship is between our local schools and the sheriff?

We stumbled upon an example of how they proactively work together recently. As you may know, there was an incident of a child being shot at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard earlier this week.

The moment the incident happened, the Malibu/Lost Hills station (LA County Sheriff) moved into "threat assessment" mode, and started down the path to see what was the appropriate action to be taken within LVUSD.

This "threat assessment" check list included:

Synopsis

The straw poll on Sunrise is now closed and the analysis complete, and there was solid response. Tonight, we presented the results on public record at the City Council meeting.

The meeting was for the council to hear comments from the city staff, applicant (Sunrise), and residents, and then give direction to the city staff on what they would like to see moving forward. The staff would then prepare a resolution that would either be to approve or deny the application.

The end result of tonight's meeting is that 4 of the 5 city council members (Mayor Klessig being the exception) were against the project, and as a result the council has instructed the staff to draft a resolution to deny the application which will be voted on at probably the next council meeting to formalize it.

The straw poll ran for approximately 2 weeks on the Westlake Revelations with a solid response. The Westlake Revelations list is primarily read by Westlake Village residents, but there were a disproportionate number of people that live outside of Westlake Village that voted in the straw poll.

As you know, we're taking a quick straw poll about the future of the old Westlake Hospital site on Lakeview Canyon near First Neighborhood. See http://www.westlakerevelations.com/strawpoll.php

The straw poll is already going very well. We've been asked a couple of questions:

* Do we really have a choice? Yes! With most properties, the owner has extensive rights to develop it. This property is unusual with a "Public Institutional" zone. As a result, the City Council can "veto" the requests made by the developer.

Good afternoon,

Many of you loved Soap Box Derby last year, and it's back as an even bigger event combined with the Dole/YMCA Healthy Kids Day. Below is the announcement on it.

DISCLAIMER: Westlake Revelations is a sponsor of the event, and I'm heading it up again this year. -Neil

_______

Triunfo YMCA Announces 2008 Soap Box Derby & Dole/YMCA Healthy Kids Day
- Soap Box races now open to the public to enter
- Healthy Kids Day to promote healthy living for the children
- Antique and Class Car Show with community participation

Synopsis

As you may remember, Sunrise Retirement would like to purchase the site of the old Westlake Hospital (on Lakeview) and build an independent/assisted living facility.

Unlike most other properties, where developers have extensive rights associated with the property, this property is zoned "Public Institutional" which essentially means that the City Council can "veto" proposed developments.

Since the introduction of this development, Sunrise has scaled back the property by 9% (in terms of units), and 17% (in terms of square footage). The FAR (floor area ratio) is .80 (max city code allows it .50), height remains 35 ft, Lakeview setbacks increased substantially, and landscaping increased some.

With this new proposal, the City Council has two choices on Feb 13:

a) reject the proposed plan, or

b) approve a package of changes/variances including:
    - changing the definition of "Public Institutional" in the City's
      General Plan to include independent/assisted living facilities,
    - grant variance for a higher than normally permitted FAR
      (floor to area ratio)
    - grant variance for 3 stories instead of the permitted 2,
    - grant variance for underground parking.

Your opinion counts: Vote in the Westlake Revelations straw poll by February 8th (but don't wait, do it now), and we'll present the results prior to the vote a few days later. See http://www.westlakerevelations.com/strawpoll.php