Mount Clef development becoming a wall of worry for Thousand Oaks
By Lori Porter
Acorn Staff Writer

A developer’s plan to build luxury homes on the northern slope of Mount Clef Ridge in Thousand Oaks continues to come under attack.

The ridge, located within the Santa Monica Mountains wildlife corridor, serves as a habitat for many wild species, including mountain lions. Residents fear the homes will disrupt the ecology of the area.

Contractor Michael Dubin of SD Development, Inc. envisions four houses of up to 7,000 square feet each on 25.7 acres of hillside east of Wildwood Park and north of California Lutheran University.

The city of Thousand Oaks tried to purchase the property two years ago, but was unsuccessful.

"There are many challenges in the development of this land and after the property owners encounter some of them, they might be more motivated to sell," said Andy Fox, city councilmember.

To obtain the property, the city should consider using its powers of eminent domain, said Mark Towne, manager of the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency.

Councilmember Ed Masry said he felt the site was crucial to the preservation of wildlife.

Referring to two luxury homes already built by Dubin on nearby property, Councilember Dennis Gillette agreed with Masry and said the homes have become an obstacle for the migration of wildlife.

But former City Attorney Mark Sellers warned the council to use caution when talking about eminent domain.

"First we must do an appraisal of the property and then make an effort to negotiate with the property owners," Sellers said.

Wildlife experts say the Mount Clef development puts people at risk to mountain lions because the animals are being pushed out of their territory and into residential neighborhoods.

Students from the Exotic Animal Training Program at Moorpark College told council members that when animals have a limited amount of land left to live on they become isolated and dangerous.

"They attack as they become more stressed by human encroachment," said Jenna Anderson, a Moorpark student.

Thousand Oaks resident Lisa Chow said she recently became concerned about her family’s safety after a mountain lion jumped over a five-foot fence and landed in her backyard recently.

"This is the area where my children play," Chow said. "The corridor needs to be preserved so the animals have a place to roam and thrive and not be forced to come onto properties where we live."

Chow’s neighbor, Alan Zovar said he came within four feet of a crouching mountain lion while walking his dog.

"We don’t need four more new mansions in our city," said Mayor Bob Wilson. "If the developer said they would be affordable homes, I’d think about it …We may have to pay more for the property but I think it is worth it."