The Thousand Oaks City Council approved $10,000 worth of support last week for the second annual Thousand Oaks Arts Festival to be held next September.

The support will be monetary as well as parking and staffing help.

Although the measure was approved unanimously, Mayor Claudia Bill-de la Peña voted "yes" somewhat reluctantly. She cited discomfort with the funding after the council had voted down about $6,400 for social services earlier in the meeting and in light of the council’s proposal to raise fees for groups to use the Civic Arts Plaza.

"Do we give this particular event special preference over others?" Bill-de la Peña asked. "I feel hard-pressed to deny $6,400 in social services and then come up with $10,000 for another event."

Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Gillette pointed out that the support was not all monetary, but was also in-kind services.

"This event supports the broad community. It’s not just one small event," Gillette said. "The community has asked for such programs, and it adds to the improvement of the quality of life for our community."

Bill-de la Peña said that if the event should come before the council again next year for funding, she would not support it.

Councilmember Jacqui Irwin was chosen as the council liaison to the festival.

The event was first held last year in conjunction with the city’s 40th anniversary events and the 10th anniversary of the Civic Arts Plaza. Art exhibits, hands-on activities and informational booths were among the highlights. Irwin is hoping to add a running-race component to the event.

––Sophia Fischer