City’s general plan has 35th anniversary

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the city of Thousand Oaks’ general plan.

The general plan is the blueprint for the city, guiding its growth along with the preservation of almost 15,000 acres of public open space.

Key goals of the plan include open space and environmental protection, creating a balanced community and fostering citizen involvement in local affairs.

"These goals have been or are being realized in this community of 125,000, thanks to city leaders and staff who have adhered to the guidance of the general plan," said Thousand Oaks Mayor Claudia Bill-de la Peña.

"The city is fortunate to have one of the main architects of the plan, Phil Gatch, a 38-year employee and former community development director, as our city manager," she added. "It is to Mr. Gatch’s credit that the city has been doing such a good job of following the goals of the plan."

The city will be highlighting the achievement of these goals during the 35th-year anniversary of the plan’s adoption later this year. Gatch is leaving his job. See story on page 2.

With incorporation of the city in 1964, city leaders knew a master plan was needed to ensure the proper growth of a quality community in which families could live, work and play.

In the 35 years since the plan’s adoption, the city has maintained a balance between the environment and the economy, ensuring a sustainable, healthy community.

The city received a national award for the citizen participation process used to develop the general plan in 1968-1970.

Currently, the citizen involvement element includes the community attitude survey, which the city still conducts at five-year intervals (most recently in 2004), and several commissions, committees and boards that provide input to the city council on such issues as city planning, budget, traffic and transportation, the arts, youth and senior adult needs.

"The implementation of the general plan over the last 35 years has provided our residents with an ideal home in which to thrive and grow," said Bill-de la Peña.

"Most cities probably don’t think to celebrate their general plans. However, in Thousand Oaks we have a master-planned community at its best," she said. "We should be grateful for the blueprint that created it and the architects who steered its growth into the attractive and inviting city it is today."