Life has deteriorated in T.O
A hearty congratulations to Gatch on his controversial departure and brilliant career working for the city of Thousand Oaks. Though I’ve been in Thousand Oaks since 1962, I don’t know a lot about him.

He, I believe, was one of those unsung heroes working behind the scenes doing his job brilliantly while the warring factions were publicly displaying their talents, like action figures, which usually get all the attention.

I’ve have to concede that throughout the history of mankind there has always been war and two sides to almost every issue. No matter what one side says about the other, they will always feel justified because of what each is fighting for. We each want something different.

I, along with many of the residents who have had longevity, feel our quality of life has deteriorated.

Most of us are here because we wanted a place that was tranquil and nature-filled. We were not in favor of having almost every amenity at our fingertips. Every day the frustration grows as we lose what we valued most in the peace and beauty of our rural environment.

As I see it, our city council is divided by two main concepts for the future of our city. Fox, Gillette and Irwin support business, big money and developers, causing our rapid build-out and the not affordable but desirable city everyone wants to live in.

Bill-de la Peña and Masry do their best to accommodate the majority of the residents who truly want less congested, lower-key, nature-enhanced surroundings.

It’s a war of sorts and Gatch was a casualty. Being that it was Fox that initiated his demise and felt him a threat, that can be his badge of esteem and honor in his fight for the people.

Marilee Ullmann Thousand Oaks