SOS ads praised for promoting a rational position

I'm glad Save Open Space had ads in the Thousand Oaks Acorn supporting leaving Rancho Potrero as open space.

Having watched the history of the Rancho Potrero project unfold, it is apparent these ads are a reflection of a frustrated community.

Many residents have attempted for years to work with the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) and the city regarding appropriate uses for this rural park.

It's my observation that the public has just grown plain tired of being ignored by officials attached to this project. We should not condone our officials' unresponsiveness.

These ads are examples of a community taking constructive action for something they believe in. They're obviously passionate about this park and its future.

Some people may not know the conceptual plan for Rancho Potrero was created and approved way back in 2005 without any request for community feedback. I was one of many residents who attended a City Council meeting back in 2005 until 2 a.m. Residents also objected at the CRPD board meeting in 2005 and were also ignored.

Pressured, CRPD finally requested community feedback this summer via three focus group meetings and a community workshop. Why was the focus group not allowed to discuss any alternatives other than the party pavilion plan? Why have their objections and feedback not been documented? How is it that the only feedback from the community workshop is just a list of misleading bullet points?

Why has there been no response to a very polite and detailed community letter of concern sent to the city and CRPD board?

It's clear why people felt these newspaper ads were necessary after not being heard for two years.

For the record, CRPD has recently acknowledged the vast majority of the community has issues with the party pavilion, road and parking lot.

Sometimes newspaper ads are needed. Stephen Frye Newbury Park