Money the biggest consideration in Thousand Oaks land-use decisions

In response to the letter from Eileen Harris in the Feb. 15 Thousand Oaks Acorn ("Can we please do something for our preteens and teens?"), we did have a bowling alley--it's now Borders.

We did have an ice rink at the now vacant Home Depot. But it all boils down to money!

Our City Fathers, in their infinite wisdom, have no regard for our teens--after all, we do have a Teen Center, and a lovely facility it is. Check the numbers and interest of the teens that frequent the place.

I've been in this community since 1968--fortunately all the facilities were still in operation when my girls were growing up.

There was also the Conejo School of Dance--formerly in the Janss Mall. They grew up dancing from three to five nights.

Equestrian Trails Inc. (ETI) was very active, and boarding of their horses was fortunately within the budget, so they were able to ride their horses and participate in the ETI horse shows.

Where have all the trails gone? They've become developments, of course. Money.

What has happened to our Conejo Valley Days celebration, which was at one time something almost everyone in the Conejo Valley enjoyed and the participation was incredible. However, the Conejo has become such a bedroom community with the majority of the residents working elsewhere--it is no longer a community activity.

Check out the General Plan that was adopted when the city incorporated in 1964, if it's even available, and you will note that the majority of the terms have gone awry. Money.

It's extremely disappointing having observed the complete disregard for the things Conejo Valley once stood for totally ignored.

Sorry, Eileen, unless there are some drastic changes in our city government, your teenagers will probably never enjoy the things you mentioned.
Patricia Halfhill
Thousand Oaks