Rancho Potrero open house to be held prior to public meeting
By Nancy Needham  nancy@theacorn.com

A borrowed parking lot and shuttle buses will make the proposed Rancho Potrero future park site accessible to the public during an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sun., Dec. 2.

Those wanting to see the Rancho Potrero property are asked to park at the Rancho Satwiwa parking lot, where there will be signs to follow for a one-mile hike to the Rancho Potrero site. Those who prefer to be shuttled will be transported by buses that will be making a continuous loop throughout the open house time.

Conejo Recreation and Park District staff will be at the proposed park site with trail maps and other information for the public. The purpose is to allow those interested in the area to become familiar with it before the Wed., Dec. 5 meeting, when a focus group will meet with intergovernmental committee members--City Council and park district board members--to discuss the future of the site.

The public has already been discussing the proposal for months- through a letter-to-the-editor campaign, newspaper advertising and public comment time at City Council meetings.

Residents have been asking for answers about issues such as the hours the proposed park will be open, whether or not amplified sound systems or fire pits will be allowed and the size of the pavilion planned.

"We will definitely talk about these issues at the Dec. 5 meeting," said Jim Friedl, general manager of the park district.

Since the City Council approved the plan in 2005, picnic areas, including the covered pavilion for 200 people, and a car and bus parking lot have become controversial.

The city is to pay $450,000 for development of the site over a four-year period beginning this year.

Currently the park is not easily accessible, and those who live nearby are organizing to keep it that way.

They hope at least to keep the 306 acres for passive recreational use only, similar to the way Wildwood Park is compatible with the homes that surround that land as it is used by the public.

Those opposing the large pavilion have suggested a few picnic tables and a smaller parking lot as an alternative, Friedl said.

When Rancho Potrero was purchased in 1993, the city put up $1 million and CRPD paid $1.9 million.

The land was transferred to the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency.

Homeowners association members have asked that there be no fire pits, lights, electrical outlets or alcohol use allowed. Those groups, too, are opposed to a large pavilion.