Half of my wish came true thanks to our wonderful City Council. The former Kmart, a 33,000-square-foot commercial building, is still empty.

It's just waiting to be converted into a skating center for our youth. The name "Skating Palace" is a temporary name until a donor steps up to claim T.O.'s next landmark building, same as the Civics Arts Plaza.

Also needed is a city bus stop in front for children who don't drive. Now, if mom and dad both work, their children can take the bus, meet friends, eat healthy snacks, skate to beautiful music and have fun.

The old building will be ringing with children's laughter. The city or park district can remove the cement floor and build a divider between the roller rink and ice rink. Children can ride city buses and choose which rink they want to skate on.

It can be open at night as the lights are already installed in the parking lots.

We need a large youthoriented business for our families here in Conejo Valley. We need civic minded, local, wealthy investors who are willing to provide for the well-being of our youth. This will be a huge financial undertaking but will give new life to vacant commercial real estate, benefit the youth of Conejo Valley, which is a wiser idea and cheaper than building a new structure.

This would be an act of benevolence to our citizens and eventually profitable. College students could operate the skating center and receive credits and compensation for their work.

They're studying computer skills, administrative technology, network support, implementation and customer service. These skills could be put to good use as hands-on experience, which would expand their education in the real world.

It also would enable them to obtain excellent jobs when they graduate.

Impossible vision? I don't think so.

Build it and we will come! Kristal Watters Thousand Oaks