SHARING INFO—Thousand Oaks City Councilmember Dennis Gillette gives an update to the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club during Special Guest Day, a meeting with more than a dozen prospective members. The club meets 7 a.m. every Wednesday at Plug Nickel, except the day before Thanksgiving. City Councilmember Dennis Gillette discussed the city of Thousand Oaks during Special Guest Day, a meeting of T.O. Kiwanis Club, earlier this month at the Plug Nickel restaurant in Westlake. More than a dozen prospective members also attended.

Gillette said budget cutbacks in Thousand Oaks are necessary because the state is borrowing money from cities. Reduced revenue is also a factor, he said. The city is trimming spending, Gillette said, and has a hiring freeze. He praised members of the city staff for working harder than ever.

Gillette said the city remains committed to keeping service levels high, especially those involving public safety.

Regarding spending for fire protection, Gillette said a study has revealed the city of Thousand Oaks is spending about $6 million more per year than it’s getting back in services from Ventura County Fire Department. The city, he said, must look into possible solutions.

Gillette also showed a map of Thousand Oaks that depicts areas of open space that are permanently protected from development. Almost all of the land surrounding the city is designated as open space, he said.

Doug Ryan, president of the club, said the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club has about 100 members and is recruiting new ones.

With more members, the club can provide more service to worthy causes, Ryan said.

On Special Guest Day, three members shared how the club has improved their lives. The speakers were Steve Holt, Glen Bindelglass and San Lee.

Guests are welcome to attend 7 a.m. breakfast meetings on Wednesday at the Plug Nickel, 717 Wakefield Road, south of Townsgate Road, between Westlake Boulevard and Hampshire Road.

The T.O. Kiwanis Club helps a variety of causes, including Meals on Wheels, Hospice of Conejo, Senior Concerns and Manna food bank.