[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6656006,"mediaKeyId","5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb","parentId",5350029,"title","Agoura Hills staff outlines proposed oak tree ordinance rewrite focusing on consistency, incentives and mitigation bank","audioSeconds",2029,"startMs",2423000,"endMs",4452000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb&start=2423&end=4452","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb/thumbnail_2423000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6656006/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Agoura-Hills-staff-outlines-proposed-oak-tree-ordinance-rewrite-focusing-on-consistency-incentives-and-mitigation-bank","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656006-da7469c6b3bf15b3c152c807f0d9f40d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185911&Signature=XdX91q5TmlmmYnvc6SnN5EH~J30iFk-fYPQT1b4~VQ~3RBOiWKsDoROlBBwgqvvLQEYxDKRl302hRacI7veduv2clUcPN~-NDlnl0b7rA--6GHvI4MnN4obAmSfR6Um6ile8BZizoOYgSjbe~oOiYekSk-G9QQSy5O9DueOJRue~GvVrTdXj3zH4t07PPmuC5V0LB68rmtQQ7tNldRzZkBRoXlLioKMEvJea16yleF-~bwG29xQr75A209ZfHYRf3b040OxFVtFlWALhKAudQDK4JyCL8FBwQPBjtKeXwrkufWVsyW6I5zrHpR5nDtK-95b~zwBgI1dF29K5lNW3CQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Agoura Hills","date","2025-07-09T21:10:25Z","article","City planning staff presented a set of proposed planning principles to guide a rewrite of the Agoura Hills Oak Tree Ordinance, aiming to consolidate conflicting rules, reduce barriers for homeowners, create incentives to plant and maintain trees, and identify alternative mitigation options where on‑site replacement is not feasible.

Principal Planner Robbie Nesivik framed the changes as six issue areas that emerged from the city’s review of existing code and public input. Nesivik said oak tree regulations are currently scattered across five places in the municipal code and include inconsistent mitigation ratios; for example, the zoning ordinance requires a 4:1 mitigation ratio in some cases while Appendix A requires 3:1 for commercial projects. “Oak tree regulations currently live in 5 different locations of the Agoura Hills Municipal Code,” Nesivik said, and staff proposed consolidating those provisions into a single, user‑friendly code section that follows the permit application flow.

Staff’s proposed planning principles include: (1) consolidate and clarify all oak tree regulations in one code location; (2) reframe rules to include incentives for planting and maintaining oak trees (for example parking reductions for canopy in commercial lots and homeowner recognition plaques); (3) provide clear, objective enforcement remedies and consider certification or registration for tree trimming companies to discourage bad actors; (4) explore alternative mitigation strategies such as a mitigation bank on city‑owned property, partnerships with local nurseries, and an oak tree reimbursement program; (5) set clear application requirements and streamline permitting for common pruning; and (6) evaluate community interest in protecting two additional species—California sycamore and Southern California black walnut—if public support and water‑use implications warrant it.

Nesivik and council members discussed enforcement and compliance details: current thresholds require permits for pruning cuts larger than 2 inches, and staff said they are considering raising that threshold to 4–6 inches to reduce costs for homeowners. Staff also explained the current mitigation valuation methodology uses the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) method, which can produce disputed tree valuations and expensive enforcement costs. To reduce disputes, staff proposed establishing fixed cost bands tied to local nursery pricing and creating a mitigation bank so homeowners can fund off‑site plantings when on‑site replacements are impossible.

Council members broadly supported an incentive‑first approach. Council member Deborah Klein Lopez, who served on the Land Use and Economic Development Subcommittee that reviewed the item, said incentives will reduce avoidance and illegal removals. Council members asked staff to consider a “safe harbor” for homeowners who hire city‑certified trimmers so enforcement can focus on unlicensed operators, and several members urged that any certification or training be low‑ or no‑cost and flexible (including online options) to encourage participation.

On the question of expanding the list of protected species, staff said Dudek (the city’s consultant) recommended considering the Southern California black walnut and the California sycamore. Staff noted both species are commonly used in urban landscapes, can contribute to canopy cover and have attributes favorable for fire‑wise landscaping; staff also noted higher water needs and the possibility that off‑site mitigation would be required for these species.

Staff outlined next steps: draft the ordinance for LUEDC and planning commission review in September–October, inventory city‑owned property for potential mitigation bank sites, and reach out to local nurseries and nonprofits to develop baseline mitigation costs and potential reimbursement or planting programs.

Ending: No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff will return with a draft ordinance and additional analysis for committee and planning commission review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Agoura Hills City Council Meeting - July 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City planning staff presented six planning principles to rewrite Agoura Hills’ Oak Tree Ordinance, proposing consolidation of scattered rules, incentives for planting and maintenance, certifications for trimmers, and alternative mitigation options including a city mitigation bank.","taxTitle","Agoura Hills, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",57347,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656011,"Las Virgenes water district outlines rate study, says local supply projects will reduce reliance on imported water",420,1018000,1438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb&start=1018&end=1438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb/thumbnail_1018000.jpg","/articles/6656011/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Las-Virgenes-water-district-outlines-rate-study-says-local-supply-projects-will-reduce-reliance-on-imported-water","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656011-edfc10a9c4a2a550917e642691dc72fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185911&Signature=Z68MIxnf0-VKwAXDU9S1cpMqwXIJnDfMNNMFKRq~P48uwZdIQ59dJPGUDzjGGN7G3HHTm3MXLVXI69Dew~lz93Sq34V44B0Rw5TZPhWzCLsCS3Tajv6VKtEuaPC9-mX6-H8FZTKsCLduEl8vY1053k5xNfB96Ki2wjfu1swHbsnDLpm2k4sxMt-G7lw8S9HZ6zDyeJmVMb7XVv8ogpQSlTBVFlvmlvsfOLMuBe2BXnBY8j3-XIVuW-N5cMnRrSUqccNwqE3ulgHy-~fsDQsIdIHwMP79y~mquLiJhbmCEluT80bQqlMcmqV0J2CPRPARnptgOsjAi-4Zk7MLLSPBjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Las Virgenes Municipal Water District officials told the Agoura Hills City Council that the district’s planned investments in local water projects would reduce the agency’s reliance on imported water and that a five‑year rate study proposes phased increases to cover those costs.

The presentation on the district’s work was given by Ricky Clark, public affairs associate for Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, and Brian Ritchie, the district’s director of finance and information technology, with LVMWD Board Director Gary Burns in attendance. Clark said LVMWD is “100% reliant on imported water,” and that the district is pursuing supply diversification including the Pure Water Project (about 30% of drinking water locally) and a pilot with OceanWell’s ocean desalination technology that could provide “up to 15%” of supply.

The district emphasized that those projects carry up‑front costs. Clark said the district has launched a five‑year rate study “to ensure that we do remain properly funded” and to pay for proactive investments such as an advanced water purification facility to be built in the service area. The district presented a bill‑impact chart showing a range of outcomes depending on household water budgets and meter sizes, and said the “average residential customer bill is going to increase an average of about $11” over the study period presented during the meeting.

Council members asked how the average was calculated and whether local supply will shield customers from Metropolitan Water District pass‑through costs. Clark and Ritchie said the figure presented was an average across years and customer classes, and noted that localizing supply reduces exposure to rising costs associated with importing water—such as energy to pump water long distances—even though new local facilities also require capital funding. Ritchie said some recent Metropolitan rate increases are already being passed to wholesale customers and that some Metropolitan projects (such as the Sepulveda Pass project discussed during a recent Metropolitan board meeting) are included in pass‑through rates LVMWD pays.

Council members also asked about affordability programs. Clark said the district maintains adjustments and variances for customers with medical needs or other particular circumstances and that customers can contact LVMWD’s customer service line to request assistance or a variance, use the district’s bill calculator on its website, or request help updating household information that affects a customer’s individualized water budget.

Clark noted two public hearings on the rate study are planned in August: an in‑person hearing and a virtual hearing; the district said it will publicize those hearings via local advertising, social media, city channels and in compliance with Proposition 218 guidelines.

Council members and the mayor thanked the presenters and emphasized public education about water quality and conservation. LVMWD emphasized the district’s view that local sources are the most cost‑efficient over time even though initial capital costs are significant.

Ending: The presentation concluded with a reminder about the public hearings and a QR code link to LVMWD’s bill calculator and rate‑study materials on the district’s website.","Las Virgenes Municipal Water District officials told the Agoura Hills City Council that the district’s planned investments in local water projects would reduce the agency’s reliance on imported water and that a five‑year rate study proposes phased increases to cover those costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655996,"Council and successor agency adopt agenda and consent calendars; votes recorded 4–0",1519,975000,2494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb&start=975&end=2494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb/thumbnail_975000.jpg","/articles/6655996/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-and-successor-agency-adopt-agenda-and-consent-calendars-votes-recorded-40","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655996-42ecd5163c537a2ae62c0b9ecc0139f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185911&Signature=Me9RpSVrmDKCjVAkM9Ii4AE6YcRD66w~jb49BK8ZilKmTRUYUFFvMpF-~M~EidBnHX1ltNCQ1g2bY1B-k8aRDmnWMNs2LqR6f5GQxH-AV-FZRXgyLljDPdSwXI8vp0UtT1SpMTBJTd4l9EAKVdM~A8nF1u2qv1P7rB3Drf9QIfQzcJFhvIFA42NOB6Alwe5iOSnpttI-gMUncpMm23uPK~lJjuBkDF7UDr6ygGXFTXtrH5MmeMrnhOmi0tPgAFgl-yCIJ42Xi5J4GgQLuhl0RfW-LVfyg1K9wP0hcStB7M96koMc9zFmzrkVA8hGb0uZEi-ezsM0-SYRa8NSvJFXgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Agoura Hills City Council and the Successor Agency recorded routine procedural votes at the start of the meeting.

City Council: The council approved the meeting agenda and adopted the consent calendar by roll‑call votes. The motion to approve the agenda was made by Council member Deborah Klein Lopez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tim Wolf; the vote was recorded as 4–0 (Council member Anderson, Council member Klein Lopez, Mayor Pro Tem Wolf, Mayor Sylvester voting aye; Council member Anstead was absent). The motion to adopt the consent calendar was made and seconded on the record and approved by roll call, 4–0.

Successor Agency: The Successor Agency also approved its agenda and adopted the consent calendar by roll call, with a 4–0 vote.

Ending: No other formal motions or ordinance adoptions were recorded during the meeting; agenda and consent calendar approvals were procedural and passed unanimously.","The Agoura Hills City Council and the Successor Agency approved the meeting agenda and adopted their respective consent calendars by unanimous vote. The council also adopted the city council consent calendar. No other ordinances or resolutions were formally adopted during the meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6656001,"Agoura Hills library reports summer programs, names new children’s librarian",416,1943000,2359000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb&start=1943&end=2359","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5350029-d932fb5af6f57e240bf4d768cb47a3fb/thumbnail_1943000.jpg","/articles/6656001/Agoura-Hills/Los-Angeles-County/California/Agoura-Hills-library-reports-summer-programs-names-new-childrens-librarian","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6656001-6787e0f365d9fd2de7ab4296d4ebb8df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185911&Signature=hT03~teOiOoPZutTkUxIjy6IgXlNoiFlx1~Hv6E5m41d6ANFOxa8qw~lo0BYY8ExdSorqZ4AjMPmSArRwyAIvPidzIXIlVyciqF3984twtgVoPBDk~mgMiB4OBreG5Yja7itbpOS9hn~av6NKW8kUjWhuoLhGDucfMRwYK7GQOX25Cg~93ObG7rtEMCRXjFBrEZQ4ci28HBha4Eq2-mq2JX9HUkyLvwb7SkzghyvCfS4T3g1VqtAs472E6fcKQ2-XQ7jmbL5Wu6ZJ4ON-TLkuPR3gg9aDZnW6Jad50GCMPXVyn7T8wdKrLBJX66si6OJkBsUx7YJMSip2ncQtSQ5wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Library staff delivered a quarterly report to the Agoura Hills City Council highlighting summer programming, community services and the hiring of a new children’s librarian.

The report, given by the library’s presenter (identified in the meeting as Nina), described a typical mix of patrons—students, adults working remotely, parents and several special‑needs groups—and summer programs such as an LA Opera “opera bambino” series for children, trivia nights, author talks and a music program paid for by the Friends of the Library. Nina said the library is serving a range of customers including seniors who need help with online forms; staff can assist but are not able to complete forms on behalf of patrons.

Nina introduced Sarah Hollins as the library’s new children’s librarian. Hollins said she holds a master’s degree in library and information science from USC and has a background in teaching, childcare and archives. She said story time was moved from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and that the first program at the new time had the largest turnout to date (14 children compared with a typical 8–10). Hollins said the Friends of the Library are helping purchase a guitar so she can include music in story time; she also plans programs targeting ages 8–12, a teen‑oriented “Adult 101” life‑skills quarterly series, and a fall creative writing contest.

Council members welcomed Hollins and asked whether the library could host a babysitting‑safety class and other requested programs; Hollins said she would explore options. The presenter also noted the library had received a summer grant from Edison International for engineering and design programs on July 25.

Ending: The council and mayor thanked library staff for the report and welcomed the new children’s librarian; no formal action was required.","Library staff gave a quarterly report highlighting summer programs, community uses and a new children's librarian, Sarah Hollins, who said story time attendance rose after a schedule change and outlined plans for expanded children's programming.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Agoura Hills staff outlines proposed oak tree ordinance rewrite focusing on consistency, incentives and mitigation bank

Las Virgenes water district outlines rate study, says local supply projects will reduce reliance on imported water

Council and successor agency adopt agenda and consent calendars; votes recorded 4–0

Agoura Hills library reports summer programs, names new children’s librarian