[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,74,86,98],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6513065,"mediaKeyId","5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a","parentId",5078779,"title","Council Advances Downtown Thousand Oaks Project: Authorizes Next Steps on Finance, Land Use and Surplus Lands","audioSeconds",6285,"startMs",11533000,"endMs",17818000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a&start=11533&end=17818","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a/thumbnail_11533000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6513065/Thousand-Oaks/Ventura-County/California/Council-Advances-Downtown-Thousand-Oaks-Project-Authorizes-Next-Steps-on-Finance-Land-Use-and-Surplus-Lands","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513065-bc26af3c9617a2fdfd22ec88c20a28ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775217373&Signature=cP9iDjVFCYs95sexbaVKaXmmfkMvs8Q8d4PmEjgRuKmr62Xw56xioPMS2e5esK9~b7-Gs9cy-4-eKQ49cvVHh9ILM4cMVGjiFOKJvyhtWIPD1bOLGdYSOvZSVSh2kJ0BQLgb~rFyI2~g-HEB~SNF1mqDIb7gH5KGLDRKjqtH3YVxAHnuzMbWCVOFOBgSTjwxMJs4h6SPq6sWTSt4x9Ru3ZytLO52TcnYXOv0eZOchK3JkZJqt1eJglTA5B2udVI7vry23Le5VL1-mzASqFTEMYDMDA~TkoAX-IwxmMI410qsbyHFeHzHVJYfUU9Nbm6ej~Qme8KRXi9bm0BBHtXQ2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-26T13:25:00.323Z","article","The Thousand Oaks City Council on June 24 advanced the Downtown Thousand Oaks project after a detailed study session and a live three‑dimensional fly‑through of the proposed site plan. Council members voted 5–0 to (1) authorize the city manager to begin discussions with other taxing entities about tax‑increment financing (EIFD/TIF), (2) initiate the necessary General Plan and specific‑plan amendments to change city‑owned land from institutional to mixed‑use, and (3) return with additional surplus‑land declarations under the Surplus Lands Act for portions of the site.

Deputy City Manager Akbar Alikhan introduced the project’s design evolution and community engagement history dating to 2018. Consultants from RRM, SmithGroup, and others led a live 3D fly‑through that showed the revised 2025 site plan. Key elements include a six‑story, 147‑room hotel with a rooftop deck; mixed‑use buildings with ground‑floor retail and residential above; a retooled civic center that retains theaters and introduces a new, accessible service hub and council chamber; an arts‑infused “culinary collective” and performance venue; an amphitheater for 200–300 people; and a town square planned to preserve mature oak trees.

Consultants stressed several programmatic choices driven by community input: preserving and showcasing oak trees, prioritizing a transparent indoor/outdoor architectural vernacular (described as Southern California or regional modernism), consolidating parking into structured and subterranean garages to create “park once” convenience, and designing accessible routes including a prominent glass elevator from the civic terrace to the new public plaza. The plan also anticipates significant inclusionary affordable housing: staff explained that the interplay of the city’s inclusionary ordinance, state density‑bonus provisions and the Surplus Lands Act could result in the project delivering roughly 22.5% of units as affordable (combined effect of the different requirements), more than double the city’s base inclusionary requirement.

On financing, staff recommended exploring an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District or similar tax‑increment mechanism; the council authorized the city manager to begin outreach with other taxing entities. Council also directed staff to return July 8 to initiate General Plan and specific plan amendments and to bring back additional surplus‑land declarations for council consideration. Staff noted one technical clarification: Building D’s (restaurant pavilion) eligibility for an SLA exemption was still under review with outside counsel.

Councilmembers and members of the public offered extensive comment: business and tourism leaders, arts advocates, entrepreneurs, residents and regional stakeholders largely supported the project’s goals. Speakers highlighted the project’s potential to attract young professionals, support small businesses and provide venues for arts and community programming. Some commenters and council members raised design and operational questions about walkability, ADA access from the west parking structure, protected bike lanes, and how the Boulevard itself will be configured; staff said the Thousand Oaks Boulevard configuration would be addressed in a later, related process while noting the project itself is governed by its specific plan amendments.

After discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Taylor moved to accept staff’s recommendations on the four actions presented by staff; the council approved the motion 5–0. The action does not itself entitle development; it authorizes the city to proceed with financing discussions, initiate plan amendments, and return with surplus‑land actions and further design details.

Ending: Staff will return with follow‑up items — including TIF discussions with taxing entities, initiation materials for required General Plan and specific plan amendments (anticipated at the July 8 meeting for initiation), a formal surplus lands package, and additional detail on accessibility, parking management and boulevard configuration. The council indicated support for further public engagement as the project moves past 30% design.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Thousand Oaks City Council Regular Meeting- June 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Thousand Oaks City Council on June 24 advanced the Downtown Thousand Oaks project after a detailed study session and a live three‑dimensional fly‑through of the proposed site plan, voting 5–0 to authorize financing discussions and initiate land‑use actions.","taxTitle","Thousand Oaks, Ventura County, California","taxId",4670,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6513081,"Residents Describe Fear After ICE Activity; Councilors Urge Federal Engagement, Local Support",618,5059000,5677000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a&start=5059&end=5677","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a/thumbnail_5059000.jpg","/articles/6513081/Thousand-Oaks/Ventura-County/California/Residents-Describe-Fear-After-ICE-Activity-Councilors-Urge-Federal-Engagement-Local-Support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513081-6b5c786c051e8c332f71330222507cc2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775217373&Signature=A1iD4EZN6B8-I-enADNt9i0wbeFyDwScPrdOs~sJy8Q4aGRy4xPiN1c5-1yBN9pUpBdqdZ7vujcTnCNcGzfbRbLu7daRBiDDDXXgIdYVg9BoMRf9TySo8WHqrp11ZVIz9ySbkgrstoh8vFcDal7bbL5J0avePpFt1ZY~xl0AG3ybN7jUFHaOzInMs3WlrcsVYR4Rjtp08WG3AtQVmpKGllaQToCIayz0Pbwy4VHzfUlGvVOiycS0IvCVIZ4ki9~84P~N48mvGrh6GEPLDRas8fJqSj~rUtIXHIVV0a3tD-HjBo3wVQkpLPhRQ8y27GS1ojigAPM~kixw35XoXWWVGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents told the Thousand Oaks City Council on June 24 that recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city is creating fear and destabilizing families.

Speakers described early‑morning entries by ICE and the practical harms that follow — lost wages, children left without caregivers and traumatic conditions inside detention facilities. Council members and city staff acknowledged the limits of local authority over federal immigration enforcement and urged residents to reach out to state and federal representatives while the city offers local supports.

Multiple speakers recounted specific harms. Mackenzie Tabara said the community is “living through nightmares” and called the raids “a human rights crisis.” Erica Perez, who identified herself as a Cal Fire employee, described her mother’s detention and deportation and said, “What’s happening inside these detention centers is inhuman.” Eva Castro, a Ventura County social worker, told the council she is seeing “the emotional and psychological harm that ICE is inflicting on our communities.” Several speakers urged the council to adopt local policies limiting cooperation with ICE and to increase outreach and legal resources for affected families.

Councilmember Ty Gutierrez acknowledged residents’ fear and said the presence of ICE “has created an undercurrent of fear in our city” while noting that federal immigration enforcement lies outside city jurisdiction. Mayor David Newman repeated the city’s public‑safety focus, saying, “We are essentially in the quality of life business here,” and emphasized that local police and fire will remain available to all residents. City Manager Mitch Powers said Chief of Police Jeremy Paris would be available in the lobby after the meeting to speak with residents.

Staff and council members described the limits of local authority but outlined steps the city is taking or can take within its powers: increasing funding for nonprofit services (discussed later in the meeting, see separate article on Community Social Services Grants), connecting residents to legal hotlines, and directing residents to contact state and federal lawmakers. Councilmember Gutierrez urged residents to contact their state senators and congressional representatives to seek transparency and resources at higher levels of government.

No formal council action on immigration policy or policing cooperation with federal authorities was taken at the June 24 meeting. Council members repeatedly told the public the city will listen, provide local services and refer residents to regional and federal resources where appropriate.

The council received multiple written comments echoing the public speakers’ concerns; City Clerk staff noted written submissions from Lisa Solis and Sandra Martinez were added to the record. Mayor Newman and Councilmember Gutierrez both thanked speakers for attending and for sharing personal accounts.

The meeting record shows sustained public concern about immigration enforcement in Thousand Oaks and a council willing to provide local supports while urging residents to press state and federal representatives for broader policy changes.

Ending: The council did not take formal legislative action on immigration enforcement at this meeting. Residents seeking assistance were advised on available local and regional resources and to contact state and federal elected officials; Chief Paris was available after the meeting to meet with residents in the lobby.","Dozens of residents told the Thousand Oaks City Council on June 24 that recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the city is creating fear and destabilizing families.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6513071,"Youth Commission Presents 2024–25 Report; Council Accepts Annual Report",466,8348000,8814000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a&start=8348&end=8814","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a/thumbnail_8348000.jpg","/articles/6513071/Thousand-Oaks/Ventura-County/California/Youth-Commission-Presents-202425-Report-Council-Accepts-Annual-Report","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513071-3dec8f73889502831768ee0c54c1c047/orig.mp4?Expires=1775217373&Signature=eHoj-QQ8BYVmLH6f64bC2jJZYOIZjCHqGrxZ5vyAV2wJ9POToGAve93H-23TOrDfMMjGwCx6Cao~iTFWQp47xn-RQ6RXc~I3AVvtxukZnLZekPBP-~dxJlUj3wnMlzUJC0ZPJuDrUDiqReowcfq4QlS3~fN5CWaoMlOYkhSRuH~NTQqojPSfbmE~XbLLWdwKC~8WvM0lzIYauRGqxGWhaNabbNlgb-DH6nuC33XRw~-c6pK4PW2Nilet9royJIaOM0YCODrW4zZBCmBrkjlClWYH93bOnMFRqG7spWfSTdbYhKX311R0Wm6t9ybvaYN3y~~aqIxnQ5sBPXGUt1-Vfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Thousand Oaks Youth Commission presented its 2024–25 annual report to the City Council on June 24, summarizing outreach, environmental cleanup, a youth leadership summit and a young artists contest; the council unanimously accepted the report.

Chair Benjamin Glabke, a recent Thousand Oaks High School graduate, told the council commissioners held monthly meetings with guest speakers and served as liaisons to partner organizations including the Canyon Recreation & Park District and CVUSD advisory groups. Commissioners organized three committees: an environmental committee that assisted with the coastal cleanup and a local trash cleanup, a youth leadership summit that brought together 75 youth and community leaders, and a young artists contest with three winners across categories.

Commissioners described recruitment efforts and a promotional video produced with TOTV that helped yield 23 eligible applicants for six vacancies. Glabke said commissioners will seek direction from the city manager’s office on potential 2025–26 projects, such as outreach to youth agencies and activities that support the commission’s duties.

Councilmembers praised the commission’s work. Councilmember Bob Engler said the youth leadership summit was “eye opening and illuminating” and Mayor David Newman and other councilmembers commended commissioners for focused, timely engagement on topics that included mental health, social media impacts and additional youth activities.

Councilmember Mike Taylor moved to accept the report and noted the action is not a project under CEQA; the council approved the motion 5–0.

Ending: The Youth Commission will continue outreach and pursue additional projects in 2025–26 with staff support; commissioners said they plan to invite additional applicants to participate in cleanup and leadership events even if not selected for current vacancies.","The Thousand Oaks Youth Commission presented its 2024–25 annual report, summarizing service projects, a youth leadership summit, a young artists contest and outreach; the City Council voted 5–0 to accept the report and praised commissioners’ engagement.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6513076,"City Council OKs $199,974 in Community Social Service Grants for FY 2025–26",1520,6770000,8290000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a&start=6770&end=8290","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5078779-6dab47635fc681e54a201766c7bfcd1a/thumbnail_6770000.jpg","/articles/6513076/Thousand-Oaks/Ventura-County/California/City-Council-OKs-199974-in-Community-Social-Service-Grants-for-FY-202526","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6513076-59d0f787cfd2ba1a3c95e979bd9455fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775217373&Signature=ZyapH51MXUbIB30ipSslBjNFAt13sV7w0~-osPsc5JqcRZnt~f2Br4jJadSJ8v3Cxjr~JfWKle1ehS14OqozXdhjtnQHccVdapKRnuwCzLFakLJyFQ3w8bIWWAikKSrW753~all2s-FeM4XQFD05ZuUf5HMLHQqU~yYTmxRKLQ34E1gkVXHDhEmkT8ipl-OAMJDczP4tpe9OrYJX83eB-MebqdhdPU7J6gXcSUyjOf~AK3AAbZma6XT5GVpHhMdY9XU6ggUysvnT07vV97z3u0n62uS-dkrfG42N5U68pguXp2eUkOxTMV0igc4iQtM06hZcLlmfJP7~TFk08TyjgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Thousand Oaks City Council voted unanimously June 24 to approve the Community Funding Review Committee’s recommended distribution of $199,974 in fiscal‑year 2025–26 Community Social Services Grants to 29 nonprofit programs.

The grant program — included in the proposed FY 2025–26 city budget — provides annual support for nonprofit organizations that are 501(c)(3) and that are located in or primarily serve Thousand Oaks residents. Denise Monden, chair of the Community Funding Review Committee, told council that the committee scored 33 applications and recommended funding the top 29 eligible proposals after a robust review process; two applications were not reviewed because one was late and one lacked a signature.

Monden said the application window ran from March 3 to April 3 and staff publicized the opportunity through prior applicant email lists, City Scene, social media and an application workshop. The committee voted unanimously in favor of a points‑based allocation method, with three committee members abstaining from specific votes as required by committee procedure. The total recommended award was $199,974; councilmember comments at the meeting noted the program had been doubled from approximately $100,000 to $200,000 this cycle.

In public comment, Sarah Hawkins, executive director of Conejo Free Clinic, thanked the city and described the clinic’s legal and medical services for residents regardless of immigration status; she noted the clinic will use the grant to expand legal consultations and telehealth services. Councilmembers praised the Community Funding Review Committee’s work and asked staff to help groups that missed technical requirements in this cycle — staff said an online application system will reduce late or incomplete filings in future rounds.

Councilmember Ty Gutierrez and other council members emphasized the limited scope of local action on federal immigration enforcement but reiterated the council’s capability to support residents through local grants and services. After brief remarks, the council voted 5–0 to adopt the CFRC’s recommendations and authorize staff to implement the grants.

Ending: The approved grants will fund a range of services — from senior nutrition and youth programs to legal and medical assistance — beginning in the 2025–26 fiscal year; awardees and program descriptions were included in committee materials. Two applicant program names were not funded because of late or unsigned submissions; staff said they will provide technical assistance and an online application for the next cycle.","The Thousand Oaks City Council approved the Community Funding Review Committee's recommendation to award $199,974 to 29 nonprofit programs in fiscal year 2025–26. The committee increased the program's annual funding to $200,000 and applied a points‑based allocation; two late or unsigned applications were not reviewed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council Advances Downtown Thousand Oaks Project: Authorizes Next Steps on Finance, Land Use and Surplus Lands

Residents Describe Fear After ICE Activity; Councilors Urge Federal Engagement, Local Support

Youth Commission Presents 2024–25 Report; Council Accepts Annual Report

City Council OKs $199,974 in Community Social Service Grants for FY 2025–26