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Residents report alleged assaults on Medea Creek Trail, urge stepped-up patrols and e-bike enforcement
Summary
Oak Park residents reported two alleged daytime assaults on the Medea Creek Trail and renewed concerns about aggressive e-bike behavior; the Municipal Advisory Council and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District said they are coordinating increased patrols and enforcement while vegetation-clearing work remains paused for nesting birds.
Residents at the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council meeting on May 28 reported recent safety incidents on the Medea Creek Trail and pressed for greater law enforcement attention.
"I learned of two alleged assaults on females occurring on the Medea Creek Trail during daylight hours within the past two months," said Brian Hennessy, an Oak Park resident of 35 years, describing incidents reported between Sunny Slope Drive and Oak Hills Drive. Hennessy asked the council to increase awareness and law enforcement presence in the area.
The public's safety concerns were echoed by multiple residents who also described aggressive or unsafe e-bike riding in neighborhoods and on trails. Several attendees urged increased patrols, better signage, and consideration of physical deterrents where off-road riding is recurring.
Eric Lundstrom, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD) District 5 board member, said the District views e-bike safety as a priority and is coordinating with law enforcement and Supervisor Jeff Gorell’s Office. "Staff continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and Supervisor Gorell's Office regarding enforcement efforts," Lundstrom said, and added that rangers have increased patrols in areas of concern. He said the District will present an e-bike report to its board in June that could include consideration of amendments to Ordinance No. 3.
Lundstrom also noted that vegetation-clearing work in the Medea Creek area is temporarily paused due to nesting birds and is expected to resume after the nesting season. "Work is anticipated to resume in August," he said, noting that weed-abatement maps would be shared with the community.
Councilmembers acknowledged the tension between public safety and environmental protections. Chair Michelle Santucci said she appreciated hearing residents' concerns and urged continued coordination among the District, law enforcement, and county staff.
Several residents suggested concrete steps: reinstallation of a chain and sign near Conifer Street to discourage off-road riding, consideration of camera placement at problem locations, and development of a dedicated riding area designed with youth input (subject to liability and insurance review).
The council did not adopt any new enforcement ordinance at the meeting. RSRPD and Supervisor Gorell’s Office said they would follow up with law enforcement partners, and RSRPD indicated it would provide further updates after the district's e-bike report and additional internal discussions.
The council scheduled Thousand Oaks Police Department to present on e-bike safety at the June 25 meeting.
