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MAC rejects $25,000 planting plan for Hawthorne Drive, pushes for PWA accountability
Summary
The Oak Park MAC debated repairs and plantings for Hawthorne Drive after residents reported standing water, broken sprinklers and a slipping hazard. A motion to spend up to $25,000 on plantings failed; the MAC approved exploring community partnership options for future landscaping work.
Members of the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council spent the bulk of their Nov. 20 meeting on long-running landscaping and irrigation problems in CSA4, particularly along Hawthorne Drive.
Owen Harris, a resident who said he has lived in Oak Park for 30 years, described persistent safety hazards: "The area is unsightly, wet, muddy and easy to slip and fall at many sidewalk locations due to improper irrigation and lack of groundcover. Has almost slipped two times in the last week." Council members and other residents pressed the county to complete repairs and follow up on outstanding Public Works Agency (PWA) service tickets.
Chair Brian Trushinski argued the problem reflects poor contractor performance and agency responsiveness. "The lack of accountability and performance, as well as lack of customer service and community respect from Public Works Agency Real Estate Services staff is the heart of the problem here," he said. Trushinski also noted that $40,000 from a previously moved 'Green Streets' program was available in the CSA4 budget but warned funds could be administratively reallocated if not spent.
Trushinski moved that the MAC approve planting along Hawthorne Drive at a cost not to exceed $25,000, with completion by the end of February 2026. The motion was seconded by Michelle Santucci. The motion did not pass: Jane Nye voted no and Brianna Adams abstained; JL Diaz was absent.
After the failed planting motion, members pressed for separate irrigation repairs and better enforcement of contract terms. Public commenter Eric Steiner asked Supervisor Gorell’s office to "contact Public Works Real Estate Services to enforce the terms of the Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. contract." The MAC then approved a separate motion directing staff to investigate partnership opportunities with the Oak Park Community Gardens and Ventura County Conservation District for community-led planting, with Mariposa retained for ongoing maintenance.
