I live in the Dos Vientos area of Newbury Park, having moved from Woodland Hills in the San Fernando Valley, and there is no comparison in the quality of life we have here. As a full-time mom, I drive Lynn Road when I take my children to their activities -- AYSO soccer, Little League, Conejo Youth Basketball League, etc. I also drive Hampshire Road and Westlake Boulevard often, and it's very clear that the high levels of traffic on these roads were never anticipated by Thousand Oaks planners and officials.
We can't stick our heads in the sand and ignore the problems that come with too much traffic. Cars drive way too fast on roads that were never designed to be shortcuts in order to avoid jammed intersections. Our children's safety is threatened. I've seen children, bicyclists and equestrians almost get hit by speeding cars that are avoiding the congested Wendy Drive and Highway 101 interchange.
I've read the campaign literature and the newspapers; I've heard the arguments both for and against Measure B. People I know and respect are in disagreement about it, but to me it comes down to a very simple question: Why shouldn't we be allowed to vote on the largest projects that will jam up traffic? We know the difference between good developments and bad ones. I would rather get to vote on a huge development every couple of years than cope with more traffic everyday.
If you feel the same way, vote yes on Measure B.
-- Dianne Masry, Newbury Park