Program:
Sue Engler had the pleasure of introducing the day's speaker, her husband, Thousand Oaks Mayor Pro Tem Bob Engler. Sue shared that she and Bob have been married for 46 years after meeting while he was serving with the Hermosa Beach Fire Department. She noted his long-standing commitment to community service and said she is very proud of all he has accomplished.
Bob began his presentation by reflecting on his eight years serving on the Thousand Oaks City Council. He admitted that his first years on the council were challenging but said that in recent years the council has developed a strong working relationship and has been able to accomplish a great deal together.
He shared several facts about the city, noting that when he first took office, Thousand Oaks had a population of approximately 132,000, compared with about 122,000 today. Nearly 20 percent of Conejo Valley residents are over the age of 65. He also highlighted the city's 384 miles of streets and more than 15,000 acres of open space. He said the median price for a home in Thousand Oaks is a million dollars.
Bob recalled that just one day after taking office in 2018, the Borderline tragedy occurred, followed the next day by the devastating Woolsey Fire. Despite those difficult circumstances, he said he is proud that the City Council was able to establish the Borderline memorial within one year to honor the victims.
He also reflected on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining how the city quickly adapted by transitioning meetings and city business to virtual platforms, allowing services to continue without interruption.
Housing remains one of the city's greatest challenges. Bob explained that workforce housing is essential because many young people and working families cannot afford to live in Thousand Oaks. Addressing housing needs was one of his campaign promises, and he said both the General Plan Update, with its vision for 2045, and the city's Housing Element are designed to meet those needs. Among the projects underway are 230 apartment units being built on the former Timber School property, along with several additional housing developments.
Bob also addressed homelessness, another major concern for residents. He highlighted Thrive Grove, a community of 30 tiny homes designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness transition off the streets and into stable housing.
Public safety continues to be a top priority. Bob noted that the Ventura County Fire Department headquarters is located in Thousand Oaks. The city is installing license plate readers to assist law enforcement, and plans are underway to introduce drones that can serve as first responders during emergencies. He added that Thousand Oaks continues to maintain one of the lowest crime rates in the nation.
To improve the city's long-term sustainability, Thousand Oaks is investing in water conservation by replacing landscaping with drought-tolerant vegetation, upgrading water pumps, and modernizing its water treatment and storage facilities. He also encouraged everyone to sign up for VC Alert to receive emergency notifications and evacuation information.
Looking ahead, Bob expressed his excitement about the revitalization of the Civic Arts Plaza and the downtown area, projects he believes will strengthen the community for years to come.
He also shared the good news that Amgen has committed to keeping its headquarters in Thousand Oaks and plans to invest $600 million in its local campus. Bob said the city's efforts to improve infrastructure and expand housing opportunities helped demonstrate that Thousand Oaks remains an attractive place for businesses to invest and grow.
As the city continues to evolve, Bob said leaders are also focused on providing more recreational opportunities and activities for families and children while maintaining the city's strong fiscal health. Continued responsible development, he noted, will help generate additional tax revenue to support essential city services.
At the conclusion of the presentation, President Michelle Nash thanked Bob for sharing his insights and invited him to sign a book that will be donated to a local Title I school in his honor.
President Michelle closed the meeting by sharing an inspiring quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, "Do your little bit of good where you are, its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world". reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
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