Plaza has costs, too

Re: your June 7 article, "Civic Arts Plaza fuels economic engine":

This article on the money Thousand Oaks gets from the events held at the Civic Arts Plaza didn't mention the millions of dollars that went to architects, designers, contractors and attorneys for all the repairs necessary to fix all the roof leaks and traffic- flow problems.

It is clear the parties involved with the decision-making while planning and building what I think is a very unattractive complex were unqualified at best. While the teenage babysitters may be cashing in, as the article points out, the people of Thousand Oaks are paying the price.

Tim Daugherty,

Newbury Park

Irresponsible cyclists

Re: your June 6 article, "A big push for bicycle safety":

The Star's front-page picture shows a group leader riding well out in the traffic lane and well inside the fog stripe. I seem to recall from the last time I boned up to renew a driver's license that there is an ordinance requiring bicycle riders to ride as closely as is practical to the curb.

In Oxnard Shores, it is an almost daily occurrence to find riders riding two and three abreast in the street often with a toddler on training wheels in the middle of the group. On weekends, the streets are unsafe for automobiles. I have tried to beep them over, and they scowl over their shoulders and ride even slower if they can.

True, bicyclists are in danger when they are traveling in a much different manner than the automobile traffic around them. But safety for the riders belongs with the riders as much as with the drivers.

Bob Scott,

Oxnard

Not in mall

Re: Carol Lindsey's June 11 letter, "Mall needs better shops":

Target coming to our Pacific View mall is just another nail in the coffin for the mall because, as Ms. Lindsey said, we already have a Target. What we really need is a good department store to fill the space of the now-closed Robinsons-May.

I plan to shop in Thousand Oaks at Christmastime because the Pacific View mall is lacking in so many ways. There are too many shops for the young. And no other store in the mall can replace Robinsons-May, in my opinion.

History is repeating itself for me because when I first moved to Ventura 15 years ago I shopped at The Oaks due to lack of stores here. Although I'll hate to drive so far to shop, Thousand Oaks, here I come!

Elaine F. Navarro,

Ventura