Interview with Thousand Oaks Resident & City Council Candidate, Bob Engler

(Thousand Oaks, Ca) While sitting down at a local coffee shop with Bob Engler, a Thousand Oaks resident since 1990 and now a candidate for Thousand Oaks City Council, we discussed all things Thousand Oaks as Engler shared information about his background and history in the community.

“I just really enjoy living here,” shared Engler, who has been involved in multiple local charities and civic organizations since his retirement from the Fire Department in Redondo Beach.

“We looked around to where we wanted to live and and searched across 3 counties and saw 54 homes. We visited cities like Mission Viejo. But when we asked about their development they told us they were chopping down the mountains and putting houses on top of them. That just wasn’t for us. So we saw Thousand Oaks and fell in love with its beauty and the landscape and have been here ever since,” recalls the husband to Sue and father of two, Liz & Scott.

Rather than “play golf and work on ‘Honey Do’s’, ” Engler decided to use his free time to get involved in the community. Engler is a member of Kiwanis and has served on its Board of Directors and as President. Today he is the President of Manna Conejo Valley, a local organization started in 1971 that serves those in the community needing food assistance.

Earlier this year, Mayor Andy Fox stated he would not be seeking re-election and soon after endorsed Engler for City Council. Fox has served the people of Thousand Oaks for almost a quarter of a century.

“I am appreciative of Andy’s support. He has served our community well and this is a better city because of his leadership,” said Engler.

The conversation lasted nearly two hours as a myriad topics arose about Thousand Oaks, including local politics, was discussed. Engler’s knowledge of the issues, the people, and even the contributing factors is strong.

When asked about the “Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan,” a comprehensive planning and zoning document approved over a decade ago with a specific focus on development of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Engler shared his views on the recent approval of mixed use development for 299 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, a 142- rental unit development where Auto Collision Center is currently situated. “This was good for Thousand Oaks.Our community partners such as Amgen and California Lutheran University, are asking for these kinds of projects to help them retain and attract talent. There is a lot of good that will come from this development.”

When asked about the community’s concern regarding the loss of trees, Engler responded, “I share their concern. After all, it is why Sue and I moved here. We do not want to be the San Fernando Valley. But I also like to think about a walk on on Hill Canyon I have taken recently (That is right by the sewer plant). There are beautiful trees around there but on the road leading to the sewer plant there used to be trees on that road. That sewer plant does a good and important thing by cleaning our water and helping to serve the residents of Thousand Oaks. So while I value trees and believe they contribute to the beauty in our community, I also understand that sometimes removing trees can lead to important additional contributions to our community.”

Engler recently participated in a written candidate’s forum with The Voice La Voz California. His answers can be found here: click here

Bob also participated in The Voice La Voz California’s video forum, which can be seen here: click here

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