MAC candidate targets traffic

Deena Parry

When the Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) approved construction of six speed humps in a neighborhood of fast-moving cars, concerned resident Deena Parry was said to be the driving force.

Parry, who led a petition drive to have the speed humps installed between Kanan Road and Woodcrest Place, said her fears Oak Park traffic are the main reason she’s running for the MAC in next month’s election.

Two seats are open on the five-member panel in a field that includes Parry, fellow challengers Marv Walters and Ronold Rishe, and incumbent Todd Haines.

MAC member George Anterasian resigned in July and announced he wouldn’t seek reelection.

Parry, a school parent volunteer and mother of three children, has been living in Oak Park since 1997. Her husband Craig is a realtor.

Parry also serves as a sales representative for a Seattle-based real estate supply company. She received a bachelor’s degree in art and business from Cal State University Northridge.

"There’s a lot of frustration with the traffic on the local residential streets and I think that’s something that’s going to need working on," said Parry, 40.

The speed limit on Smoketree is 25 mph but many cars had been clocked at 45 mph before the speed humps were installed, according to earlier complaints.

"But I don’t think that’s the answer, to go around putting speed bumps everywhere," Parry said. "It was just a matter of time until somebody got injured … It’s really a scary thing how fast parents go."

The county rebuffed residents in their attempt to get speed humps on Rockfield Street in front of Red Oak Elementary School.

Transportation officials said Rockfield didn’t meet speed hump guidelines because it’s not primarily a residential street.

Schools officials also have been waging a battle against speeders in front of Medea Creek Middle School where one of Parry’s children is a student.

"If I was elected, I would really like to see some sort of education program to just make people more aware of looking at their speedometers when they’re driving by a school or down a residential street," Parry said.

"I’m a persistent type of person, I love this community and I just feel like I would be a good person to be on the council. I feel like I make good decisions."

Parry fears the construction of Ahmanson Ranch will bring added woes to the Oak Park traffic picture.

Parry said she’s looking forward to the opening of the new $2.8 million community center and outdoor gardens at Oak Canyon Park next year, but hopes residents will have a say in the programs that are offered.

Work is scheduled to begin on the 9,100 square-foot building next month.

Even though unincorporated Oak Park must answer directly to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Parry believes the MAC plays an important role.

"I know it’s not a paid job, but I really like my community and feel like I can make a difference when things need to be done," Parry said.

The MAC election is Nov. 7. Election officials say 7,580 of Oak Park’s 17,500 residents are registered to vote.

The Acorn’s profiles of MAC candidates will continue in upcoming editions.