Yerba Buena construction delayed again, owl blamed

Yerba Buena construction delayed again, owl blamed By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

A nesting owl will temporarily delay construction on the new Yerba Buena Elementary School in Agoura Hills.

Donald Zimring, interim superintendent for the Las Virgenes Unified School District, said at last week’s school board meeting that a certified biologist has determined that the owl is a federally protected species. The biologists work for the California Department of Fish and Game.

Zimring said that although construction could not begin on the site, the district is trying to find other areas to do work that do not conflict with state Fish and Game requirements.

The nesting season for the owl will extend through April, or the beginning of May, Zimring said.

"We’re not allowed to do any work within 500 feet of the owl, which pretty well precludes most of the onsite work," Zimring said.

He added that the district is working with the cities of Westlake Village and Agoura Hills on how to approach the delay. The school lies on a border with Westlake Village.

Zimring said that the three contractors vying for the project were updated on the delay. He added that of the three bids, the contract for the lowest bid is being "vetted," or reviewed. The district has 75 days to review the bids and award the contract.

"We will be checking on the owl on a very regular basis to see if it decides to leave any earlier," Zimring said.

The project has been hit with a series of delays, including the relocation of high voltage power lines along Lindero Canyon Boulevard, toxic soil and other problems.