Arson repairs underway at Agoura park
By Stephanie Bertholdo  bertholdo@theacorn.com

The playground at Forest Cove Park in Agoura Hills--damaged twice by arson in April--will be repaired by the end of this month, city officials reported to the Agoura Hills City Council.

Estimated repair and replacement costs total $30,000, but $5,000 will be paid through the city's general fund to cover the insurance deductible, said City Manager Greg Ramirez.

Costs beyond the deductible will be reimbursed to the city through the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, he said.

"We expect it to be replaced in the next month," Ramirez said, adding that a bid by a local contractor has been approved.

The $30,000 price tag includes nearly $19,000 for replacement and installation of the play structure and $6,840 for the removal and replacement of a damaged retaining wall. Another $1,650 will pay for removal and disposal of existing footings and damaged wood fiber in the play area, he said.

The park was first hit by arson on Tues., April 3, but damage was minimal, according to reports at the time. The following weekend another fire caused more serious damage. Arson investigators from the Los Angeles County Fire Department determined the blaze was purposely lit, as traces of flammable liquid were found at the scene.

The city of Agoura Hills is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist or arsonists, said Assistant City Manager Nathan Hamburger.

The reward hasn't brought any suspects to light, but Sgt. Craig Anderson of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Arson and Bomb Squad still believes somebody knows the identity of those involved.