Acorn Bits
Think tank ponders local issues

The Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes Future Foundation is a 35yearold apolitical, nonprofit "think tank" that studies issues which may impact the region, said Fran Brough, executive director of the organization.

The foundation sponsors annual events, including the Youth Congress for high school students, Senior Congress (presenting "How Safe Are You?" on Jan.30, 2008).

A recent event, "A Day in Your Life in 2016," peered into what life would be like in nine years. Other forums have addressed affordable housing, community spirit, workforce development and continuing education.

The foundation's next project, "Housing for the Visual Arts," will assess the region's interest in developing a central location for showcasing the work of local artists. Brough said the foundation's work on the arts 35 years ago led to the Alliance for the Arts, The Thousand Oaks Arts Commission and the development of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.