THOUSAND OAKS : Mall Asks to Add Parking Lot Signs

To help shoppers find their cars after gift-buying frenzies at The Oaks, the Thousand Oaks City Council on Tuesday asked staff planners to work with mall owners on installing parking lot identification signs.

The Oaks had requested permission to install 170 signs throughout the parking lot identifying the region--north, south, east or west--and aisle number. The signs would be 12 by 18 inches, with reflective lettering on a dark brown background.

“I hope the approach will be subtle and fitting with the careful attention that went into designing the mall,” Councilwoman Jaime Zukowski said before the meeting. “If there are huge numbers everywhere, that will defeat all the thought that went into preserving the 300-year-old oak trees in the parking lot.”

Councilwoman Judy Lazar this summer asked The Oaks management to consider installing signs. She complained that she often has trouble finding her car after a shopping trip.

“I never did have that particular problem,” Zukowski said. “However, I can see that, especially during the holidays, identification signs could be very helpful.”