Former director seeks post on park board
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Carol Schau has missed having a say about what goes on in the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Parks District.

Schau, who served on the board of directors from 19942004, seeks election to a vacant post on the six-member board. She said she thinks the board is headed in the right direction.

"There's been a lot of changes, and I think it's all been for the good," said Schau, who also served on the state association of recreation and park districts during her tenure. "They're moving along; they're not stagnant."

Her vision if elected to the board is "just to keep up with the continuing needs of the community with its growth and its desires," she said.

One project Schau looks forward to is tackling the fundraising effort to build and maintain the 55-acre sports park planned for Village at the Park. The park district puts preliminary estimates to build the park at $9 million.

"It's a challenge," Schau said. "It's a huge park."

Asked what projects she was most proud of working on during her decade on the board, Schau named the expansion of Mission Oaks Park and the construction of the BMX track and rollehockey rink aFreedom Park.

Carol Schau

"I don't know that you're mosproud of just onthing," she said"It's an accumulation over thyears."

Arla Crane, who served on the park board with Schau, said she is delighted she's running.

"It was my impression that she is a very stable person," Crane said. "She doesn't get ruffled; she doesn't go off the deep end."

Crane said when the board had a few rocky years dealing with personality and personnel issues a few years ago, Schau's teamplayer approach served as an anchor.

"I think that's a real positive asset," Crane said of Schau's calm demeanor.

The current board of directors passed over Schau and two other candidates to fill a vacant board position in June. The d i r e c t o r s chose Mark Malloy, citing his regular attendance at board meetings. Schau harbors no resentment over the decision and said Malloy is a good addition to the board.

"I don't regret that they chose him over me," she said.

Carol and Howard Schau have lived in Camarillo since 1989 and have four children. She is a part time restaurant server.