ACTIVISTS SEEK USE OF CITY SITE; EXCEPTION REQUESTED FOR SOAR FUND-RAISER.

Byline: Lisa Mascaro Daily News Staff Writer

Local organizers for the county Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources campaign are asking the City Council to shelve a policy prohibiting political activities on city ground so they can hold a fund-raiser next weekend at City Hall.

Some City Council members, though, have given next weekend's flea-market fund-raiser a cool reception, saying such a heated political issue should probably be kept off city property.

``I think it's too controversial for us to allow that,'' said Councilman Bill Davis. ``We probably wouldn't do that.''

The fund-raiser is the first in a string of east county events as local SOAR organizers raise campaign funds toward the $150,000 countywide campaign goal, said John Cardone, a committee member for Simi SOAR, which hopes to raise $1,000 from the flea market. In September, a Thousand Oaks fund-raiser is planned on open land at Wildwood Park.

Even though the City Council has supported putting the local SOAR measure on the ballot, not all members support the countywide measure calling for limits on development activity.

Councilman Paul Miller said he only agreed to put the measure on the ballot because Simi Valley residents had signed the petition, but said he is personally opposed to the measure. Besides, Miller said, he agrees with city policy prohibiting partisan political events on municipal property.

``I just think if we did that, it would set a precedent,'' he said. ``I wouldn't want to see Republican rallies, Democratic rallies, any (political) rallies on city property.''

Councilwoman Sandi Webb said she had not yet made up her mind on the issue, finding no reason to oppose political activities but having concerns about the fund-raising nature of the event.

In the past, the city has allowed a few events at the City Hall parking lot, including charity car shows and a hazardous material pickup. Likewise, it allows use of council chambers for nonpartisan political events, such as public meetings or candidate forums.

Plus, the grounds in the area have been used by protesters, particularly those who converged at the nearby East County Courthouse during the Rodney King trial.

Still, the city prohibits political and religious activities on city grounds, and has yet to allow a political fund-raiser on the site.

SOAR organizers aren't holding their breath they will be the exception to the rule.

The group has secured the parking lot of the Valley Veterinary Clinic at Los Angeles Avenue and First Street in case the City Hall permit is denied. The event would then be held on Sunday, rather than Saturday as requested under the permit request for the City Hall parking lot.

``I'm a little disappointed,'' Cardone said. ``The parking won't be as good, we won't raise quite as much money.''