City of Simi Valley Offers $30,000 Home Rehab Loans for Low-Income Homeowners

City of Simi Valley Offers $30,000 Deferred Payment Home Rehabilitation Program Loans with 2% Interest for Low-Income Homeowners

The City of Simi Valley offers deferred payment Home Rehabilitation loans up to $30,000 to low-income homeowners. Loans accrue 2% interest for the first 15 years, and are reserved for owner-occupied single-family homes in need of repair.

In order to qualify for these loans, household income may not exceed the following low-income limits published annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (as of May 2012):

                              Household Size        Income Limit
                                        1                         $47,400 
                                        2                         $54,150 
                                        3                         $60,900 

Click to read more ...

Ventura Superior Court Plans to Suspend Services at East County Courthouse in Simi Valley Effective June 25, 2012

PUBLIC NOTICE

(Government Code §68106)

Superior Court of California, County of Ventura

RESPONDING TO THE FISCAL CRISIS THE VENTURA SUPERIOR COURT IS PLANNING TO SUSPEND SERVICES AT THE EAST COUNTY COURTHOUSE AND RELOCATE SERVICES TO THE HALL OF JUSTICE IN VENTURA

The Ventura Superior Court is planning on suspending all court operations, except for Traffic payments and Collection payments at the East County Courthouse branch located at 3855–F Alamo Street, Simi Valley on June 25, 2012.

All operations related to Family Law, Unlawful Detainer, Small Claims and Criminal/Traffic Court (except for making criminal/traffic payments) will be relocated to the main courthouse located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

The Ventura Superior Court is facing a $10.5 million dollar deficit for the fiscal year beginning July 2012, which is projected to increase to $12.7 million if the Governor’s proposed tax initiatives are not passed by the voters in the November general election.

In addressing the continuing growing deficit the court must implement additional cost reduction measures including additional layoffs. Family Law, Unlawful Detainer, Small Claims and Criminal/Traffic are case types that are currently also filed and heard at the main courthouse located at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue. Relocating these cases to the main courthouse will allow for greater efficiencies by processing all the above listed case types in one court location with further reduced staff.

While the court regrets that inadequate funding is reducing access to the courts for the citizens of this county, it cannot maintain the current level of services.

Anyone wishing to comment on this plan may do so, either by regular mail or e-mail, by June 22, 2012. Please direct your response to: Michael D. Planet, Court Executive Officer, P.O. Box 6489, Ventura, CA 93006-6489 simiresponse@ventura.courts.ca.gov.

(Source: Ventura Superior Court website www.ventura.courts.ca.gov)

Wendy Drive/101 Overpass Widening Project in Newbury Park Will Take 18 Months

Update 2/5/12 from the City of T.O. Website: Construction period Feb 2012 to Aug 2013. Total cost $14.3 million ($10.9 million Federal funds, $2.1 million gas tax, $1.3 million developer fees. Construction crews begin mobilization February 13th.

"The City plans to improve the Wendy Drive/101 Freeway overcrossing by adding a travel lane in each direction, widening the northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp, and adding bike lanes and signal modifications for enhanced public safety. Periodic night-time full freeway closures will occur. During these closures, motorists will be directed towards the on/off ramps to exit and re-enter the freeway. In addition, the freeway on/off ramps will be intermittently shut-down between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, and re-opened between 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily."

Update 1/31/12: Initial work is slated to start now in the mid-February range but will not have a significant impact on traffic according to the City. The City is awaiting detailed plan updates. Click here to see updates on the City of T.O. website and to sign up for email updates directly from the City.

Originally posted 12/30/11:

Beginning in January the City of Thousand Oaks is widening the Wendy Drive/101 Freeway overcrossing by adding a travel lane in each direction, northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp, and adding bike lanes and signal modifications. The goal of the project is to mitigate traffic congestion in the area (I can vouch for that problem...).

Click to read more ...

Volunteer with the Segue Career Mentors Program in Ventura County

Do you ever remember saying "If i only knew then, what I know now."  Well many students facing challenges with school and their future could really benefit from hearing "what you know now."  Here is where you come in!

The Segue Career Mentors program invites you to participate in our campaign for student success by sharing your story, your path to the workplace, with students in local school classrooms. In just two minutes you may sign up on our website, pick a date that fits your schedule, receive a short Speaker's Guide, and make a huge impact in motivating students to strive for graduation and a successful transition into the workforce.  Give students the knowledge you wish you knew back then! Sign up at www.segueprogram.org/speaker_sign_up.html.

Cell Phone Safety for Children Message from the Moorpark Police Department

During this year’s holiday gift giving, many parents have decided to give their children cellular telephones. Most new phones fall under a Smartphone category, which means they are capable of performing many tasks other than just being a telephone. The commonly used tasks by kids are texting, sending photos, social networking, downloading music, watching videos, playing games and then of course using it as a telephone.

Cell phones can be a great safety feature for your children, and a lifeline. However, it is important that your child is mature enough to understand the hazards of cell phone use. With more advancement in cellular technology, comes the responsibility for parents to manage cell phone use by our children. Sending pictures over the Internet is something that is common for children to do these days. Photo messaging on cell phones is no different. Children need to be aware that not all pictures are appropriate to send and receive. They also need to know that if they receive a message or image that makes them uncomfortable, they should immediately tell you or another trusted adult. Not deleting the inappropriate material before showing an adult is best, so the adult can better assess the issue and present the problem to law enforcement authorities if necessary.

Moorpark Police Cell Phone Quick List of Do’s and Do not’s

1. Send appropriate text, email, or picture messages only.
2. Do not give out your address or other personal information on a phone call, text, or email to
3. people you don’t know, or if others can hear you.
4. Do not respond to an email, text, picture, or voice message from someone you don’t know.
5. Tell an adult you trust if you receive anything on your phone—a call, a text message, an email, a picture, or voicemail message—that makes you uncomfortable.
6. Be aware of your surroundings and understand when talking or texting is appropriate and when it is not.

Finally, for those who can drive, never ever talk or text while driving.

Moorpark Police Department Stranger Danger Basic Rules to Teach Children

Moorpark Police Department Release Dated 12/19/11

On 12/16/11, Andres Lazaro Bautista, a 49 year old Moorpark resident, was arrested after a two week investigation which indicated Bautista had been annoying young school aged children in the area of downtown Moorpark. Bautista had been making lewd and obscene gestures to girls ranging from the age of 9 years old to 14 years old.

These children had been walking to the bus loading area located at Flory Elementary School. Bautista committed these crimes towards the children as they walked from their residences to the bus stop.

The Moorpark School Resource Officer along with Moorpark Detectives learned of these crimes and conducted a two-week investigation on Bautista. At least seven victims of the crime have come forward and identified Bautista as the suspect.

The Moorpark Police Department encourages parents to speak to their children and remind them of the dangers of strangers in their neighborhoods and abroad. Three basics rules to teach children if a stranger approaches:

1) YELL, “GET AWAY!”
2) SAY, “NO!”
3) TELL A SAFE ADULT

Ojai Police Department Reports an Increase in Reported Phone Scams

Ojai Police are warning Ojai Valley residents of an increase in reported phone scams. The suspect(s) have been targeting elderly residents and posing as family members in need of large sums of money or an official calling on the behalf of the family member because they are in jail and need money to bail out. Victims have reported the suspect(s) request the victim(s) to send the money to locations in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, or overseas to countries in the Middle East.

If any area residents receive phone calls of this nature, or any other suspicious nature, they are encouraged to call law enforcement. This type of phone scam is one of many that occur throughout the year and increase during holiday seasons.

Here are some recommendations to protect yourself from telephone scams:

1. Always know whom you are talking to and get information on the business and a call back number.
2. Never provide your confidential information, such as date of birth, social security number, or bank account numbers.
3. Discontinue transactions if someone coaches you on how to send money or respond to questions from money order service employees.
4. Always check with other family members when a suspect calls and poses as a family member requesting money and call the family member the officials are talking about.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to
the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller
may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Miller Family YMCA to Host Indoor Cycle-A-Thon and Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive on Saturday, November 12th

Miller YMCA To Host Indoor Cycle-A-Thon and Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive

The Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park will be holding its first indoor Cycle-A-Thon, Saturday, November 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Y (320 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park). The event will raise money for the Y's Healthy Living Program. During the cycle-a-thon, 150 Thanksgiving Day food baskets will be assembled for distribution to residents in the community.

Teams of riders will be cycling nonstop on stationary bikes during the cycle-a-thon. The cyclists will be entertained throughout the day with music and live entertainment. Everyone who participates will receive a continental breakfast and lunch and goody bag. Prizes will be awarded in categories including the team raising the most money, the rider who pedaled the longest and the team with the most spirit.

"We're asking teams to collect donations of at least $200 per team," says Katie Beck, the Miller Y executive director. "We're hoping to raise $5,000 that day--through the cycle-a-thon, a raffle, a silent auction and direct donations."

Volunteers are also needed to assemble the food baskets during the cycle-a-thon. "Many of our neighbors need a little extra help this holiday season. As part of the Y's ongoing Healthy Living Program, we want to make sure these families have everything they need for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner," says Beck.

Community members can donate nonperishable items to the food basket drive from November 1 through November 10 or donate $35, which provides a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four.

Only 15 cycling teams can participate in the cycle-a-thon. For more information including how to form a team, join an existing team or to volunteer, contact Katie Beck at kbeck@millerymca.org or call the Y at 805-480-0309.

Westlake Village CityCare Program Gives Residents 24/7 Ability to Report Concerns

WESTLAKE VILLAGE CITYCARE GIVES RESIDENTS THE ABILITY TO REPORT SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE CONCERNS 24 HOURS-A-DAY, SEVEN DAYS-A-WEEK

Launched in the spring of 2009, Westlake Village CityCare provides residents an easy outlet to report any City service or maintenance concerns 24 hours-a-day, seven days-aweek. Issues such as a broken sprinkler, damaged street sign or burned-out street lights can be sent in via the City website, wlv.org, by clicking on the CityCare icon located on the home page. Additionally, residents wishing to alert the City of maintenance concerns by phone after City Hall is closed have the opportunity to be connected to a 24-hour answering service. The answering service will forward your concern to a City staff member for follow-up.

CityCare is now available as an Iphone or Android application. The application can be downloaded from the CityCare page on the City website.

Residents utilizing CityCare will receive a call back from the City with the latest update on their report and those who submit their report through the website or mobile device will receive the same follow-up message via phone or email. Residents should continue to call 911 for all medical emergencies or life threatening situations.

For more information on the Westlake Village CityCare program or to report an area of concern, please call City Hall at 818-706-1613 or visit the City website at wlv.org.

Animal License Canvassing Begins In Thousand Oaks on September 14th

Thousand Oaks Dog Owners Be Prepared! Animal license canvassing will begin in Thousand Oaks on September 14, 2011.  Officers from the Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control will begin going door to door checking for current rabies vaccinations and to ensure residents are in compliance with dog licensing requirements.  The City of Thousand Oaks contracts with Los Angeles County for animal shelter and related services.

California State law requires all dogs over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed.  Securing a license is also important when searching for and identifying lost dogs.  Residents are required to comply and will be subject to license fees plus delinquency charges, including a $40 field enforcement fee to off-set field service costs. 

In order to avoid penalties, be sure to license your dog.  Residents will nee

Click to read more ...

Free Pet Pantry for Needy Cats and Dogs in Ventura County

A free "Pet Pantry" program is open every Sunday in the east county due to the generous outpouring of donations that Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) has received from private residents, and regular contributions by local merchants including Wal-Mart and Do It Center.

The Simi Valley VCAS Pet Pantry is located at: 670 W. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. or when supplies run out.

The Camarillo VCAS Pet Pantry is located at: 600 Aviation Avenue, Camarillo, Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon or when supplies run out.

VCAS is accepting donations for this program, including cash, pet food, accessories and supplies.

Volunteers are needed to run the Pet Pantry Program, particularly at the Simi Valley location.  Interested individuals can contact the Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator at VCAS.Volunteer@ventura.org or call 805.388.4341.

For updates, visit www.vcas.us.

Message From the Department of Fish & Game: Please Don't Feed the Coyotes!

The Department of Fish & Game (DFG) recently informed Oak Park residents that someone is placing food out for coyotes at the creek between Oak Park High School and Medea Creek Middle School. Doing so can cause coyotes to become curious and aggressive. Please be aware of this issue and use extra caution when in local trails never to approach coyotes.

Additional information from the DFG regarding using caution around coyotes:

If you’re in the outdoors anywhere in California this spring, you might cross paths with one of the state’s most common predators – the coyote. Clever, nimble and quick, the coyote may at first glance appear to be more of a nuisance than a direct threat. But don’t let your guard down, the DFG warns.

Coyotes – especially those who live in urban settings and have grown accustomed to humans – can become emboldened to the point where they become a public safety threat.

“Once coyotes become habituated to people, they begin to exhibit increased levels of aggression, which can lead to biting incidents,” explained Kevin Brennan, a DFG biologist who works out of Idyllwild (Riverside County). Brennan has responded to hundreds of coyote incidents and is familiar with the inevitably unhappy result when coyotes become accustomed to humans.

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a member of the dog family and is native to California

Click to read more ...

Perhaps It's Not a Good Idea to Post Your Whereabouts in Facebook and Twitter

This Ventura County Sheriff's Department news release is a case study in why you don't want to tell people where you're going in Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere on the Web! Though in this case, it was a friend of the victim who made that mistake. But the good news is...the GPS system in the computer's software allowed Sheriffs to recover the computer from the culprit. Nice!

On February 18, 2011, Sheriff’s deputies from the Moorpark Patrol Station responded to a residential burglary call in an unincorporated area outside of Moorpark.  Suspect(s) had entered the residence and had stolen a laptop computer.

Moorpark Station Detectives interviewed the victim and learned that a friend of the victim had innocently posted on FaceBook that the victim and his family were visiting Universal Studios on the day of the burglary.  Detectives also learned that the stolen computer was equipped with a GPS system embedded into the computer’s software.  Through the use of the GPS, Moorpark detectives were able to track the stolen computer to a hotel room in the City of Ventura.

With the assistance of patrol deputies from the Headquarters Station, Moorpark detectives contacted the suspect, Arnold Ikeda, at the hotel room, and arrested him for possessing the stolen computer.  Ikeda was also charged with several drug related offenses, as a subsequent investigation showed that he was also involved in narcotics sales from the hotel room.  During the investigation, a second suspect, Desiree Lovio, arrived at the location and was also arrested on drug related charges.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is reminding everyone who uses social networking websites to do so responsibly.  Be cautious of the information you post on these sites as criminals have the ability to learn of your daily activities and use the information to facilitate their crimes.