Ventura County Public Health Reminds Residents to Avoid Wildfire Smoke

Ventura County Health Officials Warn Residents to Avoid Wildfire Smoke

Smoke and ash from the Camarillo Springs fire are affecting air quality in Ventura County. Due to the combination of high winds and the spreading blaze, smoke and ash are currently present in the air and may pose a health threat for some individuals.

Smoke and ash irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be harmful to breathe but, according to Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) officials, not everyone who is exposed to thick smoke will have health problems.

“The level and duration of exposure, age, individual susceptibility, including the presence or absence of pre-existing lung or heart disease, and other factors play significant roles in determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related health problems,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County Public Health Officer.

In areas near or downwind from the fire that are impacted by blowing dust, smoke and/or ash, VCPH officials urge people to exercise caution and remain indoors. Residents should stay inside their homes, bring pets inside, keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioners on the recycle or re-circulate mode and avoid vigorous physical exertion both indoors and outdoors. At the first sign of discomfort, individuals should relocate to another area that is smoke-free.

Residents who develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, exhaustion, lightheadedness or chest pain with decreased activity are advised to stop all activity and seek medical attention. This is important not only for people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been diagnosed previously with such illnesses. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of such diseases.

The onset of the California fire season reminds us that it is important to have enough food, water and medication on hand to last five days. Foods stored for use during the fire season should not require cooking, since cooking can add particles to indoor air. 

For more information about the health impacts of wildfire smoke, go to: http://bit.ly/17zRtXm and for Ventura County air quality reports, visit www.vcapcd.org.

Great News From Thousand Oaks Police Department Regarding Burglary Arrests

Recently, the city of Thousand Oaks has experienced an increase in residential and vehicle burglaries.  During this investigation, the Thousand Oaks Police Department engaged in a public awareness campaign, asking residents to call and report suspicious activity.  With the help of tips from our community members, several burglary suspects have been arrested over the past month.  These suspects are unknown to one another, and their crimes are not related.

On April 10th, 2013, Detectives and School Resource Officers from the Thousand Oaks Police Station arrested two juveniles for a rash of burglaries to storage lockers in the Thousand Oaks area.

On April 15th, 2013, a tip from the public led patrol officers to Madison McConnell (age 23).  McConnell was found in possession of stolen property and has been connected to at least one residential burglary in the city of Thousand Oaks.  Detectives are continuing to investigate the possibility he has been involved in more.

On April 26th, 2013, investigators from the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit arrested Sean Torbert (age 26) for residential burglaries that occurred in the city of Los Angeles.  Torbert is suspected of committing similar residential burglaries in Thousand Oaks, and investigators are investigating his connection to those crimes.

The identification and arrest of these suspects is the direct result of the partnership the Thousand Oaks Police Department has with our community, and the willingness of our community members to provide essential information regarding crime in our neighborhoods.  The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind our community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.  

Report suspicious persons and/or vehicles in your neighborhoods at (805) 654-9511.

Source: Thousand Oaks Police Department www.toaks.org/government/depts/police/default.asp

3rd Annual Conejo Valley Restaurant Week Planned for April 21-25, 2013

Conejo Valley Restaurant Week is back for a 3rd helping this year from April 21st to 25th! Participing restaurants in the Conejo Valley and adjacent cities will offer special prix fixe (that means "fixed price" to English as Only Language types like me), 2 course lunch (NEW this year) and/or 3-course dinner menus to hungry people like you and me!

Meals will be offered at a minimum of 30% off the regular menu price. Gotta love that!

Lunch: two for $10; $10 and $15 pricing. Dinner: two for $15; and $15, $25 and $35 (tax, beverages and gratuity are not included). Participating restaurants include fast-casual and fine dining establishments.

Visit a favorite restaurant, try a new one or dine out every night of the week with family and friends. Prices do not include beverages, tax and tip. Visit www.conejorestaurantweek.com for more details and links to restaurant websites. The list will grow as we get closer to the dates of the event.

Several new local restaurants are participating, including Paul Martin's, Cinepolis, Burgerwerkz, DISH and Mulberry Street Pizzeria.

Bon appetit! (That means...ENJOY YOUR MEAL!)

Restaurants interested in participating can contact Danielle Borja at the Chamber: 805.370.0035 or dborja@conejochamber.org.

Myron Freedman Named New Executive Director of Museum of Ventura County

Myron Freedman Named New Executive Director of Museum of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Richard Pidduck, has announced the appointment of Myron Freedman as its new Executive Director. Freedman joins the Museum from Hayward, California, where he served as Executive Director of the Hayward Area Historical Society since 2008. Freedman will be overseeing both the downtown Ventura location and the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula.

Freedman is a southern California native who grew up in Reno, Nevada. He relocated to Chicago, where he began his museum career at the Chicago History Museum. With a background in theater, his stagecraft and design skills quickly led to his appointment as the Museum’s Director of Exhibit Design. From there, Freedman moved to St. Louis, where he oversaw a major expansion of exhibition galleries as Director of Exhibitions at the Missouri Historical Society. Later, he was named the Exhibits Curator for Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a national park best known for its Gateway Arch.

Among the exhibits Freedman developed while with the Jefferson National Expansion was a commemoration of the Lewis and Clark bicentennial. During this time, he also taught Museum Studies at Webster University. Freedman’s exhibition work has received national recognition by the American Association of Museums, the U.S. National Park Service, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, as well as the commercial film industry.

Freedman says the Museum of Ventura County’s focus on history and art, along with its proximity to the coast, has motivated him to seek the Executive Director position. He and his wife are thrilled to be calling Ventura County their home.

The Museum of Ventura County is located at 100 East Main Street in downtown Ventura. Hours are 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum is located at 926 Railroad Avenue, in historic Santa Paula. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Admission to each Museum is $4 adults, $3 seniors, $1 children 6-17, members and children under 6 are free. Paid events include free admission to the galleries, and the first Sundays of every month are free general admission for the public. For more Museum information, please visit www.venturamuseum.org.

Did You Know...That the City of Westlake Village Has Leaf Blower Guidelines

Yes indeed, the City of Westlake Village has detailed guidelines in place for the operation of leaf blowers. So don't blow it...or perhaps I should say, sure, blow it, but per these guidelines. If not, someone may call the Poleafs.

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR OPERATION OF LEAF BLOWERS

The Westlake Village City Council has approved the following guidelines for the operation of leaf blowers which are intended to reduce the noise, dust, fumes and lake pollution generated by the machines. FAILURE TO ABIDE by these guidelines could result in legal prohibitions against the use of leaf blowers.

1. Hours of Operation: Use leaf blowers only between the following hours --

a. 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday (during early morning hours use of power equipment should be deferred as long as possible).

b. Do not use gas powered leaf blowers on Sundays and legal holidays.

c. Check with property owners and/or Homeowners Associations for hours of operation in certain neighborhoods which may be different from the above-mentioned City hours

2. To Reduce Noise:

a. Operate at lowest speed possible. If it is absolutely necessary to operate at higher speeds, do so only for a maximum duration of two minutes.

b. Always use a muffler. Muffler should be serviced and cleaned periodically to remove carbon build up.

c. Always use an air filter. Service filter frequently to keep clean.

d. Use proper hose extensions and nozzles with swivels because less power is required when leaf blower hose is positioned close to debris.

e. Fan Impellers behind back pad should be serviced on a regular basis to insure removal of debris clogging smooth air flow.

f. As situations permit, update equipment to models which meet the ANSI B.175.2 noise standard of 65dB(A) or less. Newer model leaf blowers are much more quiet, and are much more fuel efficient, saving money on fuel costs and generating fewer pollutants from the engine.

g. Follow guidelines of the South Coast Air Quality Management District with regard to maintenance and operation of small internal combustion engines

3. Dust, Fumes, and Lake Pollution:

a. Form small piles of debris. Pick up debris and properly dispose by placing in bag or container.

b. Use mist attachments or lightly sprinkle area when possible to minimize dust created by blowing of debris.

c. Do not blow debris on to neighboring property or into City streets and gutters. All debris must be cleaned from City streets and gutters immediately.

d. Direct blower away from lake. Do not blow debris into lake under any circumstances.

e. Observe wind direction when operating blower. Blow in same direction of wind.

f. Operate blowers at manufacturer's recommended fuel mixture to reduce smoking and fumes.

4. DO NOT Use Leaf Blowers:

a. When other gasoline powered machines are being used on the property or in the adjoining area.

b. When there are excessive winds.

c. When any doors or windows are open.

d. When area to be cleaned is small; sweeping and raking is recommended.

Source: City of Westlake Village website: www.wlv.org

Wendy Drive NB 101 Freeway On-Ramp Closure in Newbury Park for 6 Weeks

The northbound on-ramp along the 101 Freeway at Wendy Drive will be closed for up to six weeks beginning Thursday, March 28th to allow for the next phase of construction on the Wendy/101 Interchange Improvement Project. The onramp is expected to re-open in May.

Currently, the only bike and pedestrian access on the Wendy overpass is along the north side. To maintain a safe passage of travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, and the contractor, Caltrans and City staff agreed a six-week full on-ramp closure is needed. The closure will provide ample space for the contractor as well as pedestrians and bicyclists crossing.

During the six-week closure, motorists traveling south on Wendy Drive wishing to go northbound, will be directed southbound on the 101 Freeway to Borchard Road for the Borchard Road northbound 101 Freeway on-ramp. City staff has notified Caltrans, law enforcement, and emergency responders of the planned closure.

View of the Wendy overpass from down below (southbound 101 Wendy offramp).

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are requested to use caution when traveling though the construction zone for their own safety and the safety of construction workers, and allow extra time due to the temporary construction congestion.

The Wendy/101 Interchange Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed on-time in September 2013. To learn more about the project, view detour maps and road closures please visit www.toaks.org/wendy101.

New Janss Marketplace Mascot "Scooter" to Make Debut on Saturday, March 30th

“Scooter” Costume Character at Janss Marketplace Saturday Kids Event

 Justin Bieber Concert Tickets Prize Registration

Scooter, the lovable new skateboarding costume character mascot of Janss Marketplace’s Kid Fun Zone program, makes his very FIRST public appearance on from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 30 near Toys R Us at the shopping center, located at 215 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks.   Bring your cameras to take pictures with Scooter at the event.

Visit the Kids Fun Zone Craft activity booth during this Saturday’s event where children 12 and under can decorate FREE Easter-themed canvas sacks, perfect for egg-hunting ,and join Scooter at the spin-to-win wheel for the chance to win prizes from Lucky’s Dog House, Cold Stone Creamery and Regency Theatres.

Kids Fun Zone members can participate in the Easter craft activity and prize spin activity.  All children ages 12 and younger can join the FREE Kids Fun Zone program to participate in activities and events held on the last Saturday of each month at Janss Marketplace.  Membership benefits also include birthday treats and exclusive discounts at participating Janss Marketplace stores. Visit www.JanssMarketplace.net for more information.

Justin Bieber Tickets

Janss MarketPlace is proud to support California Lutheran University’s student fundraiser for the Special Olympics Ventura County.   From noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, attendees at the Janss Marketplace Kids Fun Zone event can make a donation to the Special Olympics Ventura County for the chance to win VIP tickets for the Justin Bieber June 24 concert at the Staples Center.   On June 4 California Lutheran University will conduct a random drawing to select two winners to each receive a pair of VIP box seat tickets to the concert.  The college students in Jean Kelso Sandlin’s Advanced Public Relations class developed the fundraiser as part of a service-learning project this semester.

Janss Marketplace is professionally managed by NewMark Merrill Companies, LLC, which is owned by President and Chief Executive Officer, Sandy Sigal.  Since 1984 he has led NewMark Merrill in a community leadership role at the company’s shopping centers in more than 45 cities. For more information about Janss Marketplace events, visit www.janssmarketplace.net or become a fan on Facebook.

Thousand Oaks Police Department Says To Be Aware of Coupon Book Scam

Here is a "City Watch" alert from the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

"The Coupon Book Scam"

A solicitor was selling a coupon book for $80.00 to benefit the local Boys and Girls Club. The female told the victim that if he purchased the book, he would need to go to the local Boys and Girls Club to pick up the coupon book. The victim wrote a check to a company called “La Familia Management Company” and was given a receipt with an address out of Aurora, Illinois.

The victim went to the Boys and Girls Club with his receipt only to find out he had been a victim of a scam.  The Camarillo Boys and Girls Club is not selling coupon books nor have they authorized anyone to sell coupon books on their behalf. 

If you have been a victim of this scam or have any information relating to this scam, please contact the Thousand Oaks Police Department to report the information.

City of T.O. Permit (example)The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind citizens that solicitors are required to have valid solicitor permits in their possession, and to ask the solicitor to see their permit which is issued by the city of Thousand Oaks. The Thousand Oaks regulatory permit is shown to the right as an example.

If the solicitor cannot provide the permit or you are not sure if the permit is authentic please contact The Thousand Oaks Finance Division at (805) 449-2201 between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.  If the solicitor is acting in a suspicious manner or you are unable to verify the permit through the city, please call our dispatch center at 805-654-9511 to have a deputy respond and investigate.

Miller Family YMCA Kicks Off Activate Newbury Park Program on Wed, April 3rd

Activate Newbury Park is a free, 8-week program open to all members of our community. The program involves walking groups on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with special activities thrown in on some of those dates (see schedule). Every few weeks, we will host a new medical professional from the UCLA health system to do a health lecture on Wednesday nights.

The program will begin on April 3 at our kick off Family Fitness Expo at the Newbury Park High School Gym from 5pm to 8pm. You are encouraged to register online, but you may also register at the Expo on April 3. A number of local vendors will be in attendance from our medical and health community to advertise their businesses and give free screenings. All participants will do their first confidential weigh-in at the kick off event. Weigh-ins will be each Friday at the YMCA anytime between 6am and 8pm.

Visit www.sevymca.org/newburypark/html/activate.html for more information.