Social Media Reunites Stray Dog in Camarillo with Owners From Quebec, Canada

The power of social media recently helped a small gray dog named Gizmo find his way home. On Wednesday, February 26th, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) received a call from a concerned citizen who reported a scared stray dog wandering around Camarillo’s Sports Park. When VCAS officer Kelli Hipple arrived, she found a small frightened dog running in circles. With clouds gathering overhead, she called for back-up and spent nearly two hours working with fellow VCAS officer Randy Chong to calm and catch the frightened pup.

Photo of VCAS Officer Kelli Hipple and Gizmo that appeared on Facebook.What happened next was truly amazing. VCAS posted a photo of Officer Hipple holding Gizmo on Facebook and within hours, the post was viewed by more than 11,000 people and shared more than 162 times.  Within two hours, a VCAS Facebook fan noticed a resemblance between the dog and a photo posted on the Oxnard Missing Pets Facebook page and two days later, Gizmo was back in the arms of his extremely grateful owners, Nat and Kathy Gaudet.

The Gaudets, long-distance truck drivers from Quebec, Canada, had stopped in Oxnard when Gizmo jumped out of the cab of their truck and ran away. They searched high and low for him but couldn’t locate him.  Although they had to leave town for their next stop in Fresno, Nat Gaudet continued to scour the internet for any sign of his fluffy best friend.

Because Gizmo’s story and photo went viral, his story had a happy ending.  Upon hearing that Gizmo was found and being cared for the VCAS Adoption Center, the French-speaking Gaudets turned their truck around and raced back to Camarillo. The next day, amid smiles, wagging tails and many “Merci Beacoups,” the Gaudets were reunited with their beloved Gizmo.

Before sending Gizmo on his way, VCAS staff placed a microchip in Gizmo. VCAS encourages all pet owners to microchip their pets so if they become lost, they can be easily identified and their owners can be quickly notified.

“We are grateful to the thousands of VCAS supporters who shared Gizmo’s photo on social media and helped us find his owners,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “Gizmo’s story highlights the power of social media and also shows how it truly takes a village to find loving homes for every homeless animal in our County.”

VCAS is currently participating in the 2014 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge, a competition between fifty animal shelters across the country to save the most lives. To help them win, VCAS needs the public's help to expand their presence on social media and to participate in adoption events so they can save more lives than ever before.

As seen by Gizmo, social media can be highly effective at helping owners reunite with lost pets. In addition, social media is an effective tool for promoting homeless animals in desperate need of adoption. The public can support VCAS and meet adoptable animals by following VCAS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VCAnimalServices and Twitter at twitter.com/VCAnimalService or by becoming a VCAS volunteer.

For more information, visit www.vcas.us.

Southbound 23 to Southbound 101 Freeway Restriping During Widening of 101

Update 3/10/14:

Last week, the SR-23 connector to the 101 south was reduced to one lane as part of initial work for the project. This change resulted in significant traffic impacts, leading Caltrans and City staff to pursue potential alternatives. Those conversations also resulted in the following:

1. Beginning with Tuesday morning's commute, the south 23 connector to the south 101 will be restored to two lanes, while work continues on the project.  
2. The project team is working together to explore alternatives regarding future construction activities on the connector.

Other updates 3/7/14:

• Northbound US 101 Connector to Northbound SR-23 reduced to one lane (in effect 24/7)
• Southbound SR-23 Connector to Southbound US 101 reduced to one lane (in effect 24/7). *Caltrans is working with the project contractor to minimize the duration of this connector lane reduction.
• Northbound Hampshire Road to Northbound US 101 on-ramp has been reduced to one left turn lane (in effect 24/7)
• Conejo School Road at US 101 undercrossing has been reduced to one lane only between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; flaggers on site to direct traffic
• US 101 Southbound off-ramp at Moorpark Road closed nightly between
  9 p.m. and 6 a.m. (ongoing utility relocation work)
• Northbound Moorpark Road at US 101 undercrossing lane reduction nightly between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Dates and times subject to change due to unforeseen operational factors or inclement weather.

An update from the 101/23 Freeway Interchange Improvement Project team:

On Thursday, March 6 commuters experienced significant delays traveling on the southbound SR-23 transition to the southbound US 101 freeway as a result of striping modifications made recently on the connector. As part of the US 101 / SR-23 Interchange Improvement project, the southbound SR-23 connector to the southbound US 101 freeway will be reduced to one lane during construction, in order to accommodate for the widening of the US 101 freeway mainline. The project team is currently exploring all options to improve the striping delineation to help motorists navigate the new reduced lane configuration. In addition, the team will be exploring opportunities to add additional signage in the area to provide advanced notification to alert motorists traveling through the interchange. 

The City of Thousand Oaks and Caltrans are aware of the delays caused as a result of this lane reduction. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused to motorists who were caught off guard. Delays are expected in the area as the team explores options to improve the striping and add additional signage in advance of the lane reduction. To minimize delays, use an alternate route if possible or allow extra time to reach your destination.

We are committed to providing proactive public outreach support to minimize impacts to the traveling public and to help commuters avoid delays due to unanticipated construction / maintenance activity. Additional information will be provided as soon as it becomes available and the team is making every effort to ensure advanced notice is provided in the future.

CLU Receives $4.67 Million Scholarship Endowment From Estate of John R. Manken

CLU receives $4M scholarship endowment

Late donor got student aid, wanted to pay it forward

California Lutheran University has received its largest-ever donation for scholarships, a $4.67 million estate gift from a Pacific Palisades educator.

The endowment funded by John R. Manken’s bequest will provide about $240,000 each year in Manken Family Scholarships to students who are seeking teaching credentials or majoring in math, physics or religion. This will boost the university’s scholarship outlays from endowed funds by about 20 percent.

Manken died of a heart attack at the age of 89 on March 27, 2012, but CLU just received the funds. About $23,000 can be distributed in 2014 and the full awards will be available in 2015.

The child of a couple who ran a plumbing business, Manken received a scholarship to attend college and wanted to give others the same opportunity. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree and a doctorate in music from the University of Southern California, but after a year touring as a concert pianist he decided that wasn’t the life he wanted. He returned to USC and earned a doctorate in educational administration. He had a 40-year career as an elementary school teacher and principal and retired in 1993.

Manken, a Lutheran, first connected with CLU when he came to the Scandinavian Festival on campus in 1988 and met the university’s vice president of development. An only child who never married and had no descendants, he began working with Della Greenlee, the now retired director of scholarships and foundation relations, to establish the scholarships to be funded upon his death by the bulk of his estate. Prior to his passing, his only gifts to the university were two oak and glass display cases that hold a collection of Reformation-era Bibles and rare religious books that were donated by his friend.

Della Greenlee with the late John R. Manken (Photo Courtesy CLU)

55 Hour Closure of 118 / 23 Freeway Interchange 10PM Feb 21 Until 5AM Feb 24

55-HOUR CLOSURE OF SR-118/SR-23 INTERCHANGE PLANNED 2/21-2/24

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will close the westbound Ronald Reagan Freeway (SR-118) connector to the southbound Moorpark Freeway (SR-23) at Princeton Avenue from 10 p.m. Friday, February 21 until 5 a.m. Monday, February 24

The closure is required to implement repairs of bridge joints on the westbound side of the Arroyo Simi Overhead structure. Caltrans is urging motorists to avoid the interchange if at all possible and to expect delays.

Westbound traffic will be directed to exit at Princeton Avenue, travel southbound on Princeton and turn left on Spring Road to Los Angeles Avenue. A right turn on Los Angeles will turn into westbound SR-118; a left turn will take motorists back to SR-23.

An alternate route will be posted directing motorists to exit westbound SR-118 at Madera Road, take Madera Road south, then turn right on Tierra Rejada Road back to SR- 23; westbound SR-118 traffic will take Route 23 north to Los Angeles Avenue.

Work will take place around the clock and may generate noise and dust for residents adjacent to the freeway. Otherwise, the work is not expected to involve significant community impacts.

A 50 percent reduction in traffic was achieved during the February 7-9 55-hour closure of the eastbound SR-118 connector. Caltrans urges motorists to avoid the interchange, if possible, and thanks the public for its cooperation.

Source: Caltrans District 7 www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/news

Straight Up Ventura County 2014 Youth Drug and Alcohol Awareness Video Contest

Straight Up Ventura County announces return of youth video contest; seeks videos from young people ages 12-25; focus on drug and alcohol awareness 

Straight Up, the Ventura County-wide youth advocacy project, has opened its most recent video contest for submissions from young people in Ventura County.

Entrants can choose from topics on underage and binge drinking, impaired driving, prescription drug abuse (and the links to heroin use) and the impact to the adolescent brain with marijuana use. 

2011-2012 California Healthy Kids Survey results showed that Ventura County youth continue to abuse prescription drugs and use heroin and marijuana. For example, 20% of 11th graders and 14% of 9th graders have used prescription pain medications to get high. Marijuana use doubled for 5th graders between 2009 and 2012. Heroin continues to be an escalating problem -- several young people in Simi Valley and elsewhere have fatally overdosed in recent years. Often, the problem starts with prescription drug abuse with the user "graduating" to heroin for similar effects. 

Alcohol use and impaired driving also continue to be a local issue. In Ventura County, alcohol use is highest among 18- to 20-year-olds not old enough to legally purchase it, and is a factor in nearly half of all teen automobile crashes.

The contest is open to Ventura County young people 12-25 years of age who live or go to school within Ventura County. Short videos (30-90 seconds) are preferred, but longer videos are welcome as well. A grand prize of $500 will be awarded, as well as several runner-up prizes. Entries must be received by Friday, May 16, 2014. Winners will be announced on Friday, May 30.

Downloadable rules and guidelines can be found at www.straightupvc.org/contest. Information sessions, training and equipment lending can be made available. Call 805.647.4622 with any questions.

Straight Up Ventura County (a project of Ventura County Behavioral Health Department Alcohol and Drug Programs) works closely with young people to raise awareness and create change around the issues of alcohol and drug abuse. Advocacy training, reality improv workshops and video projects are some of the way youth can get engaged and become empowered.

Winner of the 2013 contest:

Team VFD to Participate in Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle on March 9th

Team VFD is a group of ten Ventura City Fire Department members determined to make a difference. Team VFD is preparing to participate in the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle, a timed race up the stairs at the Columbia Center in Downtown Seattle.  They will dress in full fire gear and self contained breathing apparatus as they climb 69 flights of stairs, 1,311 steps and 788 feet of vertical elevation. The group is climbing to support two causes – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and 11 year old Ventura resident Emma Bowles.

LLS is dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Every day, more than 347 LLS sponsored researchers come closer to the goal of finding a cure for leukemia and related blood cancers. Locally, LLS funds research in the Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo county areas. Your support and commitment to the mission of LLS enables us to continue this important work of saving lives and aids us in our ability to reach patients in our community

Honoree Emma BowlesEmma Bowles was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in August 2013. Emma is a very enthusiastic and positive girl who always looks at the glass as half full. Her favorite color is pink and for the last year she has been taking classical guitar lessons. Together with your help and participation Team VFD will climb for a cure and help Emma and her family in this difficult time.

To learn more and to donate to the cause, visit www.teamvfd.com. Team VFD will be hosting a fundraising event at Barrelhouse 101 in Ventura on March 1st and is selling wristbands and T shirts to support Emma. See video below to learn a bit more about Emma. Donate at www.teamvfd.com/donate.

55 Hour Closures of 118 / 23 Freeway Interchange February 7-10 and 21-24

55-HOUR CLOSURES OF SR-118/SR-23 INTERCHANGE PLANNED 2/7-2/10

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will close the northbound Moorpark Freeway (SR-23) connector to the eastbound Ronald Reagan Freeway (SR-118) at Los Angeles Avenue from 10 p.m. Friday, February 7 until 5 a.m. Monday, February 10.

The closure is required to implement emergency repairs of bridge joints on the Arroyo Simi Overhead structure.

Electronic freeway message signs will begin warning of the impending closure a week in advance. Caltrans is urging motorists to avoid the interchange if at all possible and to expect delays.

Eastbound SR-118 will be directed to exit northbound SR-23 at Tierra Rejada Road, travel eastbound and then turn left onto Madera Road to return to eastbound SR-118.

Motorists continuing on eastbound SR-118 from eastbound SR-118/Los Angeles Avenue will take southbound SR-23 to Tierra Rejada Road.

Work will take place around the clock and may generate noise and dust for residents adjacent to the freeway. Otherwise, the work is not expected to involve significant community impacts.

A second 55-hour closure will be required to perform the same work on the westbound Sr-118 connector to southbound SR-23, currently scheduled from 10 p.m. Friday, February 21 through 5 a.m. Monday, February 24. Additional information will be provided closer to that date.

Source: Caltrans District 7 www.dot.ca.gov/dist07/news

The 101/23 Interchange Improvement Project in Thousand Oaks Starting Soon

The City of Thousand Oaks, Caltrans and Ventura County Transportation Commission are initiating the US Highway 101/State Route 23 Interchange Improvement Project soon!

The 101/23 interchange is one of the most congested freeway segments in Ventura County during peak travel periods. The project will widen the freeway and some of the existing connectors and ramps. Specifically, the project will:

• Add a lane to the southbound 23 to northbound 101 connector and southbound 23 to southbound 101 connector.

• Add a lane to the northbound and southbound US 101 freeway at various locations between the Los Angeles/Ventura County line and Moorpark Road.

• Widen three bridges (northbound side only) at Hampshire Road, Conejo School Road and Moorpark Road. Construct soundwalls between Hampshire Road and Conejo School Road on  northbound side of 101 and between Manzanita Lane and Hampshire Road on the southbound side of the 101 freeway.

• Realign Moorpark Road northbound onramp and offramp. The 101 northbound onramp will be reconstructed to include an additional lane. The Moorpark Road undercrossing will be widened.

• The southbound Westlake Blvd onramp will be reconstructed to add an additional lane. The 101 will be restriped in the vicinity of Westlake Blvd to provide five mixed flow lanes.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2016 and is anticipated to relieve traffic issues at the interchange, improve traffic safety and operations at the interchange, improve local traffic flow and commutes and enhance air quality.

Projected closures of US 101/SR-23 connectors, surface streets and on/offramps will take place intermittently throughout the two-year project. Closures will take place during off-peak hours whenever possible.

To learn more about specific closures and project updates, visit the project website on the City of Thousand Oaks website at www.toaks.org/10123. You can also sign up for email updates at that link.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT!?

Residents are invited to attend a community meeting to learn about the upcoming improvements, general construction schedule and closures. Caltrans and City of Thousand Oaks staff as well as the project designer will be on hand to answer questions on Wednesday, February 5th from 6-8PM at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Founders Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks.

Highlights of 101/23 Interchange Project Improvements (Courtesy of Caltrans).