Hueneme Fishing Pier Closed through Summer 2014 Due to Severe Sand Erosion

Hueneme Fishing Pier closed through the summer due to severe sand erosion.

Due to severe sand erosion on the beach, the Hueneme Fishing Pier is structurally unsafe and will remain closed through the summer and until repairs are completed. Updates at www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us.

101/23 Project Road Closures in Thousand Oaks the Week of July 21st

Upcoming Road Closures on Hampshire Road (Eastbound lanes only) for July 21 & 22 

Due to construction activity for the US 101 / SR-23 project, the contractor will close the eastbound lanes of Hampshire Road at the US 101 freeway to through traffic.  The closure is scheduled for Monday, July 21 and Tuesday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. so the contractor can conduct drilling and sandblasting operations.

Several Nighttime Closures at Moorpark Road Week of July 21

The following closures will take place at Moorpark Road due to construction activity, which includes the installation of piles for the overcrossing:  

• Moorpark Road will be closed to traffic at the US 101 freeway from 9 p.m. Monday, July 21 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, and from 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 to 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 23.
• The Northbound off-ramp to the US 101 at Moorpark Road will be closed from 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 to 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 23.
• The #3 lane of the Northbound US 101 and the adjacent shoulder will be closed from 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 to 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 23 to accommodate construction activity.
• Moorpark Road will be closed to traffic at the US 101 freeway from 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 to 6 a.m. Thursday, July 24.
• The Northbound on- and off-ramps to the US 101 at Moorpark Road will be closed from 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 to 6 a.m. Thursday, July 24.

For more information regarding upcoming closures scheduled on the project, visit www.toaks.org/10123.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised, dates and times are subject to change due to unforeseen operational factors or inclement weather. Source: 101/23 Project Team.

Daytime Closures at Hampshire Road Wednesday, July 16 through Friday, July 18

Northbound US 101 On-Ramp at Hampshire Road Closed Wednesday Night, July 9 

The Hampshire Road on-ramp to the northbound US 101 freeway will be closed from 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 9 to 6 a.m. Thursday, July 10. This closure will allow the contractor to complete a concrete pour on a retaining wall that is being constructed along the ramp. Intermittent nighttime closures of this ramp will continue over the next few weeks. 

Daytime Road Closures at Hampshire Road Beginning Wednesday, July 16

As part of the US 101 bridge widening at Hampshire Road, preparations are under way to begin pile driving the week of July 14. Pile driving is a common method of constructing bridge foundations. To support the bridge foundation, steel or concrete beams (known as "piles") are driven into the ground by a large hammer mounted atop a crane, until the beams reach a hard layer of earth beneath the foundation. Please be advised, this work may be loud and disruptive due to vibration and pounding.

WHEN/WHERE: In order for the contractor to set up the pile driving crane and other equipment, Hampshire Road underneath the US 101 freeway as well as the northbound US 101 Hampshire Road on- and off-ramps will be closed, from 9 p.m. Monday, July 14 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15.

Pile driving on Hampshire Road will begin during the day on Wednesday, July 16. Hampshire Road will be closed to through traffic at the US 101 freeway, daily between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 16 through Friday, July 18. The US 101 freeway on- and off-ramps on Hampshire Road will remain open, however there will be no access on the roadway underneath the freeway. To avoid delays, motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and consider using alternate routes.

For more information regarding upcoming closures scheduled on the project, visit www.toaks.org/10123.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised, dates and times are subject to change due to unforeseen operational factors or inclement weather. Source: 101/23 Project Team.

Ventura County Animal Services Offers Tips to Keep Pets Safe 4th of July Weekend

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is bracing for what is sure to be one of their busiest weekends of the year. Each year, during the days surrounding 4^th of July, hundreds of pets become frightened by fireworks and run away from their homes and yards. These pets, lost and confused, often end up at VCAS’ animal adoption centers in Camarillo and Simi Valley.

“The sights, sounds and smells of fireworks can be terrifying for some pets,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “By following some very simple safety tips, people can keep their animals safe and secure while they enjoy 4^th of July festivities.”

Pet Safety Tips:

1. Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
2. Do not leave your pet alone in the car - Pets can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes when left in a hot car. Unfortunately, partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they can provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
3. Make sure your pets are properly licensed and wearing identification tags, so that if they become lost, they can be returned promptly. Make sure that tags have current phone numbers and VCAS has current owner contact information on file.
4. Get your pet microchipped or, if it already is, make sure the microchip company has your current contact information.
5. Animals found running at-large should be taken to a VCAS animal adoption center, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
6. Keep your pets in a comfortable and quiet area during Fourth of July festivities. If your pet is crate trained, then their crate is a great choice.
7. Be sure that you remove any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pet company if you won't be home.
8. If your pet seeks comfort in a bath tub, under a bed or other small space, let them. Do not try to lure them out. If the space is safe and it makes them feel more secure, leave them there.
9. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
10. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder or fireworks, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

Those who do lose a pet can search for it on VCAS’ website at www.vcas.us or by using their free iPhone/Android mobile pet adoption apps at  bit.ly/1nXm3jK (Apple iTunes) or http://bit.ly/V3LEAz (Google Play).

In addition, VCAS posts photos of all lost animals brought into their adoption centers on the VCLostPets Twitter account at twitter.com/VCLostPets.

UCAAN Founder Rachel Shur Receives National Gold Presidential Service Award

Local resident Rachel Shur was recently presented with the National Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the Corporation for National and Community Service by Senior Chaplain Dan Regan, United States Chaplain Service. He also presented her with a signed letter from President Obama and a Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award Pin.

Shur is a two time cancer warrior who beat terminal leukemia in 2006 and again in 2007. She is the founder of the United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN), a 501(c)3 all volunteer run organization in Thousand Oaks.

Over the past five years, Shur has dedicated her time and energy into UCAAN and the people it serves: 2,575 cancer warriors, patients, survivors and their families have been helped by UCAAN and its team of dedicated volunteers.

Before Shur founded UCAAN, she volunteered her time to help other organizations and shared her cancer story at health fairs, local high schools and colleges. Eventually, it wasn’t enough for Shur and she saw what really needed to be her focus, the start of an organization unlike any other, a one-stop resource organization that would help cancer patients locally and nationwide.

UCAAN continues to grow as Rachel tirelessly does all that she can to help those struggling in our communities and beyond to find the help they need when they need it. UCAAN’s focus is “Finding Solutions for Cancer Patients in Need Locally & Nationwide.”  UCAAN has an extensive database of over 1,800 organizations nationwide that offer an array of support for those affected by cancer. UCAAN also has a personal fundraising program, in addition to two local financial assistance programs: Gas Cards to local patients to help them get to their treatment appointments, and fluoride trays to prevent dental deterioration caused by most cancer treatments. Additional services are planned for the future.

UCAAN helps anyone, any age with any form of cancer, nationwide. To find out more information about UCAAN or to make a donation visit www.UCAAN.org or contact the UCAAN office at 805-796-6090. To speak with Rachel Shur directly, call 805-479-1032 or email her at UCAANorg@yahoo.com.

The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The program continues as an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

City of Agoura Hills Freeway Sign on Eastbound 101 Has Been Corrected

Last fall we grinned and giggled at the Aquora Hills sign eastbound on the 101 eastbound between Lindero Canyon and Reyes Adobe Road.

Well Caltrans must have been contacted because the new sign gives us no reason to laugh any longer. Agoura Hills is back! At least for the next 4 exits.

US101/SR-23 Bridge Demolition Activity in Thousand Oaks Week of June 2nd

To accommodate the widening of the 101 Freeway, crews must demolish and widen a portion of the overcrossings at Hampshire Road, Conejo School Road and Moorpark Road (northbound side only). On Monday, June 2 the contractor will begin bridge demolition activity at Hampshire Road. Please be advised, this work may be loud and disruptive due to equipment noise, truck back-up alarms and concrete demolition activity.

BRIDGE DEMOLITION SCHEDULE (UPDATED 5/28; reflects one additional day from previously published schedule):

During demolition activity, Hampshire Road, Conejo School Road and Moorpark Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway. On- and off-ramps at impacted interchanges will remain open, however there will be no access on the roadway underneath the freeway. 

• Hampshire Road (Daytime) - Work is scheduled Monday, June 2, Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hampshire Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway during this time. *Once demolition activity is completed, one northbound lane on Hampshire Road will remain closed for an extended period of time, so crews can construct the widened bridge overcrossing. Delays are expected due to this lane reduction.

• Conejo School Road (Daytime) - Work is scheduled Wednesday, June 5 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Conejo School Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway during this time.

• Moorpark Road (Nighttime) (updated 6/3) - Work is scheduled Friday, June 6, Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Moorpark Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway during this time. *Once demolition activity is completed on Friday, June 6, one northbound lane on Moorpark Road will remain closed for an extended period of time, so crews can construct the widened bridge overcrossing. Delays are expected due to this lane reduction. 

Delays are expected in the area while bridge demolition activity is under way. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternate routes whenever possible. Detour maps at www.toaks.org/government/depts/public_works/construction_projects/current_projects/route_101_23_interchange_improvement_project/construction_info_n_road_closures.asp.

For more information regarding this work, visit the project website www.toaks.org/10123 as well as at THIS LINK here on Conejo Valley Guide.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised, dates and times are subject to change due to unforeseen operational factors or inclement weather. Source: 101/23 Project Team.

Ventura County Animal Services Unveils New Pet Adoption Mobile App to Save Lives

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) recently unveiled a new iPhone / iPad application (app) that includes detailed information on Ventura County’s adoptable animals, allows users to report a lost or found pet, offers the opportunity to donate to VCAS and much more.

The free app, which can be downloaded at the Apple iTunes Store, allows users to browse through photos and descriptions of the hundreds of dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals currently available for adoption at VCAS’ Camarillo and Simi Valley Adoption Centers and save those they like in a “favorites” category. In addition, it contains dog and cat breed descriptions and  a pet notification feature so that interested adopters can be alerted when an animal meeting their preferences (breed, sex, color, age) becomes available for adoption or when a lost pet matching an owners description is brought in to the shelter. 

Created by the County of Ventura’s Information Technology Department, the app also includes a YouTube video instructional tutorial in both English and Spanish.  To download the VCAS app, search for "Ventura County Animal Services Pet Adoption" in the iTunes store or visit itunes.apple.com/us/app/ventura-county-animal-services/id872171923?ls=1&mt=8.

A version for Android phones will become available later this month.

Learn more about VCAS at vcas.us.

New Fully Accessible Challenger Field Premiered in Simi Valley on March 22nd

Challenger Field on Opening Day (Photo: Colleen Janssen, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District)The Amanda McPherson Foundation, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, City of Simi Valley, Simi Valley Unified School District and Simi Valley Little League all contributed towards the construction of Challenger Field, a fully accessible field to make it easier for special needs players to play baseball.

The grand opening of Challenger Field was Saturday, March 22, 2014. It is now the "home" field for Challenger Division players. The entire field is solid, yet looks like grass and dirt, allowing for easy mobility by

The whole field is solid (looks like grass and dirt, but is not), allowing easy mobility by players, even if in a wheelchair. Pretty neat! What a great addition to the community.

Challenger Field is located behind Apollo High School at 3150 School Street, Simi Valley. More information and photos at www.rsrpd.org/park/challengerfield/challengerfield.html.