Ventura County Library Website Updated to Include Features Available From Home

The Ventura County Library (VCL) website has a new look. Vencolibrary.org now highlights library resources available online including free live homework assistance by instructors and a resources page for Spanish speakers.

“Your Library at Home” features pages targeted to kids, teens, and adults. It is a one-stop-shop for individuals, parents, and teachers looking for librarian curated lists of online resources for distance learning as well as for fun.

The new pages for kids are:

· Kids’ Reading Resources for children's ebooks and audiobooks and chapter book read-alouds by VCL staff. Also listed are free ebook resources available during the COVID-19 school closures for kids from preschool through middle school.

· Virtual Storytime featuring live storytime events and recorded playlists of stories, songs, and rhymes performed by Ventura County librarians.

· Recursos en Español was created with Ventura County’s Spanish speaking community in mind. The page contains resources for Spanish speakers along with detailed instructions on how to translate various library pages from English to Spanish. Each link includes a description of the resource along with detailed access instructions. The resources are divided into three categories:

o Resources for everyone – fun for the entire family through CloudLibrary ebook and audiobook collection and the Spring Reading Challenge.

o Resources for kids and teens – keep children of all ages engaged while staying at home. Features include the new tutoring service, HelpNow, designed to help students with homework, and the California Science Center where bilingual STEAM activities are added daily.

o Resources for adults – features tools for learning, career, and citizenship, as well as downloadable National Geographic Magazine in Spanish.

· Just for Fun keeps kids busy and entertained with drawing lessons, activities from favorite children’s book authors, and digital escape rooms.

The new pages for kids and teens are:

· Online Learning contains live homework assistance for pre-kindergarten to grade 12 students with tutoring and skill building help through BrainFuse’s Help Now! service, at-a-glance links to VCL’s eLibrary resources organized by school subject, and recommended free online learning resources available during the COVID-19 school closures.

· STEAM Resources for students to explore their curiosity for all things relative to science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Included is the VCL STEAM Fun Playlist from YouTube featuring librarians as they explore fun STEAM topics through interactive lessons.

The new pages for teens are:

· Teens Reading features CloudLibrary, other digital book resources, and VCL’s Spring Reading Challenge.

· Boredom Busters has fun ideas to keep teens busy.

· Virtual Volunteering offers online volunteering opportunities for youth who need community service credit for school, or for those who want to help the library. There are also fun activities related to art, music, reading, gaming, and more.

On the new page for adults, find quick access to CloudLibrary, reader’s advisory, the Spring Reading Challenge, and genealogy resources.

Ventura County Library offers the community an online gathering place through its virtual library.

For additional information, contact Dana Vinke, Ventura County Library Deputy Director at (805) 212-9558.

Los Angeles County Beaches Will Reopen to the Public for Active Use on May 13th

Yesterday, it was announced that Los Angeles County beaches will reopen to the public on May 13th, subject to the following rules:

• Active use only - Swimming, surfing, running, walking, individual/family activities and exercise.

• No sunbathing, sitting on the sand, canopies, coolers or picnicking.

Physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others and face covering when outside the water and around others is required.

Beach parking lots, bike paths, piers and boardwalks remain closed at this time.

www.facebook.com/lacdbh/posts/3248124598552479

Santa Monica Mountains to Reopen Trails and Parking Lots on Saturday, May 9th

The National Park Service announced today that trails and parking lots will be reopening in the Santa Monica Mountains tomorrow.

Visitor centers at King Gillette Ranch and the Satwiwa Native American Cultural Center will remain closed for the time being. Solstice Canyon trails and parking lots will also remain closed.

Proper 6 foot social distancing must continue to be practiced. Bring a mask and wear it when you pass other people. Do not gather in groups - head outdoors with members of your household only. NPS encourages use of your nearest trails.

More details at www.facebook.com/santamonicamtns/photos/a.10152067500718660/10157339887273660/?type=3&theater.

Trails in the Conejo Open Space to Reopen on Weekends Beginning May 9th

Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks

Today, the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) announced that trails are now open on weekends. Trailhead parking lots, except for the lot in Hill Canyon, remain temporarily closed.

The change in policy is being implemented based on the reopening of other outdoor areas in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Starting May 9th, some, but not all, trails will be open in Los Angeles County, making more trails available regionally. Additional Ventura County trails are also expected to open. Making more outdoor space available meets community needs related to physical and mental health and provides additional outdoor space where residents can enjoy nature while maintaining required social distance.

COSCA reminds visitors that the coronavirus will remain in our community for an extended time, and this is not the end of social distancing and County health orders. Visitors must take responsibility for their personal and community safety when out in public. Compliance with the Ventura County Stay Well at Home Order, as well as posted COSCA directives and recommendations, are essential to this effort.

Physical distancing practices should continue (at least 6 feet). Do not gather in groups. Stick with members of your household. Do not congregate.

More information at conejo-openspace.org.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Phased Re-Opening in the Coming Weeks

The County of Santa Barbara’s Public Health Department has recently reclassified the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden as an ‘essential business,’ paving the way for a phased re-opening of this beloved local institution in the weeks ahead.

“As the weather warms up, people continue seeking out safe outdoor activities during the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Steve Windhager, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. “We are thrilled that, once proper planning is in place, the Garden can again be accessible as an outlet for nature-based recreation, inspiration, and healing to members of our community,”

While the Garden remains closed at this time, staff are planning a phased, gradual reopening that will allow an increase in visitor numbers over time based on how effectively safety protocols can be followed.

With its recent reclassification, the Garden is now permitted to host guests while adhering to a strict set of criteria that ensure the social distancing of its attendees. These will include advanced hands-free payment, on-site signage about social distancing protocols, the ability to wash and/or disinfect hands, the frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces, and even greater limitation on the number of guests that can be in the Garden at any one time.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of both the public and our staff,” said Dr. Windhager. “As such, the Garden is actively consulting with the County, our Board of Directors, and others to ensure a healthy experience for visitors and Garden staff that follows county guidelines.”

“We are working through a number of logistical and safety details that will guide our decision-making process in the days and weeks ahead,” said Dr. Windhager. “Additional information regarding our re-opening will be made available on our website and social media channels over the coming weeks.”

The Garden’s mission to conserve California native plants and habitats for the health and well-being of people and the planet is evident on site with over 1,000 taxa of exclusively California native plants, 5.5 miles of trails, and 78 acres, with a variety of cultivated displays, oak and riparian woodlands, a redwood forest, a desert section, and much more to explore.

For more information, visit www.sbbg.org.

Residents Who Visit County of Ventura Managed Beaches Urged to Follow Distancing Guidelines

Hollywood Beach

Residents who visit County of Ventura-managed beaches are urged to follow guidelines outlined in the Stay Well At Home Order issued by County of Ventura Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Levin.

Kiddie Beach, Silver Strand Beach and Hollywood Beach, managed by the Ventura County Harbor Department, have remained open for outdoor activity to afford residents relief. Residents are encouraged to use the beaches for essential physical activity such as walking, running, and jogging, while practicing social distancing guidelines. Beach visitors are not allowed to gather with groups on the beach outside their household.

“Ventura County residents should be proud of their efforts during this time and we want to make sure we continue to flatten the curve,” said Mark Sandoval, Harbor Department Director. “Practicing social distancing guidelines, particularly at the beach, is important. Not following these guidelines may result in our County-managed beaches being shut down for the foreseeable future.”

Director Sandoval said the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will increase patrolling of the three beaches to ensure guidelines are being met.

Parking lots and bathrooms at the three beaches will remain closed.

Ventura City Council Vote to Re-Open Parks and Beaches On a Limited Basis

Tonight, the Ventura City Council voted to re-open parks and beaches in the City of Ventura on a “limited closure” basis.

What this means is that parks and beaches will be open for active use only. Walking, running, hiking, cycling and other recreational uses with proper 6 foot social distancing and participants in these activities do not linger in any location.

The Promenade, pier, sidewalks, walking paths, trails and tracks within all City of Ventura beaches are open for use by the public so long as gatherings are socially distanced and no more than 5 people (under the most current VC Public Health Order).

Large group gatherings and picnics will not be allowed at this time to abide by current Ventura County Stay at Home orders.

Parking lots, playgrounds, restrooms, pools, sports/recreational fields and picnic areas will continue to be closed.

Failure to comply with these rules could result in closures as necessary. Parks and beaches can be shut down when overcrowding becomes an issue.

More details at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/21039/12A

Conejo Creek Dog Park, Other Off-Leash Dog Parks and Pickleball Parks Have Reopened in the Conejo Valley

This was Conejo Creek Dog Park at 1350 E Avenida De Las Flores, Thousand Oaks on Saturday.

Today, CPRD announced that the Conejo Creek Dog Park is back open, along with off-leash dog areas at Estella, Kimber and Walnut Grove Parks. They were previously closed on April 2nd. Humans must practice appropriate (6 foof minimum) social distancing at the parks. Dogs may continue smelling and sniffing other doggies as appropriate. Pickleball courts at Conejo Valley parks have also reopened (though other facilities e.g. playgrounds, etc.) are still closed

These and other Ventura County area dog parks at THIS LINK.

City of Port Hueneme Announces "Soft Re-Opening" of Hueneme Beach on April 18th

The City of Port Hueneme closed Hueneme Beach to all activity on April 1st but has announced a “soft re-opening” after the Ventura County Public Health’s updated Stay at Home Order announced on April 18th.

The soft re-opening is contingent upon everyone visiting the beach adhering to the listed guidelines and restrictions. The city asks beachgoers to continue to wear masks while outside as people may continue to be asymptotic.

If beachgoers follow social distancing guidelines and these new beach restrictions, we will not need to reinstate another beach closure.

The city has asked visitors to use the beach to exercise and get fresh air but not as a place to hang out and socialize. Activities allowed on Hueneme Beach: Walking, running, exercise, surfing, biking, swimming, and other uses that require physical activity. None of these activities shall be done in groups.

The city is highly discouraging people from the following activities: Sunbathing, congregating, and sitting. In addition, items not allowed on the beach include blankets, chairs, coolers, umbrellas, tents and any item that promotes a stationary presence. The pier, picnic areas, restrooms, and playground equipment will continue to be closed.

There is no open street parking as ithis helps prevent people from simply congregating and hanging out in their vehicles. It continues to help expand our walkways for people walking in both directions and it creates and even bigger bicycle lane for those at the beach.

More detailed information and updates at porthuenemeemergency.org.