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

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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

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Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks

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.

Modified Ventura County Stay Well at Home Order Allows Reopening of Lower Risk Businesses on May 8th

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The County of Ventura Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening.

The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on Friday, May 8th. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

The Order is also extended from May 15 to May 31.

“We are at a turning point because of the community’s incredible compliance with social distancing and the sacrifices of individuals and businesses. These efforts have saved lives, helped prevent the spread of the virus in our community and put us in a position to move forward gradually and safely in reopening our economy. Our ability to move forward is directly tied to our continuing commitment to physical distancing. With the issuance of Dr. Levin’s new Stay Well VC Order, we will align even more closely with the Governor’s revised order because we support the approach of evaluating businesses for reopening based on level of risk and we believe it will provide greater clarity. The new local order will retain some aspects of our previous order in areas such as guidelines for seniors and long-term care facilities,” said Mike Powers, County of Ventura CEO.

“Our community members have answered the call to stay well at home and thanks to them, we are in a position to move forward. These actions have saved lives. It is critical that our community continues to use caution. The virus is not gone. It is dangerous and poses a significant health risk. As we move into the next stage, we must do so with great care. We must continue to practice social distancing and businesses must make modifications needed to lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure,” said Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin.

The County has made progress in meeting the Governor’s requirements for moving forward. These steps have included: hospital surge and personal protective equipment capacity; protection of high-risk patient populations: seniors, long term care facility residents, homeless; contact tracing capacity and thoughtful data driven public health guidance.

“The efforts to protect our community health and our local economy are aligned. Investing in these public health steps will benefit the health of our community as well as our local economy. Until there is a vaccine, these are the only tools we have to identify and prevent the spread of the virus in our community,” said Powers. “We have a plan for verification and education under our Public Health Officer Doctor Robert Levin’s guidance to further ensure our local businesses can reopen and do so safely. We have found almost universally that our local businesses truly want to comply. Businesses and local business leaders with the Economic Development Collaborative, Cities, Chambers, Women’s Economic Ventures and the Ventura County Economic Development Association have come to the table in the spirit of compliance. They get it and want to make sure they protect their employees and customers.”

State of California Covid-19 reopening website at covid19.ca.gov/roadmap.

Los Angeles County to Begin Lifting Restrictions on Certain Businesses and Recreational Activities Beginning May 8th

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Los Angeles County residents are doing their part to follow the County’s “Safer at Home” Health Officer Order which has slowed the spread of COVID-19. Los Angeles County is now taking its first steps towards reopening businesses and getting people back to work!

The following is a list of businesses that are re-opening effective Friday, May 8th:

Non-essential business: reopening for curbside pick-up with adherence to distancing and infection control protocols

  • Bookstores

  • Clothing stores

  • Florists

  • Music stores

  • Sporting goods stores

  • Toy stores

  • Car dealership showrooms (open for sales with adherence to distancing and infection control protocols)

Outdoor parks and recreational facilities are open on SATURDAY, MAY 9TH provided all activities adhere to distancing and infection control protocols.

  • Golf courses (not including pro-shops or dine-in restaurants)

  • Trails

  • Trailheads, parks

The re-opening of businesses will occur in stages and require physical distancing and infection control practices.

The curve has flattened, however the COVID-19 pandemic is still in LA County. The coronavirus is still deadly and capable of quickly taking many lives. As L.A. County moves into its first stage of recovery, all residents, business owners and employees must continue to observe and practice all COVID-19 physical distancing requirements.

LA County residents - continue to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wear a face covering whenever you leave home

  • Wash hands throughout the day

  • Stay six feet away from people who don’t live with you

And don’t forget - you can get a free COVID-19 test if you have symptoms. All tests are confidential, and will tell you if you’re COVID-19 positive or negative. Click here for more information about COVID-19 testing in LA County.

covid19.lacounty.gov/recovery

The Original Camarillo Lassen's Natural Foods Closed Its Doors in February

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The original Camarillo Lassen's Natural Foods on Pickwick Ave in Camarillo closed its doors in late February. Oda and Hilmar Lassen were Danish immigrants, coming to America in 1951, bringing four children, two suitcases a trunk and $50. They had three more children in America, and became citizens in 1960. They moved from San Fernando to Camarillo in 1964. This first store opened in 1971 and the rest is history. There are now 11 Lassens locations. www.lassens.com

Symptoms of Coronavirus According to the CDC

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Here is a summary of what to look for if you are concerned you may have caught the the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Repeated shaking with chills

  • Muscle pain

  • Headache

  • Sore throat

  • New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

  • New confusion or inability to arouse

  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

Visit the CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) information site at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for more information.

Parking Along Pacific Coast Highway to be Temporarily Closed Beginning April 30th

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In order to continue the success of Ventura County flattening the COVID-19 curve, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, working in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, California State Parks, and Ventura County Parks Department, will be updating parking standards along northern and southern stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County.

Pacific Coast Highway from Point Mugu State Beach south to the Los Angeles County line will be closed for all parking. Additionally, Pacific Coast Highway from Emma Wood State Beach north to the Santa Barbara County line will be closed for all parking. This change in parking regulations is a continued effort to comply with the “Stay at Home Order” issued by the Ventura County Health Officer, which was most recently updated on April 20, 2020. Areas will be clearly marked, and enforcement action related to parking and/or violations of the “Stay at Home Order” may be taken.

Beginning today, April 30, 2020 at 8:00 am, Caltrans posted “No Parking” signs along both sides of Pacific Coast Highway as well as coning off the area. Law enforcement agencies will be patrolling the area to ensure compliance with the new parking restrictions, beach closures and the “Stay at Home Order.”

These agencies are committed to keeping the residents of Ventura County safe, and at this time, that includes restricting access to parking in certain areas. The goal of this temporary parking restriction is to keep the curve flattened related to new cases of COVID-19 within the County.

All beaches south of Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu extending to the Los Angeles County line are completely closed. All beaches north of Point Mugu to the Santa Barbara County line are open with some restrictions. Beach goers will only be allowed to participate in activities on the beach such as running, walking, swimming, and surfing. Gathering on the beach in groups with items such as blankets, chairs, and coolers will not be allowed.

local.nixle.com/alert/7968660

Recent Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act Notices Presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors

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Here is a compilation of Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notices submitted to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors since the COVID-19 Stay Well at Home Order was issued on March 20th.

  • Patagonia Works furloughed 14 employees at Great Pacific Iron Works, 46 employees at Great Pacific Child Development Center and 25 employees at the Patagonia facility in Ventura on April 25th.

  • Lacoste is furloughing 11 employees at its Camarillo store effective April 19th until at least May 2nd.

  • 434 employees were furloughed beginning April 12th at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores throughout Ventura County. Furloughs are anticipate to be temporary, up to 4 months.

  • Employees of Silver Star Auto Group, including Acura of Thousand Oaks, Honda of Thousand Oaks, Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks, Lexus of Thousand Oaks, JLR of Thousand Oaks, Silver Star Cadillac, Silver Star Buick GMC and Silver Star Chevrolet were furloughed on April 27th. 228 employees were impacted.

  • Cinemark laid off 77 employees at Century RiverPark in Oxnard and 35 employees at Century 10 Downtown Ventura effective March 26th.

  • Sysco Ventura laid off 55 employees and furloughed 4 employees. The furloughs began on April 8th and expected to last through July.

  • 27 employees at the Guitar Center corporate office in Thousand Oaks were furloughed on April 6th.

  • 6 employees subject to furlough at Visions Treatment Centers Thousand Oaks

  • 36 employees were furloughed at Dick’s Sporting Goods Thousand Oaks on April 12th. the furloughs are intended to be temporary and last less than six months.

  • 65 employees at United Road Services were laid off on April 15th. The layoffs are expected to be temporary.

  • 49 employees were furloughed at Outback Steakhouse in Oxnard on March 18th The furlough is intended to be temporary.

  • 11 employees were furloughed at the Torrid store in Ventura on April 6th.

  • Southwestern & Pacific Specialty Finance is permanently laying off 5 employees at stores in Camarillo, Simi Valley and Ventura on April 21st.

  • Sleep Number stores in Oxnard and Thousand Oaks to employees on April 9th.

  • Temporary furloughs at Western Dental Services at 455 South C Street, Oxnard effective April 6th through May 15th (16 jobs), at 1200 Saviers Road, Oxnard (13 jobs), 1397 E. Los Angeles Ave, Suite F, Simi Valley (12 jobs) and 2750 E. Main Street, Ventura (12 jobs)

  • Temporary furloughs at Ross Dress for Less stores at 255 W. Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (48 jobs), 2241 N. Rose Ave, Oxnard (50 jobs) and 4687 Telephone Road, Ventura (61 jobs), commencing April 5th.

  • Temporary furloughs at Kohl’s stores throughout the state effective April 5th, including Moorpark (65 jobs), Simi Valley (90 jobs), Newbury Park (73 jobs), Ventura (100 jobs)

  • Layoffs at Club Demonstration Services in Simi Valley (49 jobs) and Oxnard (48 jobs)

  • Permanent closure of Maria’s Italian Kitchen at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard effective April 3rd. They indicate the closure was caused by COVID-19 related business circumstances. (37 jobs)

  • Paul Martin’s indicates a temporary loss of 79 employees at its location at The Promenade at Westlake in Thousand Oaks.

  • Furloughs at Tierra Sur restaurant in Oxnard effective April 1st affected 28 employees.

  • Furloughs at Beta Beauty in Oxnard (4 jobs), ColourPop Cosmetics in Oxnard (9 jobs) and Spatz Labs in Oxnard (2 jobs).

  • Furlough of 104 employees at Camp Amgen in Newbury Park (Amgen’s child care center).

  • Furlough of employees at Burlington Coat Factory in Thousand Oaks (48 jobs) and Ventura (70 jobs) starting March 31st.

  • Furlough of employees at H&M (Hennes & Mauritz LP) in Oxnard (34 jobs), The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks (23 jobs) and Pacific View Mall in Ventura (13 jobs).

  • Furlough of employees at Urbane Cafe Camarillo (8 jobs).

  • Furlough of 192 employees at Carmax in Oxnard effective April 8th.

  • Furlough of 99 employees at Addison Behavioral Resources in Camarillo effective March 22nd.

  • Furlough of 11 employees at Zara Thousand Oaks.

  • Furlough of 45 employees at the Ventura County Fairgrounds effective April 8th.

  • Furlough of 100 employees at Oxnard Levity Live effective March 13th.

  • Furlough of 45 employees at Carter’s and OshKosh facilities in Camarillo effective April 3rd.

  • Lazy Dog furloughed employees on March 17th throughout the state, including Oxnard (120 jobs) and Thousand Oaks (111 jobs).

  • Tarantula Hill Brewing Company in Thousand Oaks permanently laid off 71 employees on March 18-19.

  • The Walking Company laid off a number of employees at its Westlake Village location effective March 20th.

  • Furloughs at Players Casino in Ventura were done effective March 31st, impacting 183 jobs.

  • Furloughs at Stonefire Grill locations in Agoura Hills (9 jobs), Thousand Oaks (26 jobs) and Ventura (23 jobs) effective March 25th.

  • Furloughs at Ventura Toyota effective March 24th impacting 73 employees.

  • Temporary closure of the Pentair facility in Moorpark effective March 20th, leading to furlough of 68 employees.

  • Layoff of 55 employees at Brent’s Deli in Westlake Village effective March 27th.

  • Furlough of employees at LA Fitness locations in Newbury Park (41 jobs), Oxnard (31 jobs) and Ventura (44 jobs) on or about April 1st.