Ventura County Animal Services Promotes and Protects the Welfare of Animals

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is a division of Ventura County Public Health and a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. Ventura County Animal Services is committed to promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the people and animals living in Ventura County.

VCAS's main animal shelter and administrative offices is located near the Camarillo Airport at 600 Aviation Drive. The shelter houses up to 400 animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, livestock and exotic animals. The Simi Valley shelter at 670 West Los Angeles Avenue accepts strays from Simi Valley and Moorpark that can be reclaimed by local residents but due to space limitations are photographed and brought to Camarillo usually within 24 hours. Both shelters are currently open seven days a week. Visit www.vcas.us for operating hours.

To reach either shelter, call 805.388.4341 or 888.223.PETS, Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday/Sunday 8 am to 4 pm. Field officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be reached through these numbers.

How to Adopt an Animal: Animals become available for adoption over varying periods, depending on if the animal has been given up for adoption or is a stray. All adopted animals must be spayed/neutered. In-county adoption costs $125, including certification of sterilization, preliminary vaccinations, first rabies vaccine, Ventura County license*, Trovan microchip for permanent identification, free obedience classes and a certificate for a free health exam at participating local veterinarians. You must be 18 or older with valid ID and commit to providing a "home" (not just a yard) for the animal.

*State law requires that dogs over four months of age be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. VCAS handles licensing for all of Ventura County except Thousand Oaks and Santa Paula, which have their own licensing programs. The City of Thousand Oaks contracts with the Los Angeles County Animal Shelter located at 29525 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills. The Agoura Hills shelter is open seven days a week and can be reached at 818.991.0071. Visit the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center site at www.santapaulaarc.org for licensing information in that city.

Dog adoption fee for Ventura County residents as of January 2022 (includes license, sterilization and microchip): $115 ($90 fr out of county residents; excludes license). Cats $80, rabbits $50, birds $15.

When I Pass Away Will My Social Media Presence Be Here to Stay?

Social media is still in its infancy. Facebook became available to everyone 13 and older on September 26, 2006. Twitter was launched for public use on July 15, 2006. LinkedIn was launched on May 5, 2003. But as the years pass, we will all eventually be faced with the question of what to do with our social media presence after our time is up.

Final Farewell and Facebook

Do you want to stay on Facebook after you die? No? Well, perhaps the easiest solution is to give someone you trust your login information and have them permanently delete your account when you die. This can be done by clicking the account menu at the top of your Facebook page, pick Account Settings, click Security in the left-hand column, then click "Deactivate your account." Or perhaps more officially, make this request in your will.

The current Security Settings screen in Facebook as of December 2013

If you haven't planned for your afterlife Facebook page, your immediate family members or executor can still submit a special request to remove your account. Facebook will require a death certificate or other proof to do so.

Or you can also simply do nothing and continue having your presence be shown in Facebook. A good friend of mine passed in 2013 and his page is still up and running. In fact, many of his friends posted happy birthday messages on his page later in the year.

Lastly, your family, friends, even co-workers may make a Memorialization Request by submitting the deceased's email address and proof of death. The requestor reports the information under penalty of perjury. Facebook will not provide login information for the deceased's account.

When an account is memorialized, Facebook keeps the account information static. Friends can still post to the deceased's page (subject to the account's privacy settings). When a Facebook Timeline is memorialized, it does not show up in others' pages as a friend suggestion and birthday reminders do not appear for the account.

Facebook indicates that a new Timeline may not be created to memorialize a deceased person, though others can create a Page or a Group for that purpose.

Six Feet Under Instagram

Instagram is owned by Facebook and thus their policies regarding deceased users is similar. You can request that a deceased Instagrammer’s account be memorialized if they passed away. But if you are an immediate family member of the person, you can request that the account be removed. Instagram will require proof of death for the former, such as a link to an obituary or news article. You’ll need additional information such as a birth/death certificate to remove the account. Click here for info.

Terminal in Twitter

Twitter is a bit different than Facebook in that if you are inactive (i.e. no logins or Tweets) for 6 months, they may permanently remove your account due to prolonged inactivity. That pretty much will take care of your Twitter account.

That said, or Tweeted, as the case may be, a family member or executor of your estate may also request that your Twitter account be terminated. This is done by contacting Twitter. You may be asked to provide the deceased's user name, death certificate, the requestor's driver's license or other Government-issued ID and a signed statement.

And of course you could share, before your final breath, your login information with someone you trust, who in turn can go to your Settings/Account, then scroll to the bottom of the screen where it says "Deactivate my account" and be done with it.

LinkedIn Through the Out Door

Someone I'm connected with in LinkedIn passed away several years ago. I still see her profile in there, which to me is a bit depressing and sad. Recently LinkedIn reminded me of her "work anniversary" even. Unlike Twitter, LinkedIn does not remove an account with prolonged inactivity. And unlike Facebook, LinkedIn does not have a "memorialize" feature where you can post comments to the deceased's page.

What LinkedIn does have is a feature for members to complete a form to report a colleague, classmate, or loved one who has passed away so they can close that person's account and remove their profile. So unlike Facebook and Twitter, non-family members can make a request to remove your profile in LinkedIn. I completed the form for the acquaintance who passed away, including a link to an online obituary. Six hours later, I received an email from LinkedIn indicating their account has been removed.

If you're reading this article, I'll assume you are still alive. Thus, you might as well check out the CVG Twitter page at twitter.com/ConejoJoe and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConejoValleyGuide.

Federal Tax Credits for Installing Qualified Solar Electric Systems

Photo credit: Pixabay

The federal Residential Energy Efficient Property credit allows for a tax credit on the installation of residential solar electric and solar water heating systems.

As of November 2021, the credit is 26% of the cost for systems put in place during 2021 and 2022 and 22% of the cost if installed in 2023. Currently, the credit expires after December 31, 2023, but that could be changed by legislation. Previously (2019) the credit was 30%.

The tax credit is claimed on federal Form 5695 “Residential Energy Credits.” If the amount of the credit exceeds your tax liability in the year your claim the credit, the excess of the credit gets carried forward to the following tax year. You can continue carrying forward the credit until you use it - there is no expiration.

The state of California does not have a corresponding solar energy credit.

Keep in mind that the tax credit is available only if you purchase the system. You cannot receive the credit if you lease your system. You can certainly finance the purchase of your system, however.

The cost of the system that you claim for tax credit can include the cost of a battery, as long as 100% of its power is derived from your solar system.

Can you include the cost of a new roof as part of your system? Generally no. The roof is not part of the system, unless you are installing solar roofing tiles or solar roofing shingles - those actually do qualify for the credit.

Learn more about Residential Energy Credits on Form 5695 at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5695.pdf or on the Energy.gov website at www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics.

El Tecolote Cafe in Camarillo Captured by Local Artist in Oil Painting

El Tecolote by Linda Dark of Camarillo.

Linda Dark has lived in Camarillo since 1978. For the last 12 years she has captured local scenes in oil paint. Here is her rendition of the historic El Tecolote, located at 333 N. Lewis Road, in the image above. El Tecolote serves up delicious, authentic Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

According to the El Tecolote website, World War II veteran Mike Loza opened his restaurant in Moorpark in 1946. The owls occupying the trees surrounding the restaurant were the inspiration for the name El Tecolote (The Owl).

The cafe was moved to a small house in Camarillo in 1948. It was so small that a frustrated customer helped finance a move to its current location in 1952. The restaurant is now owned and managed by the Guardado family. Visit www.facebook.com/eltecoloterestaurant or call 805.482.4318 for more information. 

El Tecolate the night of Monday, September 8, 2014.

Emergency Response Systems in Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

VC Alert is a free service provided by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services and participating cities. It launched in January 2012.

All 10 cities in Ventura County utilize the VC Alert system - Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks, Ventura and Simi Valley as well as unincorporated areas of Ventura County.

The VC Alert database includes all listed and unlisted landline telephone numbers serviced by AT&T and Verizon.  If you would like to ensure that you will be contacted on your home phone, cellular phone, work phone, TTY device, email, fax or text messaging, you must register that information using the opt in VC Alert portal. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.

VC Alert alerts residents about emergencies and other important community news.  The system enables officials to provide essential information quickly when there is a threat to the health or safety of Ventura County residents. To learn more and to register online, visit www.vcalert.org or call 805.648.9283.

The official Ventura County incident information site is vcemergency.com, which posts up-to-date incident information, public safety power shutoffs, current evacuations, emergency shelters and road closures.

The City of Westlake Village uses Blackboard Connect for telephone emergency response recordings for hazards, warnings, evacuations, updates, etc. Land lines are already in the database but you may register additional lines. westlakevillage.bbcportal.com. More info at www.wlv.org/191/Emergency-Notifications.

The City of Agoura Hills also uses Blackboard Connect for emergency response services at cityofagourahills.bbcportal.com/Entry. More info at www.agourahillscity.org/i-want-to/sign-up/connect-cty. There’s also a call-in emergency information line available at 818.597.7301.

City of Calabasas residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency updates through its Blackboard Connect system at calabasase911.bbcportal.com/Entry. There’s also a call-in emergency info line available at 818.224.1600.

The City of Malibu’s call-in emergency hotline is 310.456.9982. The city's radio station is WPTD AM 1620. The City of Malibu has its own emergency alerts system at member.everbridge.net/index/453003085613099

Los Angeles County residents in Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, etc. can sign up for Alert LA County. a free mass notification system for Los Angeles County residents at www.lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la.

Ready Ventura County is a local emergency response planning and information reporting site that is used extensively during local emergencies. www.readyventuracounty.org

Ventura County emergency alert radio stations: KVTA 1590 AM, KHAY 100.7 FM, KMLA 103.7 FM (SPANISH)

Ventura County Sheriff's Department 805.654.2380

Ventura County Fire Department 805.389.9710

Ventura County Public Health Emergency Preparedness Office 805.981.5331

Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services 805.654.2551

Department of Homeland Security Disaster Response 202.282.8000

California Office of Emergency Services 916.845.8510

And of course, there's 9-1-1 for immediate help.

FEMA Ready.gov Website Provides Emergency Preparedness Tips

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched Ready.gov to educate and prepare Americans for emergencies, both natural and man-made.  Three key sections of the site are maintaining an emergency supply kit, making a plan and being informed.

Here are FEMA's recommendations for a kit of food, water and supplies to last at least 3 days per person should rescue workers not be able to get to you right away after a disaster/emergency.

• At least 3 days of water per person, consisting of at least one gallon of water per person, per day.

• At least 3 days of non-perishable food per person. Things like ready-to-eat canned items, protein or fruit bars, cereal or granola, peanut butter, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, canned juices, high energy foods, food for infants, etc.

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First aid kit with 2 pairs of gloves, sterile dressings, cleansing agent/soap/towelettes, antibiotic and burn ointments, bandages, eye wash solution, thermometer, prescription items (other items to consider...scissors, tweezers, petroleum jelly, aspirin, anti-diarrheal, antacid, laxative)

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air; plastic sheeting and duct tape for shelter

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener if you have canned food

• Local maps

• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery.

Other items to consider:

• Prescription medications and glasses

• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medications, antacids or laxatives.

• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

• Pet food and extra water for your pet

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

• Cash and change

• Emergency reference materials, first aid manual, etc.

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

• Paper and pencil

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

• Since Spring 2020: masks, soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes

But don't stop with this list! Visit Ready.gov to learn more about emergency preparedness!

Visit www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/ready_checklist.pdf for an amergency supply list.

Purple Heart Trail Signs on U.S. Highway 101 in Ventura County Commemorate Veterans

In November 2014, Caltrans District 7 installed two signs designating a segment of U.S. Highway 101 as part of the National Purple Heart Trail — a system of signed highways, bridges and other monuments that honor soldiers who have received the Purple Heart medal.

One of these signs can be seen on the northbound 101 in Thousand Oaks, right before the Westlake Boulevard offramp. The other sign is near the Bates Road offramp of the southbound 101.

These two signs complete 240 continuous miles of Purple Heart trail in California, from Ventura County to Monterey.

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27 established specified portions of US Highway 101 in the counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura for inclusion in the National Purple Heart Trail.

The U.S. 101 in Ventura County is also dedicated to the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division as commemorated by "The Screaming Eagles Hwy - 101st Airborne Division" placed nearby.