Outdoor Watering Restrictions in Ventura County

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In February 2009, Governor Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency and immediate actions to address the current water shortage crisis in California. On March 30, 2011, Governor Brown proclaimed an end to the state's drought, but urges continued conservation.

The City of Los Angeles has mandatory water conservations requirements for all LADWP customers as revised August 2010:

  • Odd numbered street addresses may water on Mon/Wed/Fri
  • Even numbered street addresses may water on Tues/Thurs/Sun
  • Outdoor watering not allowed between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Sprinklers can be used for 8 minutes maximum per station, but if you have water-conserving nozzles, you're allowed 2 15 minute cycles each watering day
  • No watering driveways, sidewalks and other hard surfaces
  • No excessive runoff or leaks
  • No washing vehicles without a hose shutoff valve
  • No serving water in restaurants unless requested

Simi Valley watering restrictions since July 2009 were rescinded on May 9, 2011 (www.simivalley.org/index.aspx?page=500). The previous restrictions in place that are still advised however:

  • Outdoor watering/irrigation between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. prohibited, except you can use buckets and hoses with shut-off valves
  • Cannot water more than 45 minutes per station per week from April 1 to October 31
  • Cannot water more than 30 minutes per station per week from No
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iPod nano (1st Generation) Replacement Program Announced by Apple Today

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UPDATE 1/4/12: Well, as discussed in the original post below, I sent back my original 1st generation iPod nano to Apple for a replacement. They made the original nano from September 2005 to February 2006. Apple promptly sent me a replacement box and postage label and I dillydallied for 3 or 4 weeks before finally sending it back to Apple.

Apple promptly emailed me when they received the package and told me when they were sending the replacement. Top notch customer service. I was expecting to receive a refurbished version of my iPod back with a replacement battery. Today I received the package. To my delight, I received the most current 6th generation model as a replacement. NICE! Thanks Apple! Retail value is $129 new. I can't tell if the unit I received is new or refurbished, but it certainly looks new!

ORIGINALLY POSTED 11/11/11 (LOVE THAT DATE):

Old timer that I am, I still have in my possession 1st generation iPod nano (not to say we don't own other iPods and Apple gadgets). Today I received an email from Apple telling me I should send it back due to the remote possibilty of the battery overheating. They'll send me back a replacement unit. What the heck! I think I'll take them up on that offer!

Here's what they wrote:

Apple has determined that, in very rare cases, the battery in the iPod nano (1st generation) may overheat and pose a safety risk. Affected iPod nanos were sol

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Million Hearts Initiative to Prevent a Million Heart Attacks and Strokes in 5 Years

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CDC recommends ways to reduce the threat of strokes

Million Hearts’ goal to prevent a million heart attacks and strokes in five years

Every 6 seconds, someone in the world dies from stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asks Americans to take immediate action to reduce their risk for stroke.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. About 137,000 Americans die of stroke every year, about equivalent to the total population of Eugene, Ore., or Savannah, Ga. 

A stroke, sometimes called a brain attack, occurs when a clot blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. You can greatly reduce your risk for stroke through lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.

“Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds and while that is a statistic to some, it’s a life abruptly changed for the person who suffered the stroke and the person’s family,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H.  “We can do so much more to prevent strokes and the new Million Hearts initiative offers opportunities for individuals, providers, communities, and businesses to apply tools we have readily available today to reduce strokes and heart attacks.”

Among the actions available today to reduce stroke and heart attacks, Million Hearts seeks to improve clinical care by helping patients learn and follow their ABCS:

  • Aspirin for people at risk
  • Blood pressure control
  • Cholesterol management
  • Smoking cessation

Less than half of Americans who should be taking an aspirin a day are taking one; less than half of Americans with high blood pressure have it under control. Only 1 in 3 Americans with high cholesterol is effectively treated, and less than a quarter of Americans who smoke get help to quit when they see their doctor.

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10th Anniversary of 9/11 Remembrance Events Around Ventura County

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There are a number of special events planned around Ventura County in remembrance of those who perished in the terrorist attacts on 9/11/01 10 years ago. They are summarized below.

You cannot miss the annual display of 2,977 flags at Pepperdine University in honor of those who died in the attacks starting September 9th through the 19th. This is a touching tribute that you have to experience in person. You may also sirens and horns at this venue by local fire/emergency crews in support of the heroes of 9/11. You can't help but get emotional during this tribute.

For the 10th anniversary, Pepperdine hosted other events on 9/11, including a reading of the 2,977 victims' names from 11am-3pm, film screening of United 93 at 1pm and remembrance ceremony at 4pm.

The 4th Annual Ride to the Flags event started at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu in the morning and culminated in over 700 motorcycles riding to Pepperdine via Oxnard/Hidden Valley on 9/11.

Fire stations in Oxnard participated in the National Moment of Remembrance at 10am across the city.

10th Anniversary of 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Ventura Government Center at 11am will featured a ceremony, helicopter fly-over, bagpipes and musical tributes.

10th Anniversary of 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Constitution Park in Camarillo started at 4pm with tributes, flag ceremony, moment of silence and patriotic music.

The 6th Annual Simi Valley Freedom Walk started at 4:30pm at Reagan Library and ended at Rancho Madera Community Park. Featured ceremony, fly-over, musical performances and 1.8 mile walk.

9/11 Twin Tower Survivor Judith Francis discussed "What Really Happened at the Twin Towers on Sept 11, 2001" on 9/11.

Cal Lutheran University presented two 9/11 Memorial Concerts in Thousand Oaks

By the Sea with the Buenaventura Art Association 9/11 Remembrance family arts and crafts event at Ventura Harbor Village

The life of Chad Keller, a Santa Barbara resident killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, was honored, along with a benefit performance of "I Was Greta Garbo" at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara.

City of Thousand Oaks Invites Review of Draft Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan

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Thousand Oaks Boulevard business owners and the City have looked into how to revitalize and beautify the corridor and create a pedestrian-friendly destination for years. In 2005, the Thousand Oaks Boulevard Improvement District (BID) was formed and business owners voted to fund a Thousand Oaks Boulevard Specific Plan (in accordance with Section 65450 of the California Government Code) that would lay the foundation for future Boulevard modifications and development.

Map of proposed Thousand Oaks Specific Plan boundary

The purpose of the Specific Plan is to create a unique and identifiable commercial corridor for Thousand Oaks that is an economically viable, self-sustainable and pedestrian-friendly destination.  It includes refinements to existing regulations where necessary to further the community goals and vision.

The proposed Specific Plan covers a 345-acre area located along and near an approximately 3-mile stretch of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, roughly from the Moorpark Road to Duesenberg Drive, covering about 1.8 million sq ft of existing, mostly retail and office, commercial development. The T.O. Blvd Specific Plan does not include the separate 24-acre Civic Arts Plaza Specific Plan.


View Larger Map

The City estimates that future development within the Specific Plan area is about 1.2 million sq ft of non-residential building floor area, including 861,000 sq ft of r

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Regional Art Museum Proposed for Thousand Oaks Seeks Charter Members

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The Regional Art Museum (RAM) is a proposed 30,000 sq ft multi-level art museum to house a permanent collection of visual art and worldwide traveling exhibitions. Other goals of RAM include recognizing and highlighting local artists and offering outreach programs to local schools and organizations. The RAM will be located adjacent to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza as approved by the Thousand Oaks City Council in June 2010.

The RAM is seeking public support and participation. Become a Charter Member of this non-profit 501(c)(3)  tax-exempt organization and help bring the RAM to fruition! To learn more, visit www.regionalartmuseum.org. Membership application at www.regionalartmuse​um.org/pdfs/ram-brochure-a​pp.pdf

City of Calabasas Single-Use Plastic Carryout Bag Ban Starts July 1, 2011

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CITY OF CALABASAS SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CARRYOUT BAG BAN

BRING YOUR OWN REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS OR PURCHASE PAPER BAGS AT CALABASAS GROCERS BEGINNING JULY 1, 2011


From the City of Calabasas website at www.cityofcalabasas.com/plastic-bag-ban.html

Calabasas has joined the growing ranks of municipalities encouraging residents to bring reusable bags when shopping. On February 9, 2011, the Calabasas City Council passed Ordinance No. 2011-282 to ban the use single-use carryout plastic bags that pollute our environment and constitute a high percentage of litter across the country.

As of July 1, 2011, shoppers will no longer receive disposable plastic bags while shopping at Calabasas supermarkets: Albertsons, Gelson’s, Maddy’s Market, and Ralphs and Rite Aid.

As of January 1, 2012, smaller drug stores, convenience food stores, smaller retail stores and grocers will stop offering disposable plastic bags.

Under the terms of the new law, stores will have reusable bags available for sale and will also offer recyclable paper bags for 10 cents each in lieu of customers bringing their reusable bags or simply carrying items purchased without a bag. The fees collected from bag sales will only go towards helping stores comply with the new law.

Lower income residents who participate in the California Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children program will receive either reusable bags or recyclable paper bags for free.

Shoppers are encouraged to use reusable shopping bags whenever possible. Please note that small plastic bags will still be available in stores for fruits and vegetables. Produce bags and product bags are bags without handles used exclusively to carry produce, meats, or other food items to the point of sale or to prevent such food items from coming into direct contact with other purchased items.

More information and details on the benefits of using re-usable bags at www.cityofcalabasas.com/plastic-bag-ban.html.