Donate to "The Paramount Project" to Rebuild Paramount Ranch's Western Town

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The iconic Western Town at Paramount Ranch was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire of November 2018. The only surviving structures were the church and the train station.

The iconic Western Town at Paramount Ranch was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire of November 2018. The only surviving structures were the church and the train station.

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund, in cooperation with the National Park Service, has launched “The Paramount Project,” a campaign to rebuild Paramount Ranch’s Western Town, recently destroyed by the Woolsey Fire.

The site, long popular with location scouts looking to replicate a rustic town with a Western motif, was also used for many of the special events that take place at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, including weddings, star parties, music festivals, classic movie nights and a variety of other activities. A National Park Service employee, along with her family, lived in Western Town and was one of three employees who lost park housing in the Woolsey fire.   

The new fundraising initiative is expected to restore the only National Park Service site that interprets American film history. It was purchased by the National Park Service in 1980 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

DONATE TO “THE PARAMOUNT PROJECT” AT THIS LINK.

The focus of the campaign is to tap into the creativity, expertise, and resources of both the entertainment community and the general public to create a temporary set and then, ultimately, a number of permanent structures that will retain the rustic features of the past, but with more fire-resistant materials.

The National Park Service and the Santa Monica Mountains Fund have already been contacted by members of the entertainment industry who would like to be involved in the project.

In 1927, Paramount Pictures purchased 2,700 acres of the old Rancho Las Virgenes for use as a "movie ranch." Thus began an era of film production that had continued until last week with more than 300 films, television shows and commercials being shot here. The current ranch is comprised of 765 acres.

Famous Hollywood actors, from Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich to Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper, have strolled around the dusty streets that could be magically transformed into a real town that included a general store, a sheriff’s jail, a saloon, drugstore and a variety of other settings. After it was purchased by Paramount Pictures, a veritable who's who of Hollywood, such as director Cecil B. DeMille and actors Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert, practiced their craft here for the next 25 years.

But it was the diverse landscape that was the real star of the show. It offered filmmakers the freedom to create distant locales such as colonial Massachusetts in The Maid of Salem (1937), ancient China in The Adventures of Marco Polo (1938), a South Seas island in Ebb Tide (1937), and numerous western locations including San Francisco in Wells Fargo (1937). The art of illusion was mastered in this landscape.

In the 1950s, Western Town was created for television shows, such as The Cisco Kid. More recent television productions at Paramount include The Mentalist, Weeds, episodes of the X-Files and Hulu’s Quickdraw.

More recently, Western Town gained attention as Main Street in HBO’s hit series “Westworld.” For five years in the 1990s, it stood in as Colorado Springs, Colorado, providing the backdrop for many of actress Jane Seymour’s frontier adventures on the popular TV show Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.  Also, Sandra Bullock had a leading role in The Lake House here.

Less known is the history of the Paramount Racetrack. The track operated from 1956 to 1957 and was known as one of the most challenging in the nation. The movie, The Devil’s Hairpin, was filmed on the course, which closed down after three fatalities within 18 months from its opening. Most of the track still winds through the grass and oak woodlands of the park.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park System, it comprises a seamless network of local, state, and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/samo.

The Santa Monica Mountains Fund works to protect and encourage appreciation and understanding of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The Fund achieves this by supporting National Park Service efforts in education, science, research, improved facilities, citizen engagement, stewardship and philanthropy. For more information, visit www.samofund.org.

The General Store seen prior to the Woolsey Fire.

The General Store seen prior to the Woolsey Fire.

Mass Shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday, November 7, 2018

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As a resident of Thousand Oaks for 25 years, never would I have thought that the city where I’ve raised two boys, both born at Los Robles Hospital, would land itself tied for 15th place in all-time deadliest mass shootings in modern U.S. history.

But here we are today, in shock over the worst tragedy ever experienced in the Conejo Valley. The hospital where my wife gave birth to our sons treated many of the 23 victims of last night’s shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill, 99 Rolling Oaks Drive, Thousand Oaks (south of the 101, off of Moorpark Road).

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their friends and families, first responders and others impact by this horrific tragedy.

The facts:

  • Shooting took place on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 11:20 pm.

  • There were 12 victims who died at the hands of the active shooter, who was also confirmed deceased.

  • One victim was Ventura County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus.

  • Other confirmed deaths: Cody Coffman, Justin Meek, Alaina Housley, Noel Sparks, Blake Dingman, Jake Dunham, Kristina Morisette, Sean Adler, Telemachus Orfanos, Dan Manrique, Mark Meza

Other:

Fundraising Events:

The following was written by Jenn Zimmerman, Cal Lutheran’s veterans coordinator, about Justin Meek.

Justin worked in the Veterans Resource Office for two years as a VA work study, and his impact will not be forgotten. His gregarious and outgoing attitude allowed him to instantly bond with the veterans who entered the office. He worked with the Veterans Club to plan events and help veteran-students with their VA certifications. Not only did he work with us, he was an active student on the campus. The busier he was, the more he interacted with his peers, the more he thrived. He was a kind and compassionate person who really cared for others.

Justin was a criminal justice and criminology major who had a passion for doing what was right. I’m not shocked he took action to protect the people at Borderline.

He was a part of the Kingsmen Quartet and loved singing in choir. He sang the National Anthem at graduation and was lined up to sing with the Disney Carolers for the holiday season. Justin came back to Cal Lutheran after he graduated to support the Country Line Dance Club with Borderline. He loved running college night and always seemed to draw a crowd.

He was planning to join the US Coast Guard; a compromise between his Air Force veteran mother and his Navy SEAL father. He enjoyed cooking for others and often brought his leftovers for us to share as we envied his cooking skills. He was going to be the chef our Veterans Day Celebration this Monday. Since he can no longer be with us, we will hold a memorial in his honor. Justin was a real go-getter and had his whole life ahead of him. He will be deeply missed in our community.

CSU Channel Islands is Ventura County's Only Four-Year Public University

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Aerial view of the campus

Aerial view of the campus

California State University Channel Islands (or CSUCI) opened in 2002 as the 23rd campus in the California State University system and is the only four-year public university in Ventura County. It is located in Camarillo at the juncture of the Oxnard Plain and northern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains. The 1,187 acre campus is accessible via Lewis Road in Camarillo and Potrero Road from Newbury Park.

As of Fall 2017, CSUCI had enrollment of 7,053 students. CSUCI offers 26 majors and 26 minors, with a focus on business, sciences, liberal studies and teaching credentials, among others.

Learn more about CSUCI at www.csuci.edu.

CSUCI is located in the former Camarillo State Hospital, which operated from 1936 to 1997. At its peak in the 1950s, the hospital served over 7,000 patients.

On the north side of the campus is the 367 acre University Park, where a dairy farm that served the hospital was disbanded. It has informally been coined the "Scary Dairy."

West of the campus is the prominent, 538 foot elevation Round Mountain.

Aerial of the former Camarillo State Hospital (Photo Courtesy Pleasant Valley Historical Society)

Aerial of the former Camarillo State Hospital (Photo Courtesy Pleasant Valley Historical Society)

Register to Vote for the November 6, 2018 General Election by October 22nd

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The State of California makes it easy to register to vote online at registertovote.ca.gov. The system will search the DMV database for your California driver license or ID card, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security Number.

While registering to vote, you will be asked if you want to disclose a political party preference, which currently includes: American Independent, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, Peace and Freedom, Republican and "Other." Or you can indicate that you prefer not to disclose your preference.

While registering, you can also choose a permanent vote by mail ballot, which is a nice feature that I've used for years.

The Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Elections Division will contact you when the registration is approved or if additional information is needed.

You can also use the online registration to re-register when you 1) move to a new permanent residence; 2) change your name; or 3) want to change your political party preference.

All U.S. citizen residents of California age 18 or older on Election Day are eligible to vote, unless you are found to be mentally incompetent by a court or are in jail, prison or on parole for certain felonies (described in more detail at this link).

You can also register to vote the old fashioned way by picking up a paper voter registration application at the Ventura County elections office, library, DMV or post office.

Can you vote online? Nope. You'd think that we'd have figured out a way to do that by now, but the State indicates "For security reasons, California law prohibits casting a ballot over the Internet. This also means that county elections officials cannot accept marked ballots sent via email from military and overseas voters." (who may only vote by mail or fax).

To vote for the November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election you must be registered by October 22, 2018!

Registered Voters in Ventura County

Here in Ventura County, as of October 12, 2018 there are 442,333 registered voters, compared to 433,324 on October 29, 2014. That’s a 2% increase. (Update 11/3/18: 449,053 registered voters in Ventura County.)

By party:

  • 176,426 Democrats, up 6,560, or 7.5%, from 169,866 registered October 29, 2014. (Update 11/3/18: 178,471)

  • 131,884 Republicans, down 16,272, or 11%, from 148,156 registered October 29, 2014. (Update 11/3/18: 132,970)

  • 110,375 Non-Partisan, up 18,751, or 20.5%, from 91,624 registered October 29, 2014. (Update 11/3/18: 113,459)

  • 23,648 Other Parties, almost the same as the 23,628 registered October 29, 2014. (Update 11/3/18: 24,153)

Exercise your right to vote! Learn more about Ventura County elections on the Ventura County Registrar of Voters website at recorder.countyofventura.org/elections.

Meals on Wheels Westlake Village Serves Residents of Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park

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Founded in 1982, Westlake Village Meals on Wheels, Inc. is a non-profit community service providing weekday meals to the home-bound or temporarily/permanently incapacitated residents of Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park. 

“Meals-on-Wheels” is seeking volunteer drivers in Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Westlake Village, to ensure home bound seniors receive nutritious meals and a bit of companionship. Meals on Wheels also provide human contact, conversations, and a connection to the outside world that many of our aged neighbors would lack without our daily visits.  Eating the right foods can make all the difference in staying mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, full of energy, and keeping a positive mental attitude and a healthy immune system.

Meals on Wheels serves approximately 30 meals a day to seniors in our community. Our clients are our mothers, fathers, grandparents and neighbors. They need your help.

Drivers use their vehicles to deliver meals to home bound seniors from eleven to noon, Monday through Saturday. A delivery route consists of 5-10 meals per route.

Volunteer drivers/riders may commit to once a week on a regular basis or be called on a substitute basis. Groups may adopt a route and rotate drivers to suit there schedule. All’s you need is a valid driver's license, insurance and a vehicle. 

For more information on how to become a volunteer, call Debbie at Meals on Wheels 1-805-370-4295 or visit www.mealsonwheels-wlv.org.

CPUC Reminds Customers of New Dialing Procedure for 805 Area Code in Preparation for 820 Area Code Overlay

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The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved an area code overlay in the 805 Area Code Region in May 2017. Why? Because we're running out of 805 phone numbers!

The new overlay area code to be added beginning June 30, 2018 is 820.  

The 805 region serves most of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties and small portions of Monterey and Kern Counties.

The 805 area code was created in 1957, splitting from the 213 area code and covering the coastal and inland areas north of Los Angeles. The 805 area code was reduced to its current configuration along the coast when the 661 was split off of it in 1999.

But wait...aside from an additional area code, there's another slight inconvenience involved that we all need to be aware of. For those that actually dial the phone (yes, that includes you, Millennials), you will be required to dial, on land lines, 1 + area code + telephone number for ALL calls in the region - even 805 to 805 calls - beginning June 2, 2018. Yes, MANDATORY.

Slightly different for cell phones - you can dial the area code + phone number or the 1 + area code + phone number.  Yes, you save a digit on cell phones!

This new dialing procedure is encouraged to be used beginning December 1, 2017, which gives us 6 months to get used to it. The CPUC calls this the "permissive dialing period." 

The CPUC also reminds the public to reprogram any equipment that currently relies on just the 7-digit phone number to dial the 1 + area code + phone number, as you will be impacted starting June 2, 2018.

Panhandlers Are Usually Not Homeless

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Guest writer was homeless in the Conejo Valley at the time he wrote this (February 2011). He has regained his footing since then and is doing great.

Panhandlers are Usually Not Homeless

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Every day that passes, I again wish I was not a member of a growing group of Americans, known as the invisible homeless.  Today, as usual, I am presented with a unique, but not totally unexpected set of challenges, which are aggravated by my homelessness.  Beginning with my stress level, which is higher than usual today, sometimes resulting in heat flashes.  Then continuing on, I’ve been sneezing occasionally, with a frequent runny nose.  Those symptoms appear in conjunction with some nagging muscle aches, coupled with a feeling of weakness, both physically and mentally. Does that describe anything that you’ve dealt with?

Living homeless, I’ve also experienced a wide range of weather conditions, specifically wide temperature changes, relentless winds, seasonal circumstances and of course moisture.  On those days when I don’t have any work scheduled, “the silence”, which is simply a measure of the mental fatigue and depression, that I live with, is also an unfriendly complaint, exacerbated by my inconsistent sleeping habits.  The lack in either physical or mental activity greatly contributes to my depression.  Living through these never-ending and ultimately exhausting conditions, day in and day out, I’ve learned that these circumstances continue to have an adverse effect on my overall health.

I’ve concluded that I have a mild cold at the moment, but understanding my homeless living conditions, it’s reasonable to assume my ill health could easily turn into something more serious.  I will pay a visit the local drug store, where I may purchase some inexpensive vitamins, and likely a decongestant, which I pray will provide some relief of my more annoying symptoms.

When I’m fortunate to have a commitment during the day, I’m often relieved mentally because these activities stimulate both refreshing thought and often conversation regarding the task at hand.  Frankly, any exertion seems to act as a healing agent that relieves the frequent mental fatigue that regularly extinguishes my mind.  When I have activities scheduled, I’m also happy to enjoy the feeling of being needed, perhaps wanted, and reminded that there is a so much life outside of my own homelessness, and declining state of health.

Occasionally I’m asked my opinion on whether I would give money directly to the increasing number of homeless on the streets.  Perhaps there’s an individual you see regularly, panhandling in your community, presenting a typical card-board sign, asking for food or a donation.  Sadly, I answer, “Unless you know the individual personally, you should not give money directly to any homeless person panhandling on the street”.  If you’re ever approached by a homeless person and asked for money, I would respond with something like “Sorry, not today”. While I believe everyone deserves respect, my response is based on what I’ve seen most homeless repeatedly do with the money they manage to collect from panhandling.  Your donation would be better utilized by a community church or rescue mission, who will likely try and serve all of the poor in your area, who truly need it.

Any homeless person who is panhandling regularly, has in my opinion already accepted their homelessness, likely with little or no plans to turn their life around.  “Statistics show that most panhandlers are not homeless, and most homeless do not panhandle.  For some, panhandling has become a career, and a lucrative one”, which has been reported from the U.S Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.  In fact, a few savvy panhandlers I’ve seen, boast of making $15 an hour or more during daylight hours on a busy corner, and that money in turn, is typically used to support their destructive habits or dependencies.

I work for the day when I’m no longer a member of the invisible homeless, and have a place to truly rest my head.  Perhaps then, I will not resent so much the physical and mental fatigue I often carry around with me.

VENTURA COUNTY HOMELESS SHELTERS AND HOT MEAL PROVIDERS

CONEJO VALLEY WINTER SHELTER AND YEAR-ROUND MEAL PROVIDERS