Ventura County Sheriff Warns Local Residents About a New Scam

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From the Ventura County Sheriff's Department as a warning for citizens to avoid being victimized by scams

Criminals are constantly looking for new methods to steal goods and money from citizens of Ventura County, and scams are part of this evolving criminal activity.

In some scams, criminals will prey upon elderly or susceptible victims by calling and telling them that a family member is in jail in another country. The criminals focus on the need for the victim to act quickly or the family member’s safety may be in jeopardy. Money is frequently sent (wired) to locations outside of the United States by the victims and is virtually untraceable once transferred.

Other scams include victims being contacted by a subject claiming the victim has won an international lottery and the victim needs to send money, again to a location outside of the United States, to cover taxes and tariffs. Victims will frequently wire the requested money, which is untraceable once transferred.

Recently, a new scam has surfaced locally where suspects are calling victims and claiming to be members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. One suspect even claimed to be the Sheriff himself. In these cases the callers are telling the victims they need to provide money for a family member who is in jail, or that the FBI is conducting an operation and the victim needs to provide money. The criminals in this most recent scam are attempting to make their requests sound legitimate by using genuine identities. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to ensure the citizens of Ventura County, that members of this Department will not call citizens requesting money on behalf of someone in custody nor do we favor or recommend one bail bond company over another.

If anyone is contacted by someone claiming to be a member of the Sheriff’s Office requesting money for someone in custody, you may call Sheriff’s Public Reception at 805-654-3335, or visit our website www.vcsd.org to help determine if the person is in custody.

Additionally, if someone is contacted and requested to donate or provide money to the Sheriff’s Office, we urge them to contact their local police agency before parting with any money or information.

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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11/11/11 Facts, Figures and Fun - Celebrate!

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The day is HERE! 11/11/11! And of course 2 times today, the clock will strike 11:11:11. Time for some celebration on this once-in-a lifetime day!


Purchase a one-of-a-kind 11/11/11 art piece created by Camarillo Artist Chuck Trunks! This unique piece was hand designed by Chuck solely for 11/11/11! Visit www.printfection.com/celebrate-111111 and check out how cool it looks on shirts, mugs, Christmas ornaments, coasters and more!

Coupon Code: NoLines2011

Discount: $20 off all orders over $50.00

Dates: November 16 -21

Disclaimer: Please enter coupon code NoLines2011 before completing checkout. Discount is applied to the base price and does not include tax
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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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Incredible Murmuration of Starlings on the River Shannon in Ireland

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Liberty Smith and Sophie Windor Clive were canoeing on the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, when they came across this "murmuration," or flock of starlings. There looks to be thousands of them. Pretty unbelievable footage. Must have been breathtaking in person. Visit islandsandrivers.co.uk for more information.

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

That Was One Heck of a Rainbow in Camarillo This Past Sunday

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As reported on Sunday, there was quite a beautiful rainbow at the Camarillo Town Center Shopping Center on Sunday. Well pro photographer John B. Mueller just happened to be there, and like the good photorapher that he is, had a wide angle lens with him. Target, are you looking at this amazing shot!

Visit his website at www.johnbmueller.com and his Facebook page to see more of John's work, which has also been featured before here on CVG.