Recover From Identity Theft with Help From IdentityTheft.gov

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has tracked data breaches since 2005. In the first seven months of 2015 (through July 28th) there were 450 significant data breaches in the U.S., with over 135 million reported records breached. And in the majority of breaches, the number of exposed records is not even known. 

Breaches can be caused by insider theft, hacking, data on the move, subcontractors/third parties, employer errors/negligence, accidental web exposure and physical theft. What breaches have in common is that they usually compromise personal identifying information, such as Social Security number, credit/debit card number, email/password/user name and/or protected health information. And this information is easily read by thieves because those entrusted in protecting your personal data have not encrypted (e.g. concealed so that the data cannot be utilized so easily).

I don't know about you, but I'm getting overwhelmed with warnings about my personal information being breached by large organizations that one would think would have adequate safeguards in place. Target, Anthem, UCLA Health, to name just a few. One source for helping alleviate this feeling is IdentityTheft.org.

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims, providing checklists and sample letters to guide you through the process of recovering from identity theft.

The website is simply laid out to help you quickly address the following matters if you believe your identity has been compromised:

What Should I Do Right Away? In order to quickly address issues resulting from identity theft, there’s a checklist that covers 1) calling the companies where you know the fraud occurred; 2) placing fraud alerts at the major credit bureaus; 3) reporting identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission and 4) filing a report with the police.

What Do I Do Next?  The next steps in the process include 1) closing accounts opened in your name; 2) removing fraudulent charges from your accounts; 3) correcting your credit report; and 4) requesting extended fraud alerts or credit freezes with the credit bureaus. The site provides a variety of form letter templates to help expedite this process for you.

What Other Steps Should I Take? There are a variety of other actions highlighted that may apply to your situation, including 1) resolving tax-related identity theft; 2) reporting misused Social Security numbers; 3) responding to debt collectors trying to collect on debts that are not yours; 4) replacing government IDs, like driver’s licenses, passports and Social Security cards; 5) resolving the particular issues of child identity theft; 6) resolving medical identity theft and 7) clearing your name of criminal charges if the thief used your personal information while committing a crime.

And there’s a section covering additional steps that might be needed for identity theft used to initiate utilities, checking accounts, student loans, investment accounts and bankruptcies filed in your name.

Visit www.IdentityTheft.gov to learn more.

Now, if you want to cut off one type of identify theft in it tracks...credit theft, strongly consider doing a security freeze!

Meet Clarence the 85 Year Old Galapagos Tortoise at Moorpark College's America's Teaching Zoo

The Exotic Animal Training and Management Program was established at Moorpark College in 1974. Since then, hundreds of students have graduated from the program. Over 150 wild, exotic animals now live on a five acre site overlooking Moorpark College in what is called "America's Teaching Zoo."

The Zoo is open every weekend from 11 am to 5 pm and admission is only $8 for adults, $6 for kids 2 and up and seniors (as of September 2015). Some of the animals you'll encounter are a water buffalo, reptiles, exotic birds, monkeys, lemurs, bobcats, baboons, hyenas, lions and much more.  You'll enjoy the animal shows led by zookeepers in training and live carnivore feeding demonstrations.

One of my family's favorites is Clarence the Galapagos Tortoise. The Galapagos Tortoise is the largest living tortoise, originating from the Galapagos Islands off the coast of South America. Clarence happily weighs in around 500 lbs and seems quite content living in Moorpark.  He is pretty friendly.

Here is an updated photo of Clarence at age 90 in 2015...looking good!

Clarence we discovered is about 85 years old and originally came to this country in 1928 on an expedition by C. H. Townsend, Director of the New York Aquarium, along with 107 of his buddies, in an effort to help save this critically endangered species. Clarence lived for awhile at the Houston Zoo and later moved to the L.A. Zoo. He has been on indefinite loan to America's Teaching Zoo since 2001. Amazingly, Clarence is expected to live another 100 years or so! (Must be his healthy vegan diet or something!)

So stop by and say hello to Clarence and his pals at America's Teaching Zoo. This is not a fancy zoo, but the students, faculty and staff of Ventura County's only zoo love what they do and you will enjoy checking it out, with or without the kids.

Find an American Red Cross Blood Drive In and Around Ventura County

The American Red Cross is the nation’s largest blood collection organization, supplying approximately 40 percent of the blood and blood products used in the United States.  

There is a constant need for blood in our society. Donated blood benefits accident victims, cancer patients, surgical candidates, children with blood disorders and many others. Consider donating blood if you are looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

Facts about the blood supply (courtesy of the American Red Cross):

• Nearly 16 million blood donations are collected annually in the U.S.
• There are 9.2 million blood donors in the U.S. in a year.
• 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate; less than 10% actually do.
• Blood cannot be made; it must be donated.
• Type O-negative blood (red cells) is always in high demand (and short supply) as it can be transfused to patients of all blood types.
• Type AB-positive plasma can be transfused to patients of all other blood types and thus is also usually in short supply.

So the most important question now is, how does one find a local blood drive in the Ventura County (as well as Greater Southern California) area? Easy! Simply visit www.redcrossblood.org/socal and enter your zip code to find a blood drive near you. You can find dozens of upcoming blood drives usually in the local area.

Stop By Casitas Water Adventure in Ventura to Cool Off During the Summer Months

A view of the Lake Casitas reservoir

Casitas Municipal Water District serves water to a population of 65,000 in western Ventura County. Lake Casitas was created in 1958 and encompasses 2,760 acres with a capacity of 254,000 acre-feet. While swimming is not allowed at Lake Casitas because it is a drinkable water supply, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area provides a host of other family activities, including over 400 campsites, picnic areas, fishing, boating, biking, hiking, special events, disc golf and the Casitas Water Adventure!

Casitas Water Adventure generally opens Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend each year. Children and adults can enjoy two distinct water playgrounds. For the younger children, there's a multi-level jungle gym with waterfalls, bridges and slides in a lagoon with water up to 18" deep.

The 1,200 foot long lazy river offers a cool water ride on inner tubes along a scenic waterway featuring waterfalls, fog filled bridges and jet sprays.

For the smallest of tots, there's a zero-depth pool that sprays water from all angles, providing a safe, fun play area. Lounge chairs, showers, restrooms and a snack bar are also available. Shaded areas can be reserved for an extra fee. Certified lifeguards are on hand at all times and life jackets are available at no extra charge while supplies last. Locker rentals are available.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area is located at 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. Take Highway 33 from Ventura towards Ojai, turn left on Santa Ana Blvd, then right on Santa Ana Road to the park entrance. Visit www.casitaswater.org or call 805.649.2233 for more information.

California Department of Motor Vehicles Now Offers 1960s Legacy Plates

image is for illustration only. final design of the plate will differ. (Image courtesy of dmv)

State legislation introduced the California Legacy License Plate program offering car owners the chance to purchase replicas of California license plates similar to those issued in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Out of these three decades, only the 1960s plate reached the required 7,500 orders before January 1, 2015. As a result, California drivers can now relive the 1960s with a black and gold replica available for your motor vehicles.

The plates are available  at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/legacyplates/index or by mail or at your local DMV office or auto club.

The plate costs $50 for either a sequential or a personalized plate. Renewal fees are $40.

The plates will not look EXACTLY like plates issued in the 1960s because current law requires plates to be reflectorized, but I don't think most folks will really notice the difference!

Views From Boney Peak on a Sunny Summer Saturday, July 25, 2015

After several weeks of cooler than normal weather, including record July rainfall last weekend, temperatures are pretty much back to normal today in the Conejo Valley.  

Learn to hike up Boney Peak at this link. Other hikes in and around Ventura County here.

Tour Cities Throughout the U.S. in Scavenger Hunt Fashion with Urban Adventure Quest

Looking for an adventure!? Turn Southern California cities into a giant game board this summer with a fun scavenger hunt adventure from Urban Adventure Quest.  Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a two to three hour city tour.

Guided from any smart phone, teams make their way among well known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. 

Play in Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Diego, Catalina Island, The Getty Center, Paso Robles or 30 other cities across the United States.  Available 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset.  Start when you want and play at your pace.

Interested in trying it out!? Save 20% by using Promotion Code: CVGUIDE at checkout. Only $39.20 for a team of 2-5 people (regular price is $49).

Sign up online at www.UrbanAdventureQuest.com. 

Urban Adventure Quest was created right here in Ventura County in 2011 by three local residents inspired by "The Amazing Race" combined with their love for travel.  Since then, over 62,000 people have played! Other cities include, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Washington DC, Portland, New Orleans and many more.