Sculpture in Honor of Beloved Thousand Oaks Veterinarian at Civic Arts Plaza

Many of you may have seen the large bronze sculpture adjacent to the parking lot at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza featuring a man, a boy and a dog.

The man is Dr. Robert E. Kind and the sculpture is a memorial to the doctor, who passed away in 1998 after practicing veterinary medicine in Thousand Oaks for over 40 years. 

"A Kind Touch" is the name of the sculpture. Dr. Kind, a native of Herington, Kansas, dedicated his life to the care and love of his patients. These patients included the zoo animals at Jungleland, which resided at the land now occupied by the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, until it closed in October 1969.

The sculpture, the work of artist David L. Spellerberg, was presented by colleagues, family and friends of Dr. Kind to the City of Thousand Oaks in his memory on May 21, 2000. Inscribed on a plaque accompanying the sculpture is "His manner was modest, His touch was gentle, And his laugh was legendary."

Dr. Kind's son, Dr. Steven Kind, MD, is a practicing gastroenterologist in Thousand Oaks. 

Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks is a Perennial Family Favorite

Conejo Creek Park North is one of the nicest, widest appealing parks throughout Ventura County. You get almost everything at this park. This 44 acre park has two ponds with a stream connecting them, two separate play areas, beach-style volleyball courts, a NEOS game, multiple large, shaded picnic areas. a fitness trail about 2/3rds of a mile that circles the park, plenty of shade trees and multiple large, grassy areas. Something for everyone.

Topping it off is the fact that the park is adjacent to the beautiful Grant R. Brimhall Library, Goebel Senior Center and Thousand Oaks Teen Center. We often park at the library, check out some books, then walk, scooter or ride across a bridge to the park. It is a great way to spend the day.

Conejo Creek Park North is extremely popular for larger events on the upper grass area adjacent to the largest picnic structure. There is plenty of parking available. And in the middle of the park is a jungle-like trail area that I enjoy exploring with the kids. We also see birthday party celebrations all the time.

To learn more about Conejo Creek Park North, visit the Conejo Recreation and Park District website at www.crpd.org. To learn about other parks we enjoy in and around Ventura County, click THIS LINK.

Federal Reserve Establishes U.S. Coin Task Force to Address Low Coin Inventories

According to the Federal Reserve, business and bank closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly disrupted the supply chain and normal circulation patterns for U.S. coins. While there is an adequate overall amount of coins in the economy, the slowed pace of circulation has reduced available inventories in some areas of the country.

The primary issue with coin is a dramatic deceleration of coin circulation through the supply chain. As of April 2020, the U.S. Treasury estimates that the total value of coin in circulation is $47.8 billion, up from $47.4 billion as of April 2019. While there is adequate coin in the economy, the slowed pace of circulation has meant that sufficient quantities of coin are not readily available where needed. With establishments like retail shops, bank branches, transit authorities and laundromats closed, the typical places where coin enters our society have slowed or even stopped the normal circulation of coin. The coin supply chain includes many participants, from the U.S. Mint who produces new coin, to the Federal Reserve who distributes coin on the U.S. Mint’s behalf, to armored carriers, banks, retailers and consumers, all of whom have a role to play in helping to resolve this issue.

The Federal Reserve is working with the U.S. Mint and others in the industry on solutions. As a first step, a temporary cap was imposed on the orders depository institutions place for coins with the Federal Reserve to ensure that the current supply is fairly distributed. In addition, a U.S. Coin Task Force was formed to identify, implement, and promote actions to address disruptions to coin circulation.

Members of the U.S. Coin Task Force include individuals from the American Bankers’ Association, Department of the Treasury, National Armored Carrier Association, Federal Reserve System and other organizations.

The task force will meet for a series of virtual working sessions in July with the goal of sharing a set of recommendations at the beginning of August. The group will focus on identifying actionable steps that supply chain participants can take to address the current coin circulation issue.

As the economy recovers and businesses reopen, more coins will flow back into retail and banking channels and eventually into the Federal Reserve, which should allow for the rebuilding of coin inventories.

Sundown at Westlake Lake on a Warm Summer Night

Peaceful views of the sun setting from Westlake Lake in Westlake Village on a warm July night. While Westlake Lake is a private lake, you can still enjoy its beauty in many ways. Running, cycling and walking around the lake via Triunfo Canyon and other adjacent streets is quite popular. Or visit The Landing (32129 Lindero Canyon) on the southwest side of the lake to enjoy a meal at one of several lakefront restaurants such as Boccacio's, Zin Bistro Americana and The Landing Grill and Sushi Bar, all with indoor/outdoor dining. Or just stroll around, taking in the sweeping views and serenity.

Natural Gas Flame North of La Conchita in Ventura County

Here are some views of the flame burning just north of the 101 near La Conchita. Taken from La Conchita Beach. You can often see the flame while approaching La Conchita from the southbound 101. The flame is derived from natural gas waste matter from oil drilling in the area. La Conchita Beach can be accessed via an undercrossing under the 101 from La Conchita or from Mussel Shoals on the rough or Rincon Point (via the La Conchita Bike Path).

Local area beaches in Ventura to Carpinteria

("Eternal Flame" cover by Eraina Joy.)

California's Statewide Smoke-Free Air Laws

The state of California has a number of smoke-free laws in place that include traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes as well as electronic smoking devices. Let's have a look at these laws below, keeping in mind that local laws may be more stringent. Learn more about smoke-free air laws at www.cdph.ca.gov/Tobacco.

Child/Day Care Centers: Smoking is prohibited within all licensed day care center, including private residences licensed as family day care homes.

Farmers' Markets: Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of farmers' markets.

Foster and Group Homes: Smoking is prohibited within and outside these homes when children are present.

Government Buildings: Smoking is prohibited in all state, county and city government buildings and within 20 feet from their main exits, entrances or operable windows and in any passenger vehicle owned by the state.

Multi-Unit Housing: Smoking is prohibited in apartment and condo indoor commons spaces (e.g. hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms and recreation rooms).

Personal Vehicles: Smoking prohibited when children under age 18 is present in a motor vehicle, whether it is moving or stopped.

Public Transportation: Smoking prohibited.

Workplaces: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor workplaces, including bars, restaurants, offices, factories and warehouses. 

Youth Buses: Smoking is prohibited by operators of youth buses at all times.

Correctional Facilities: Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited in all state correctional facilities. Tobacco products may be possessed in residential staff housing where inmates are not present.

Playgrounds and Youth Sports Events: Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited within 25 feet of playgrounds, tot lot sandboxes and children's recreational areas, as well as within 250 feet of a youth sports event (including practices, games or related activities where kids up to age 18 are present).

Schools: Smoking and tobacco products are prohibited in all school districts, charter schools and county offices of education, while students are under supervision. 

Looking to quit smoking? Find help at the California Smokers' Helpline, 1-800-NO-BUTTS or by visiting www.nobutts.org.

California Tobacco Facts and Figures 2019 from the California Department of Health

• Adult tobacco use in California decline from 57.4% in 1988 to 10.1%, or 2.8 million adults, in 2017. The rest of the U.S. is at 17..1%.

• There is a clear correlation between education and cigarette smoking. Just 6.7% of residents with a bachelor’s degree smoke, vs 16% for those without a high school degree.

• Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties have a cigarette smoking rate of 9.6% in 2015-2017.

• Youth cigarette use has dropped from 16% in 2002 to 2% in 2018, while the U.S. rate has dropped from 22.5% to 8.1%.

IRS Advises Taxpayers to Keep Economic Impact Payment Notice with Other Tax Recrods

The IRS advises that people who receive an Economic Impact Payment in 2020 should keep Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment, with their tax records. This notice provides information about the amount of their payment, how the payment was made and how to report any payment that wasn’t received.

For security reasons, the IRS mails this notice to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the payment goes out. It’s especially important for people to keep this notice if they think their payment amount is wrong. When they file their 2020 tax return, they can refer to Notice 1444 and claim additional credits, if they are eligible for them.

Taxpayers should keep this notice filed with all their other important tax records. These include, W-2s from employers,1099s from banks and other payers, other income documents and virtual currency transaction records.

Learn more about the Economic Impact Payments at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.