Spanish Speaking Community Robbery Scam in Newbury Park on January 25th

From the Thousand Oaks Police Department

Nature of Incident: Robbery scam in Spanish speaking community

Location: 600 Block of Avenida Del Platino, Newbury Park

Date & Time: January 25, 2011 @ 1:25 p.m.

Victim: Female adult / Hispanic Newbury Park 56
Suspect 1 (S-1): Hispanic male Unknown 60-65 years
Suspect 2 (S-2): Hispanic female Unknown 60-65 years

A Newbury Park woman was the victim of a robbery once the suspects talked their way into her home. The female Hispanic victim answered a knock at her front door and was greeted by an older Hispanic couple. The man asked in Spanish if they could have some water, while both suspects acted like they were in need of water. The victim felt sorry for the couple and said in Spanish she would get them some water. The victim left the door open and walked to her kitchen to get some water.

When the victim turned around, both the suspects were already in her home. The victim gave some water to the female suspect as the male suspect walked into the victim’s bedroom. The victim followed after the male suspect and asked what he was doing. The male suspect turned and approached the victim in an intimidating manner. The male suspect got angry and yelled at the victim to “be quiet.”

The victim became very afraid of the suspects and feared for her safety because she was home alone. Both suspects went through the residence looking for items to take. The suspects took items of gold jewelry, a flat screen television, an Apple iPod touch, a black PSP Play Station, victim’s cell phone, U.S. Currency, U.S. Immigration card and Social Security Card.

The suspects loaded the items into an older light gray van (possibly a Chrysler), and locked the victim out of her home before driving away.

(S-1) is described as a Hispanic male in his early to mid sixties, 5’-4” to 5’-7” in height, 155 to 165 pounds, well dressed, and spoke only Spanish in a loud intimidating voice. (S-2) is described as an Hispanic female in her early to mid sixties, 5’-6” to 5’-8” in height, 200 to 230 pounds, long straight black hair worn in a pony tail that reached her lower back, wearing a black sweater over a long black dress with black flat shoes, brown purse, and only spoke Spanish. Neither suspect had any unique traits, scars, marks, or tattoos. Based on the victim only speaking Spanish and living in a predominantly Spanish neighborhood, I believe the suspects will continue to prey upon other Hispanic victims.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Thousand Oaks Police Department Homicide Investigation - Altercation on January 26th

VC Star update 1/28/11 at www.vcstar.com/news/2011/jan/27/sheriffs-department-investigating-homicides-at/

From the Thousand Oaks Police Department

Two male subjects became involved in a physical altercation near the intersection of Lindero Canyon Road and Bowfield Street. Both subjects were injured as a result of the altercation. One of the subjects succumbed to injuries as result of being stabbed. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin. The other male was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for his injuries.

On January 26, 2011, at about 9:43 p.m., Sheriff’s Communication Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a physical altercation at the intersection. At about 9:49 p.m., Sheriff’s patrol deputies arrived on scene and discovered two injured males on the sidewalk. Ventura County Fire arrived on scene and pronounced one of the subjects deceased at the scene. The other subject was treated for his injuries.

The investigation is continuing to determine what prompted the altercation and the relationship between the two subjects. The injured subject’s name has not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

Ranch Mobile Home Park Rent Adjustment Hearing Will Continue on Monday, January 24th

December 6, 2010 was the date of the initial City of Thousand Oaks Rent Adjustment Commission public hearing to address the application of Andrew V. Hohn and A.V.M.G.H., LLC to increase the monthly space rent at the Ranch Mobile Home Park (2193 Los Feliz Drive) from an average of $132 per month to an average of $719 per month. An increase of $587.45 per month, or roughly 445%.

The first hearing started at 6 p.m. and lasted until around 11 p.m. at which point the Commission determined it would not be feasible to attempt to finish it up that night. So the hearing was continued to next Monday, January 24th. I sat through that initial hearing and frankly, at this point, it has become a blur.

The City prepared an analysis with the help of outside experts and recommended that an increase of $192/month be allowed, phased in over a 5 year period.

It is the job of the Rent Adjustment Commission to review the work of the City, testimony of the experts and questions/answers from the owner's attorneys and experts as well as the pro bono attorney of the tenants. I would anticipate another long night.

For more information and all the details about the hearing, visit http://toaks.org/government/agendas_minutes/agendas/rent_adjustment_commission.asp.

Most of the 72 elderly, low income Ranch tenants will likely be present at this hearing. Many of these tenants submitted letters to the city. Here is one of the handwritten letters:

Re: Ranch Mobile Home Park - Notice of Request for Rent Increase

Dear Mr. Watson:

This letter is in response to the October 8, 2010 City of Thousand Oaks Notice of Hearing regarding a request for rent increase of $587.95/month at Ranch Mobile Home Park. We are very concerned regarding this proposed significant rent increase, which will bring severe hardship on us.

We are 92 and 96 years of age and have resided at Ranch Mobile Home Park for over 19 years. We purchased our mobile home with the understanding that Ranch was a low-income park for seniors and would remain so.

Frank worked his entire life manufacturing truck tires during the war 12-hour shifts and Alfreda worked as a church secretary and insurance administrative assistant. We grew up during the Depression and throughout adulthood continued to live very frugally, forgoing vacations, dining out and entertainment and sharing our car. Despite relatively low wage employment, our frugal lifestyle has allowed us to save for our basic needs during our retirement.

However, this proposed significant rent increase is more than we can possibly afford, no matter how much we scrimp. Our only source of income is Social Security and my modest pension from the tire factory. Our health is poor and we struggle with numerous medical conditions, which require expensive medication co-pays. Our medical insurance alone runs over $700/month.

The proposed rent increase will cause us severe hardship. We would like to live out our few remaining years with dignity, with the ability to afford the basic necessities of lodging, food and adequate medical care. But this rent increase would make that impossible for us. We are unable to sleep with worry about what will happen to us if this proposed rent increase occurs.

Please consider allowing us our basic needs in the sunset of our lives and deny the proposed rent increase for our senior citizens mobile home park.

Lowe's Home Improvement Wants to Build in Newbury Park Where Costco Tried to Go

Seems like not long ago Costco wanted to put a warehouse store at 915 Estates Drive/12 Academy Drive in Newbury Park. Now, it's another retailer that wants to construct a big store on the Newbury Park land owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The T.O. Planning Commission will have a public hearing tonight, Monday, Dec. 13, to decide whether or not to allow Lowe's to build a 153,000 square foot home improvement store and garden center. They also want to put a 40,000 square foot commercial building with a restaurant and bank.

The public hearing will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Scherr Auditorium, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Cronies Sports Grill, 1620 Newbury Road, has also applied to be considered to sell alcoholic beverages. That issue is also on the planning commission agenda for tonight's meeting.

New Oxnard Police Chief, Jeri Williams, Announced on November 30th

Oxnard City Manager Ed Sotelo announced yesterday morning that he has selected Jeri Williams for the job of Oxnard Police Chief. It is expected that Ms. Williams will assume her duties as Police Chief sometime after January 1st.

“I know that Jeri Williams is exceptionally qualified for the position and is the best fit for our City”, said Mr. Sotelo. “Jeri brings with her extensive community policing experience which will serve to complement and enhance our City’s efforts in that area dating back to 1990.” Sotelo continued.

Jeri Williams has 22 years of experience in the City of Phoenix Police Department where, in her current role as the Assistant Chief of the Southern Division, she is responsible for 1000 sworn and civilian personnel and over half of the city’s 500 plus square miles. Phoenix Assistant Chief Williams has oversight of seven police precincts, the Special Assignments Unit (SAU), the Air Unit, the Canine Unit, the Training Bureau and the Community Relations Bureau. In addition, Jeri serves as the Co-Chair of the City Manager’s Community Outreach and Engagement Task Force established in March of 2010 to increase communication with, access to and confidence in the Phoenix Police Department.

Through the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Jeri has completed the Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) Program and has been trained as an instructor in LPO. Jeri has been a certified Arizona Police Officers Standards and Training (AZPOST) instructor for 15-years and has taught classes at the Training Academy for newly promoted supervisors.

Jeri’s professional operational experience includes acting as the Phoenix Area Commander for Super Bowl XLII (2008), Operations Section Chief for the NBA All-Star Game (2009), and the Senior Advisor for the City of Phoenix Protest of SB 1070 (2010). Jeri is certified to act as an Incident Commander and Deputy Incident Commander through the All Hazards Incident Management program offered by FEMA.

Contributing to Jeri’s strong leadership and organizational management style is a broad educational background. She holds a BS Degree from Arizona State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and has completed her Comprehensive Examinations in pursuit of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership also from Northern Arizona University.

Jeri has been an adjunct instructor at two community colleges and is an experienced public speaker, skilled in dealing with diverse groups. She has the proven ability to calm community and employee groups in times of crisis with her transparent and open communication/leadership style. Jeri is approachable, sincere, and has a natural command presence that the members of her community and department rely on to “get the job done” with integrity, hard work and dedication.

On a personal note, Jeri has been married to her husband, Judge Cody Williams (South Phoenix Justice of the Peace) for nearly 21 years and has two sons Alan (17 years old) a Senior at North High School and Cody (16 years old) a Junior at North High School.

www.ci.oxnard.ca.us

If Black Friday at The Oaks Mall is Any Indication, the Local Economy is Booming

Store clerks arrived at The Oaks mall to find long lines waiting for them to open on Black Friday. Every store in the mall was offering enticing sales. Well dressed women wore stylish sports shoes ready to shop for the day. As those who watch the economy know, it's not how many people are at the mall, it's how many people are there carrying bags full of purchases. There were men sitting together on the leather sofas--the furniture added to the mall's decor when it was remodeled. When the husbands' cell phones went off the men were summoned to their wives' sides to take out heavy bags and put them in the trunk of their cars so the women would not be burdened as they continued to shop. Teenagers in Santa hats didn't slow down to buy candy, pretzels or cinnamon rolls. They had been given lists and were on scavenger hunts. Their assigned quest was to bring home the most valuable sale items before quantities were depleted. Santa hasn't arrived at the mall, yet, but his elves may be finished wrapping gifts and packing his sleigh by the time children are lining up to tell them what they want.

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Wins AAA Five Diamond Award Again in 2011

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE GARNERS PRESTIGIOUS AAA FIVE DIAMOND AWARD FOR 2011

Service and Teamwork are Key to Creating an Exceptional Guest Experience

For the third consecutive year, Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village received the coveted Five Diamond award by the American Automobile Association (AAA).  By achieving this designation, the 270-room Hotel remains the only AAA Five Diamond rated hotel in the Conejo Valley.

“We are thrilled and honoured to continue to receive this award which would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our employees,” said Regional Vice President and General Manager Thomas Gurtner.

This is a general manager who knows what he’s talking about when it comes to collecting precious stones.  Mr. Gurtner has a perfect score of achieving Five Diamond ratings or the equivalent for each of his 22 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in destinations as varied as New York, Hong Kong, Newport Beach and Boston.  According to Mr. Gurtner, the secret in garnering so much “bling” is surrounding himself with a team of extraordinary people providing exceptional service throughout his career.

“It’s all about the team,” said Mr. Gurtner.  “I know that the best success is shared success.  After all, organizational success is rarely about an individual.  In the end, it's the team of inherently caring, service-minded individuals who create our unique guest experience that makes the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.”  

To select AAA Five Diamond accommodations, the property is anonymously rated by 75 different benchmarks while the staff is evaluated by 228 individual standards.   Less than one-half of one percent of more than 31,000 inspected hotels achieves the AAA Five Diamond designation.

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village opened in November 2006 offering a 40,000-square-foot Spa and well-being programs at California Health & Longevity Institute in addition to extensive function space and diverse dining options in ONYX and Hampton’s.  For more information or reservations for Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, please visit www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage, call the Hotel directly at (818) 575-3000, or contact a travel professional.  

Note From Conejo Joe: The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is the other hotel in Ventura County to make this Five Diamond list in 2010. This is the 5th year in a row that they have made the list.