Newly Launched Downtown-Harbor Ventura Trolley Will Make Travel a Breeze!

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UPDATE MARCH 2019: Ventura Trolley no longer in service as of the end of March 2019.

VENTURA TROLLEY MAKES DOWNTOWN-TO-HARBOR TRAVEL A BREEZE

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The "Downtown-Harbor Trolley" will run from Downtown Ventura to Ventura Harbor Village, making stops at coastal hotels, the Rhumb Line Restaurant and other partner locations, including the Amtrak platform outside the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

The route will include the ability to make flag stops along the way. Licensed and uniformed trolley drivers will be provided hands-free phone devices, with a phone number - 805-827-4444 - listed on signs at each pre-determined stop. Drivers also can be contacted for arrival estimates.

The trolley is the creation of the Downtown Ventura Partners (DVP). Operations will be funded through a unique partnership including the Ventura Port District, Ventura Harbor Village, Rhumb Line Restaurant, Ventura County Fairgrounds, City of Ventura, with additional support from Watermark Restaurant, NeedThree, Montecito Bank & Trust, City of Ventura Environmental Sustainability, Ventura Water, Island Packers, Andria's Seafood Restaurant & Market, Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, Ventura Visitors & Conventions Bureau, Ventura County Air Pollution Control District and Ventura County West.

With service beginning on July 3, the trolley will run 5 days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. during the summer season, with the ability to adjust hours of operation and location stops. On weeks that involve major holidays, the trolley service will adjust accordingly by moving Wednesday's service to Monday.

The trolley will continue year-round! Learn more at www.venturatrolley.com.

Studio Channel Islands Art Center Moves to New Location on Ventura Boulevard

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Art Center Celebrates Move To New Location With Rededication Ceremony on Saturday, August 3rd

A rededication ceremony on Saturday, August 3 will celebrate the conversion of Pleasant Valley School’s former auditorium to Studio Channel Islands Art Center’s regional offices and new Blackboard Gallery.

State and local dignitaries will speak at the ceremony which begins at 2:00 p.m. with speakers including state and local officials, as well as school district and art associations’ dignitaries. The school auditorium was added to the Pleasant Valley Elementary School in 1949, when it was dedicated by then School Board Chairman Adolfo Camarillo.

The celebration will continue with a ribbon cutting ceremony, live music, refreshments, art activities for children, and artists’ demonstrations. From 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. a free public art reception will open in the new Blackboard Gallery for the exhibit “Unlimited,” juried by contemporary artist Gary Lang.

The Art Center move will unite all their activities, classes, exhibits and programs on the former elementary school campus in Old Town Camarillo. Since 2010, more than 40 working artist studios have been located in converted classrooms behind the former auditorium. The new facility includes not only the new Blackboard Gallery which is three times the size of their former space, but an enlarged art gift store, a stage for performances, and offices.

The new address for Studio Channel Islands Art Center offices and gallery is 2222 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo. Hours are Tuesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The artists’ studios behind the new gallery are open to the public every First Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit our website www.StudioChannelIslands.org or call the office at 805.383.1368.

City of Port Hueneme Cancels Sand Sculpture Events Due to Beach Erosion

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The City of Port Hueneme issued a news release today stating that due to severe beach erosion, the Sand Sculpture Demonstration scheduled for Saturday, August 17 and the Sand Sculpture Contest scheduled for Sunday, August 18 are cancelled. These events have been a popular part of the annual Hueneme Beach Festival the last four years.

See scenes from last year's Sand Sculpture Contest at this link.

In late April, City officials announced they are seeking emergency funding to restore the rapidly eroding Hueneme Beach. According to the City, since January, high winds, abnormally high tides and large waves along the Ventura County coastline have reduced the sand relocated by the Army Corps of Engineers from the Channel Islands Harbor last December.

The erosion is threatening infrastructure and flooding to homes, businesses, the deepwater of Port of Hueneme and Naval Base Ventura County. More information at www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/340.

Ventura County Reports First Frozen Berry-Related Case of Hepatitis A

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Ventura County Reports First Frozen Berry-related Case of Hepatitis A

As previously reported, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has warned consumers not to eat Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend of frozen berries sold through Costco stores, and possibly other retail outlets, as they have been linked to a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections.

Ventura County now has its first documented case of hepatitis A associated with the frozen berry blend.  The affected individual is a male who used the product in preparing a smoothie. He has been ill at home for about 2 weeks and has not required hospitalization.

He is among over 40 cases that are being investigated nationwide. Three of these individuals have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.  In California, seven confirmed illnesses in persons who consumed this product have been reported from Humboldt, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino (2), San Diego, and now, Ventura counties.

People who are immune to hepatitis A are not at risk for getting this infection after exposure to the berry mixture product.  Immunity can come from previous immunization, which has been recommended as a part of the routine immunization series for children in California since 1999, or from a prior hepatitis A infection.  Many people who were raised outside of the United State will have had hepatitis A infection as a child without having had any symptoms.

Consumption of the Townsend Farms frozen berries that have been cooked or baked will have inactivated the hepatitis A virus and will therefore not make someone ill.

In the 3 weeks prior to being removed from the shelves, the Ventura County Department of Public Health believes about 400 packages of the berry mixture were sold to Ventura County residents. Ventura County Public Health advises if you have this product in your freezer, please discard it.

Costco removed this product from stores as of May 30 and is notifying their member customers who have bought this product.

Ventura County Public Health is working with the California CDPH to provide further guidance for the public and clinical providers, and will release new information as it’s warranted.

Symptoms of hepatitis A virus infection include fever, fatigue, loss

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Thousand Oaks City Watch Update Regarding Recent Gang Related Arrests

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Here is a "City Watch" update from Senior Deputy Tim Lohman of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department is committed to keeping the City of Thousand Oaks a great place to live and work.  The following arrest is an example of our commitment to the community to keep it safe and free from fear of intimidation by these thugs who live within our community.    The Thousand Oaks Police Department takes a zero tolerance stand against gangs or their activity in this city.  

On April 19, 2013, at approximately 2:40 P.M., a male victim was parked and waiting to pick up his younger brother from Thousand Oaks High School.  The victim saw his brother walking east on Avenida De Las Flores and crossing Moorpark Road.  A male juvenile, 14 years old, approached the victim’s younger brother and challenged him to a fight.  The victim’s brother refused to fight.  S-Felipe, brother of the male juvenile, arrived and joined the conversation.  The victim exited his vehicle and went to his brother’s aide. S-Felipe threw a punch at the victim; the victim then punched S-Felipe in the face.  The male juvenile then pulled a switchblade type knife from his pants pocket, and chased the victim with the knife in his hand.   The victim and his brother were able to make their way back to their vehicle and leave the area.  The victim did not sustain any injuries.

On April 30, 2013, at approximately 3:00 P.M., a male juvenile victim and a female friend walked from Thousand Oaks High School to Acorn Acres Park.  While sitting on a park bench, the victim was approached by four subjects; two male juveniles, S-Felipe and S-Alvarez.  S-Alvarez and S-Felipe claimed their gang and told the victim to fight one of the juveniles one on one.  The victim refused to fight.  One of the male juveniles approached the victim, claimed his gang, and then punched the victim in the face.  S-Felipe and another male juvenile joined in and began punching the victim in the head and upper torso.  After several minutes S-Alvarez ordered the beating to be stopped.  The suspects stopped the beating, however, one of the male juvenile delivered one last kick to the victim’s rib cage. 

The victim and his female friend walked back to Thousand Oaks High School to seek help.  The victim did not seek medical attention.

On May 29, 2013, in the early morning hours, 20 law enforcement personnel from the City of Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, Detectives Bureau, and the Bike Patrol Unit executed search warrants at four residences in the City of Thousand Oaks. 

As a result of the investigation, 4 suspects were arrested for the attack at Acorn Acres Park and 1 male juvenile was arrested for the Assault with a Deadly Weapon in the street. 

The above suspects were arrested for a variety of charges that include; Ga

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Great News From Thousand Oaks Police Department Regarding Burglary Arrests

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Recently, the city of Thousand Oaks has experienced an increase in residential and vehicle burglaries.  During this investigation, the Thousand Oaks Police Department engaged in a public awareness campaign, asking residents to call and report suspicious activity.  With the help of tips from our community members, several burglary suspects have been arrested over the past month.  These suspects are unknown to one another, and their crimes are not related.

On April 10th, 2013, Detectives and School Resource Officers from the Thousand Oaks Police Station arrested two juveniles for a rash of burglaries to storage lockers in the Thousand Oaks area.

On April 15th, 2013, a tip from the public led patrol officers to Madison McConnell (age 23).  McConnell was found in possession of stolen property and has been connected to at least one residential burglary in the city of Thousand Oaks.  Detectives are continuing to investigate the possibility he has been involved in more.

On April 26th, 2013, investigators from the Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit arrested Sean Torbert (age 26) for residential burglaries that occurred in the city of Los Angeles.  Torbert is suspected of committing similar residential burglaries in Thousand Oaks, and investigators are investigating his connection to those crimes.

The identification and arrest of these suspects is the direct result of the partnership the Thousand Oaks Police Department has with our community, and the willingness of our community members to provide essential information regarding crime in our neighborhoods.  The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind our community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.  

Report suspicious persons and/or vehicles in your neighborhoods at (805) 654-9511.

Source: Thousand Oaks Police Department www.toaks.org/government/depts/police/default.asp

Wendy Drive NB 101 Freeway On-Ramp Closure in Newbury Park for 6 Weeks

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The northbound on-ramp along the 101 Freeway at Wendy Drive will be closed for up to six weeks beginning Thursday, March 28th to allow for the next phase of construction on the Wendy/101 Interchange Improvement Project. The onramp is expected to re-open in May.


Currently, the only bike and pedestrian access on the Wendy overpass is along the north side. To maintain a safe passage of travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, and the contractor, Caltrans and City staff agreed a six-week full on-ramp closure is needed. The closure will provide ample space for the contractor as well as pedestrians and bicyclists crossing.

During the six-week closure, motorists traveling south on Wendy Drive wishing to go northbound, will be directed southbound on the 101 Freeway to Borchard Road for the Borchard Road northbound 101 Freeway on-ramp. City staff has notified Caltrans, law enforcement, and emergency responders of the planned closure.

View of the Wendy overpass from down below (southbound 101 Wendy offramp).

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are requested to use caution when traveling though the construction zone for their own safety and the safety of construction workers, and allow extra time due to the temporary construction congestion.

The Wendy/101 Interchange Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed on-time in September 2013. To learn more about the project, view detour maps and road closures please visit www.toaks.org/wendy101.

Thousand Oaks Police Department Reminder to Be Aware of Suspicious Persons

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Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Senior Deputy Tim Lohman of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

The press release at the bottom of this post is an incident that occurred at The Oaks and Janss malls. This incident could have ended tragically for both women, but fortunately the suspect was apprehended, putting an end to his reign of terror.

This is a reminder to all residents be conscious of suspicious persons and to be aware of your surroundings. The following tips are provided to help keep you safe:

Be alert of your surroundings.

Look for vehicles that may have followed you into the parking lot. Make several turns in a parking lot to verify this.

If you believe you are being followed, do not get out of your vehicle. Doors should be locked.

Stay in a well-traveled and well-lit area. Call 9-1-1 from your cell phone or go to a convenience store, service station, etc., and call 9-1-1.

Look for strangers or suspicious persons sitting in vehicles, standing or walking in the parking lot that appear to be watching you.

Park as close to your destination as possible. Do not park near shrubbery, large vehicles, dumpsters, or anything that blocks your view or provides a place for someone to hide.

Remember where you parked so you do not spend a lot of time walking around the parking lot when you are ready to leave.

If the parking lot has area identifiers, take note of that area where you parked.

If it is night, park in a well-lit and well-traveled area. Do not park in an isolated area.

Look around your vehicle before you get out. Pay attention to the surroundings and any suspicious activity. 

Before leaving your vehicle, make sure ALL the doors are locked and that ALL the windows are rolled all the way up.

If possible, wait for other people to walk to your destination with you before you exit your vehicle.

Walking To Your Vehicle

If you are working after dark, try to move your vehicle closer to the building before it gets dark.

If you frequently work at night, consider a security system for your vehicle. Install one with a panic button which will sound either the horn or a siren. Also, consider carrying a whistle, mace or pepper spray.

If you have to work late, notify someone and give them a p

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Ventura County Deputies Seek Public's Help to Identify Suspect Who Robbed Newbury Park Smart & Final Store on March 19th

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A man armed with a handgun robbed the Smart & Final store located at 2222 West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks at approximately 8:40PM on March 19, 2013. The suspect approached the cashier clerk, displayed a handgun, and demanded money from the cash register. After getting an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect ran through the parking lot and was last seen leaving the scene in a 1990’s white sedan.


Witnesses described the suspect as a Hispanic male about 35 years old, approximately 5’-11”, weighing approximately 275 lbs, and clean shaven. He was wearing a white or light colored baseball cap, a light colored long sleeve button down shirt, baggy blue jeans, and white tennis shoes.


Anyone with information about the robbery or the suspect is asked to contact Det Mike Ferguson with the East County Major Crimes Unit at (805) 494-8222/ e-mail mike.ferguson@ventura.org.

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).