County of Ventura Food Facility Closures in May 2014

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The County of Ventura Environmental Health Division protect public health and the environment by ensuring conformance with State laws and County ordinances pertaining to food protection, hazardous materials, hazardous waste, individual sewage disposal systems, land use, medical waste, ocean water quality monitoring, recreational health, solid waste, underground fuel tanks and vector control.

The EHD publishes food facility closures at www.ventura.org/rma/envhealth/community-services/consumer-food/closures.html.

The following closures were noted in May 2014. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

Spinnaker Steak & Seafood, 1583 Spinnaker Dr. #109, Ventura;

Unsanitary conditions, inadequate refrigeration;

Date closed - 05/28/14; Date reopened - 05/29/14

New Asia Market, 3823 Saviers Road, Oxnard;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 05/23/14; Date reopened - 05/24/14

Neighborhood Market, 602 N. 12th Street, Santa Paula

(meat section only)

602 N. 12 Street, Santa Paula;

Inoperable warewashing sink as a result of clogged drain lines;

Date closed - 05/21/14; Date reopened - 05/22/14

Baja Bay Surf & Taco, 1567 Spinnaker Dr., #104, Ventura;

No hot water available for utensil washing or hand washing;

Date closed - 05/15/14; Date reopened - 05/16/14

Las Delicias Taqueria, 2611 E. Thompson Blvd #101, Ventura;

No hot water available for utensil washing or hand washing;

Date closed - 05/12/14; Date reopened - 05/13/14;

El Sancho Loco, 2271 Michael Drive, Newbury Park;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 05/08/14; Date reopened - 05/09/14

OMG Hot Dogs, mobile food facility - license plate # 4KW4537;

No water available for washing of hands, operating beyond the limitations of the permit;

Date closed - 05/01/14; Date reopened - 05/01/14

Las Sirenas Bar & Grill, 2091 N. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;

Serious and repeated violations of the Health and Safety Code;

Date closed - 05/01/14; Date reopened - 05/02/14

US101/SR-23 Bridge Demolition Activity in Thousand Oaks Week of June 2nd

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To accommodate the widening of the 101 Freeway, crews must demolish and widen a portion of the overcrossings at Hampshire Road, Conejo School Road and Moorpark Road (northbound side only). On Monday, June 2 the contractor will begin bridge demolition activity at Hampshire Road. Please be advised, this work may be loud and disruptive due to equipment noise, truck back-up alarms and concrete demolition activity.

BRIDGE DEMOLITION SCHEDULE (UPDATED 5/28; reflects one additional day from previously published schedule):

During demolition activity, Hampshire Road, Conejo School Road and Moorpark Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway. On- and off-ramps at impacted interchanges will remain open, however there will be no access on the roadway underneath the freeway. 

  • Hampshire Road (Daytime) - Work is scheduled Monday, June 2, Tuesday, June 3 and Wednesday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hampshire Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway during this time. *Once demolition activity is completed, one northbound lane on Hampshire Road will remain closed for an extended period of time, so crews can construct the widened bridge overcrossing. Delays are expected due to this lane reduction.

  • Conejo School Road (Daytime) - Work is scheduled Wednesday, June 5 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Conejo School Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway during this time.

  • Moorpark Road (Nighttime) (updated 6/3) - Work is scheduled Friday, June 6, Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10 from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Moorpark Road will be closed to through traffic at the 101 Freeway during this time. *Once demolition activity is completed on Friday, June 6, one northbound lane on Moorpark Road will remain closed for an extended period of time, so crews can construct the widened bridge overcrossing. Delays are expected due to this lane reduction. 

Delays are expected in the area while bridge demolition activity is under way. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternate routes whenever possible. Detour maps at www.toaks.org/government/depts/public_works/construction_projects/current_projects/route_101_23_interchange_improvement_project/construction_info_n_road_closures.asp.

For more information regarding this work, visit the project website www.toaks.org/10123 as well as at THIS LINK here on Conejo Valley Guide.

DISCLAIMER: Please be advised, dates and times are subject to change due to unforeseen operational factors or inclement weather. Source: 101/23 Project Team.

Ventura County Animal Services Competes in ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge to 8/31

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From June 1 – August 31, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is competing against 49 other animal shelters across the country for the chance to win more than $600,000 in grant funding, including a $100,000 grand prize, in the 2014 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge. VCAS applied back in January and began the highly competitive contest selection process.

The 100K competition challenges participating shelters (with the help of their communities) to break their own records when it comes to saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats.  Each shelter’s three-month adoption numbers from 2013 will be compared to the same period in 2014 and the shelter that shows the biggest improvement will be awarded $100,000. For VCAS, this means finding homes for 2,300 animals in just 90 days.

“The ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge is an amazing opportunity for VCAS to work hand-in-hand with  the entire community to find homes for the hundreds of dogs, cats and rabbits waiting for their forever families at our two Ventura County adoption centers,” said Tara Diller, VCAS Director. “Our $100K motto is: It takes a village, we ARE a village!’”

Fostering greater community engagement plays a big part in the competition so, in an effort to get more people to visit VCAS Adoption Centers, VCAS will offer the following daily adoption specials during the first week of the 100K Challenge, June 1 – 7, 2014:

  •     Senior Sunday - $30 for senior animals (5 years +) or for senior adopters (65 years +)
  •     Mixed Breed Monday - Mixed breeds adopted for $35
  •     $2 Off Tuesday - Adoption rates reduced by $2/per pound of the pet
  •     Black or Blue Wednesday - $22 adoptions for all black, grey or blue animals
  •     $30 Thursday -   All adoptions $30/animal
  •     Feline Friday - Cat adoptions are only $5 / cats aged one year and older
  •     Staff Favorite Saturday - Staff picks are only $25 to adopt

VCAS will continue discounted pricing on Senior Sundays, $30 Thursdays and Staff Favorite Saturdays through the August 31 end date of the competition.

Rachael Ray has long been an advocate for animals and a supporter of animal welfare groups. Her love for animals and for her pit bull, Isaboo, inspired her to create a pet food called Nutrish® to raise money for animals in need.  Ray donates the proceeds from the sale of Nutrish® to organizations like the ASPCA so they can implement programs like the $100K Challenge and support shelters and animal organizations around the country.

VCAS plans to host additional $100K Challenge events and promotions throughout the summer. For more information on the $100K Challenge, VCAS animals and VCAS volunteer opportunities, visit www.vcas.us.

Temporary Nighttime 101 Freeway Closures at Lindero Canyon June 2 to 13

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Reconstruction of the Lindero Canyon Road/101 freeway overpass will force a series of nighttime closures for the next two weeks.

The southbound 101 freeway will be closed at Lindero Canyon on the Mondays and Tuesdays of June 2, 3, 9, and 10. The closures of southbound lanes will start at 8:00 pm with a full southbound freeway closure to occur by 12 midnight each night.

This same process and time schedule will be repeated for northbound motorists on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays of June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13. The 101 Freeway will be fully open by 6:00 am each day.

Southbound motorists will be detoured off the freeway at Westlake Boulevard with northbound vehicles detoured at Reyes Adobe Road. Detour signs will be in place to assist drivers with a return to the 101 freeway. Traffic on Lindero Canyon Road in each direction over the bridge will remain open.

On the first two successive nights and early mornings of the closure starting on June 2, construction crews will be using jackhammers to demolish portions of the overpass as part of the reconstruction project beginning around 11:30 pm. to 5:00 am. Unfortunately, noise generated by this construction activity may be heard in residential areas adjacent to the work. While the City of Westlake Village is mindful of this temporary inconvenience, unfortunately the schedule of work is dictated by Caltrans and the need to undertake this phase of the construction in the late evening and early morning hours is necessary to coincide with the temporary closure of the freeway. Nonetheless, the City wishes to thank the community and affected residents in advance for their patience and understanding associated with this aspect of the project.

Source: City of Westlake Village press release dated 5/30/14

New Fully Accessible Challenger Field Premiered in Simi Valley on March 22nd

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ChallengerFieldSimi.jpg

Challenger Field on Opening Day (Photo: Colleen Janssen, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District)The Amanda McPherson Foundation, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, City of Simi Valley, Simi Valley Unified School District and Simi Valley Little League all contributed towards the construction of Challenger Field, a fully accessible field to make it easier for special needs players to play baseball.

The grand opening of Challenger Field was Saturday, March 22, 2014. It is now the "home" field for Challenger Division players. The entire field is solid, yet looks like grass and dirt, allowing for easy mobility by

The whole field is solid (looks like grass and dirt, but is not), allowing easy mobility by players, even if in a wheelchair. Pretty neat! What a great addition to the community.

Challenger Field is located behind Apollo High School at 3150 School Street, Simi Valley. More information and photos at www.rsrpd.org/park/challengerfield/challengerfield.html.

UC Cooperative Extension Response Regarding Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch

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The following is from the University of California Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Ventura County issued last month in response to the Santa Paula Rotary announcement that the 2014 Faulker Farm Pumpkin Patch in Santa Paula has been cancelled. Learn more about UCCE Agriculture and Natural Resources Ventura County at ceventura.ucanr.edu.

10 Facts about UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (UC HAREC) and the Pumpkin Patch at Faulkner Farm

What is UC Hansen Agriculture Research and Extension Center?

Established in 1997 through an endowment set up by Thelma Hansen, UC HAREC is one of the University of California’s nine Research and Extension Centers. UC HAREC performs agricultural research and has crop and tree demonstration areas. Crops are also grown for farm field trips through which students learn where their food comes from, and there are demonstration gardens for students and visitors.

What is UC’s relationship to the Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch?

Since purchasing the property in 1997, UC allowed the Ayers’ (original owners) pumpkin patch to continue operation during its first year and then worked with Litchfield Farms from 1998 through 2005 on a pumpkin patch that included educational programs during the week for school children. In 2006, Litchfield Farms did not renew their lease and in the winter of 2007 the Rotary Club of Santa Paula submitted a proposal to run the pumpkin patch.

Will there be a Rotary Club of Santa Paula pumpkin patch at HAREC this year?

We are still waiting to hear from the Rotary Club of Santa Paula on whether or not they want to use HAREC for their pumpkin patch. They have until May 30 to decide if our facility meets their requirements and let us know.

Have we limited the pumpkin patch to one acre?

No. We are currently expanding our agricultural research and educational offerings including new partnerships with the Ventura Unified School District/Food Corps program and additional countywide academic-year school field trips, which require more acreage. This expansion limits the amount of land available to the pumpkin patch. The UC HAREC is in the process of finalizing the long-term research project requests. Once projects are awarded we may be in a position to offer additional space.

Is this the first year a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) has been requested for the pumpkin patch?

No. The University of California made Santa Paula Rotary Club aware of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement when they assumed control of the pumpkin patch in 2007 as a fundraising event for their club. The University of California reiterated the need for the club to obtain a CUP for the Rotary Club’s pumpkin patch from the County in 2010 and in 2012. We simply cannot assume all liability for their event.

What is a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

A conditional use permit (CUP) allows a city or county to consider special uses that may be essential or desirable to a particular community, but which are not allowed as a matter of right within a zoning district. A conditional use permit can provide flexibility within a zoning ordinance.

Are there other pumpkin patches in the county?

Yes! While we understand that many community members have long memories of the Faulkner Farm pumpkin patch, over the years Ventura County has been fortunate to add a wide variety of pumpkin patches throughout the county. Here is a 2013 list from the Conejo Valley Guide of a variety of pumpkin patches offered by our local Ventura County farmers. 2013 Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County www.conejovalleyguide.com/welcome/pumpkin-patches-in-ventura-county-and-adjacent-areas.html

Agritourism can be a real boon to small farmers and can even help keep them in business during hard times, like the drought that we are currently experiencing.

My family/kids enjoyed visiting the Faulkner Farm, may we still do so?

Absolutely. In fact, on Thursday, May 8th , HAREC opened to the public all day for the CE 100 Year Celebration - Day of Science and Service. ceventura.ucanr.edu/ANR_Centennial_/

What other events/activities are typically held at HAREC?

Check out our calendar of events for more information at ceventura.ucanr.edu/?calendar=yes&g=63579

A sampling of typical events, programs and/or activities at HAREC include 4-H Youth Field Trips every Tuesday and Thursday, FoodCorps Student Farm Project, Master Gardener Workshops, Sustainability Camp for Youth and many more.

More on UC HAREC at ucanr.edu/sites/hansenagcenter.

New Eateries Anticipated at the Westlake Plaza in Westlake Village

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The Westlake Plaza, located at 980 South Westlake Boulevard, between Townsgate and Agoura Roads, has been in the public eye quite a bit recently as a result of tree removals.

According to the City of Thousand Oaks, permits are in place for Regency Center to:

  • Allow exterior renovations, parking, and landscaping changes;

  • Allow the pruning of 36 trees, encroachment into the protected zone of 40 oak trees, and the removal of 26 oak trees;

  • Allow the pruning of 26 and removal of 9 landmark trees, and encroachment into the protected zone of 35 landmark trees; and

  • Allow a 900 SF addition to an existing building and the construction of two new buildings for a total of 9000 SF

City Council an Regency Centers are in process of addressing public concerns about the tree removals and working to improve public outreach. Permitting documents are located at ci.thousand-oaks.ca.us/government/depts/community/westlake_plaza_regency_centers/default.asp and local newspaper are closely following the situation.

But let's talk about the new restaurants planned for the plaza. Right now, this 281,000 sq ft plaza is anchored by major tenants, Sprouts Farmers Market, Vons and Gelsons and is accompanied by a variety of eateries and businesses, including Natural Cafe, Galleto, Tuscany, Fins, East Coast Bagel, Sweet Arleen's, The Sea Casa, Jamba Juice, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Starbucks and Tomodachi Sushi, not to mention CVS, several banks and more.

What else is in store? Among other thngs, Pitfire Pizza, Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market, Pressed Juicery and Le Pain Quotidien.

Mendocino Farms is slated to occupy the space previously occupied by Jack's Deli that closed November 2011.

The old Jack's Deli for you local nostalgia fans. Mendocino Farms Sandwich Shop is slated to open its 9th location at this spot.For updates, Westlake Plaza regularly posts new information on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WestlakePlazaAndCenter.