Ventura County Sheriff's Office Announces "Operation Take Back the Pumps" Effort

Operation Take Back the Pumps is a collaborative effort by Ventura County law enforcement agencies, businesses, and Federal agencies to combat credit/debit card fraud and identity theft facilitated through the illegal use of credit card skimming devices placed on gasoline/fuel pumps.

Identity theft is a national problem that is significantly affecting citizens in Ventura County. One way thieves are obtaining victim’s credit and debit card information is through the use of illegal card skimming devices being surreptitiously placed in fuel pumps. When an unsuspecting customer swipes their debit or credit card into the pay station on the fuel pump, these illegal devices capture the card and pin information. The thieves then use this stolen information to commit identity theft and other fraud related crimes. Losses from a single illegal skimming device on a fuel pump usually averages between $50,000 and $100,000.

Operation Take Back the Pumps consists of multiple phases designed to combat identity theft perpetuated by the use of illegal card skimming devices on fuel pumps. The phases consists of training law enforcement and gasoline station personnel on prevention methods and the identification/detection of illegal skimming devices; Programs that promote regular inspections of the pumps for tampering and/or illegal card skimming devices, if the agency should decide; And finally, education of the public on practices that will help keep them from becoming victims of identity theft.

Operation Take Back the Pumps was coordinated by the Moorpark Police Department and launched on August 13, 2015, beginning with a joint effort by all of the involved agencies/businesses coming together in an attempt to inspect all fuel pumps in Ventura County. This proved to be successful as 1,512 fuel pumps were inspected and three (3) illegal skimming devices were discovered and removed. These devices will be used as evidence in an attempt to identify and prosecute the suspect(s) responsible for these crimes.

The following is a breakdown by city of pumps inspected and the number of illegal card skimming devices found:

City of Camarillo - 155 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Fillmore - 76 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Moorpark - 72 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Ojai - 44 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Oxnard - 335 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Port Hueneme - 8 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Santa Paula - 42 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Simi Valley - 173 pumps inspected and no devices found
City of Thousand Oaks - 272 pumps inspected and three (3) devices found
City of Ventura – 335 pumps inspected and no devices found

Law enforcement and participants in this operation encourage the public to consider the following steps when purchasing fuel. Following these steps will significantly reduce the risk of being victimized by identity thieves.

• Pay with cash whenever possible.
• If paying with a credit/debit card, go inside the gas station instead of paying at the pump.
• Look for security seals/stickers on fuel pumps. If the seals/stickers are broken, cut or read “VOID,” do not use that pump and immediately report your observations to gas station personnel

Source of Release: Ventura County Sheriff's Office

City of Thousand Oaks Adopts Drought Action Plan to Conserve Water

Per the State of California issued mandates, Thousand Oaks must reduce water consumption citywide by an average of 32%. In response, the Thousand Oaks City Council has adopted a comprehensive Drought Action Plan and declared a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage with a series of water conservation measures which impact residents, businesses, City operations and other local agencies.

Community Measures:

• Outside irrigation is now limited to 2 days a week for no more than 15 minutes per station per day
• Outdoor irrigation prohibited between 9 AM - 5 PM
• Watering is prohibited during or 48 hours after rainfall

City Measures:

• Removal of over 916,000 square feet of turf in street medians
• Removal of non-essential turf at all City facilities
• Establishment of new watering systems to provide water to trees in the medians
• Emptying of The Civic Arts Plaza fountain 

Enforcement of the new requirements will be focused on voluntary compliance through education, but fines of up to $500 per occurrence are possible for repeat offenders. A host of water conservation information, rebates and resources can be found at www.toaks.org/savewater. A water hotline is available to report water waste and to request a free in-home water conservation consultation at (805) 375-5747.

New Splash Pad and Picnic Shelters at Rancho Tapo Community Park

A new and improved splash pad was set to premier on Friday, May 22nd BUT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO NEXT WEEK at Rancho Tapo Community Park in Simi Valley. The new splash pad is 55% larger, has a water treatment and recycling system and had three different play areas! Yay!

VC Star Reports That Wagon Wheel Bowl in Oxnard to Close This Month

The Ventura County Star reported yesterday that the Wagon Wheel Bowl is set to close at the end of this month. Built in 1953, the Wagon Wheel Bowl was designed by Arthur Froehlich, who also designed Hollywood Park Racetrack and Hanna Barbera Studios in 1962.

We just so happen to have stopped by recently. A blast to the past this place is...soon to be was. As much as the Wagon Wheel is in need of upgrade, we are vary sad to see it go.

You don't see many of these scoring devices in more modern bowling alleys.My bowling shoes had quite a worn in feel at the Wagon Wheel Bowl...

County of Ventura Food Facility Closures February 2015 to Mid-May 2015

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 February 2015 through mid-May 2015. Keep in mind when reviewing this that there are many possible reasons for the closures, most of which are very temporary issues.

May 2015

Spring Garden, 1795 South Victoria Avenue #101-A, Ventura;

Cockroach infestation; unsanitary conditions;

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

Simi Valley High School Football/Gymnasium Snack Bar,
5400 E. Cochran St., Simi Valley;
Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;
Date closed - 05/12/15; no reopen date

Peking Inn, 330 N. Lantana St. # 31, Camarillo;

Serious and repeated violations, failure to adhere to a compliance agreement;

Date closed - 05/11/15; No reopen date

New Flavor Chinese Restaurant, 2950 Johnson Dr #134, Ventura;

No permit to operate; no plans submitted for review and approval;

Date closed - 05/05/15; No reopen date

April 2015

El Asadero, 920 N. Ventura Avenue, Ventura;

Unsanitary conditions; Unsafe temperatures of potentially hazardous foods;

Date closed - 04/29/15; Date reopened - 04/30/15

Carniceria Mexicana El Rio, 2651 Vineyard Ave, Oxnard;

Cockroach infestation; rodent infestation; inoperable warewashing sink; unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 04/29/15; Date reopened - 04/30/15

Gladstone Donuts, 664 Lindero Canyon Road, Oak Park;

Cockroach infestation; unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 04/28/15; Date reopened - 05/01/15

The Vitamin Shoppe, 4860 Telephone Road, Ventura;

No toilet facilties available for employees; no water available at facility;

Date closed - 04/27/15; Date reopened 04/28/15

Top Of The Hill, 530 Ventura Avenue, Oak View;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 04/15/15; Date reopened - 04/22/15

Namaste Spiceland, 2707 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 04/14/15; Date reopened - 04/15/15

La Gloria Market (Independent Food Preparation Area), 430 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;

Inoperable plumbing;

Date closed - 04/13/15; Date reopened - 04/13/15

Lupita's Restaurant, 616 Cooper Road, Oxnard;

Rodent and cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 04/07/15;Date reopened - 04/08/15

Atlas Food Lic. 5K19784, 921 Richmond Avenue, Oxnard;

No approved commissary;

Date closed - 04/01/15; No reopen date

Atlas Food Lic. 6P52618, 921 Richmond Avenue, Oxnard;

No approved commissary;

Date closed - 04/01/15; Date reopened - 04/14/15

March 2015

Shanghai Beer Garden, 34 N. Palm Street, Ventura;

Unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 03/30/15; Date reopened - 04/03/15

Exotic Thai Bistro, 1555 Simi Town Center Way, #770, Simi Valley;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 03/23/15; Date reopened - 03/24/15

Yogurtland, 111 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks;

Inoperable refrigeration resulting in unsafe food temperatures;

Date closed - 03/20/15; Date reopened - 03/20/15

Pavilions, 2938 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley;

no toilet facilities;

Date closed - 03/17/15; Date reopened - 03/18/15

Del Taco, 4393 Main Street, Ventura;

Inoperable equipment; unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 03/12/15; Date reopened - 03/13/15

La Placita Restaurant, 305 W. Sixth Street, Oxnard;

Inoperable equipment; cockroach infestation; unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 03/10/15; Date reopened - 03/11/15

Yolie's Mex Grill, 26 South Garden Street, Ventura;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 03/09/15; Date reopened - 03/12/15

Maria's Kitchen Lic. 4JK1290, 2557 Cortez St. Oxnard;

No approved commissary;

Date closed - 03/02/15; Date reopened - 03/19/15

Hot Dog Factory MSU, 921 Richmond Ave., Oxnard;

No approved commissary;

Date closed - 03/02/15; Change of ownerhip

February 2015

3 Steps to Success,  129 Dean Dr. Santa Paula;

Inoperable plumbing, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 02/27/15; Date reopened - 02/27/15

Corrigan's Irish Pub, 75 E. High Street, Moorpark;

Inadequate supply of hot water for hand washing and untensil washing, cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 02/26/15; Date reopened - 02/27/15

Mia's Place, 1129 Petit Avenue, Ventura;

Serious and repeated violations, failure to adhere to a compliance agreement;

Date closed - 02/25/15; Date reopened - 02/26/15

Mupu Grill, 930 E. Main Street, Santa Paula;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 02/24/15; Date reopened - 02/26/15

Mc Donalds, 138 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula;

Sewage overflowing inside the facility, inoperable employee restroom;

Date closed - 02/24/15; Date reopened - 02/24/15

Dona Rosa's Mexican Food, 2801 Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard;

Serious and repeated violations of Health & Safety Code;

Date closed - 02/23/15; Date reopened - 03/04/15

Montezuma Restaurant, 112 Stroube Street, Oxnard;

Rodent infestation, inoperable warewashing sink, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 02/18/15; Date reopened - 02/20/15

El Rey Cantina, 2302 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo;

Cockroach infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 02/18/15; Date reopened - 02/19/15

Wendy's, 2551 Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard;

Inoperable warewashing sink;

Date closed - 02/12/15; Date reopened - 02/12/15

Mercado Numero Uno, 1616 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley;

Rodent infestation, unsanitary conditions;

Date closed - 02/10/15; Date reopened - 02/13/15

Tacos El Monoraca (Lic. 4LN2781), 2958 Sturgis Rd. Oxnard;

No approved commissary;

Date closed - 02/09/15; Date reopened - 03/20/15

7- Regiones Restaurante (Lic. 1W18274), 2958 Sturgis Rd. Oxnard;

No approved commissary;

Date closed - 02/09/15; Date reopened - 02/23/15

Las Sirenas, 2091 N. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;

No valid health permit;

Date closed - 02/04/15; Date reopened - 02/04/15

El Dorado Mexican Restaurant, 601 S. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard;

No hot water available for utensil washing or hand washing;

Date closed - 02/02/15; Date reopened - 02/03/15

The Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive #1680, Oxnard;

Inoperable hand wash sink in food preparation area;

Date closed - 02/02/15; Date reopened - 02/02/15

Cal Lutheran to Dedicate Bronze Statue of Richard Pederson on April 18th

After five years in the making, a bronze statue of the farmer who donated his land for the California Lutheran University campus in Thousand Oaks will be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18.

The statue of Richard Pederson, a son of Norwegian immigrants, will be dedicated during the Scandinavian Festival, but the site will be accessible to people who are not attending the event. The statue stands next to Soiland Humanities Center near the flagpoles on Memorial Parkway. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

Cal Lutheran President Chris Kimball will preside over the event. Pederson’s niece, Janet Pederson Reeling of Bishop, plans to attend.

While serving as an artist-in-residence during Cal Lutheran’s 50th anniversary in 2009, Paul Lucchesi of West Virginia decided to sculpt a statue of Pederson based on a black-and-white photograph of him looking out over his ranch. With the statue now at the top of an incline near the center of campus, Pederson will forever look out over the university he made possible.

The original clay sculpture sat in storage until last spring, when the Cal Lutheran Community Leaders Association, Artists and Speakers Committee and University Advancement paid for Lucchesi to return to campus to create a wax mold and prepare it for casting in bronze.

Pederson had been ready to retire a bachelor when he donated his 130-acre ranch in 1957 so California Lutheran College could be built. The ranch’s chicken coops were converted into the first offices and classrooms. Classes began in 1961 with 330 students. Today, the university has 2,800 undergraduate and 1,350 graduate students who come from around the world and represent a diversity of faiths and cultures.

Pederson’s parents, Lars and Karn Pederson, had paid $3 an acre for the ranch land and $2 an acre for the hillside in 1890 when they became one of the founding families of the Norwegian Colony.

After Lars Pederson died, the family moved to Santa Barbara, but Richard and his brother Peder returned in 1913 and their mother later joined them. They lived in a Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog kit house, which today is the home of the Music Department. They grew alfalfa, hay, tomatoes and grapefruit and raised chickens, selling about 9,000 eggs a day. Pederson died in 1976 at the age of 81.

Mountains Restoration Trust Seeks Volunteers at Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park

Mountains Restoration Trust (MRT) has received a $94,469 grant from the Ventura County Tree Mitigation Fund and will work closely with the National Park Service (NPS) to to revive native trees and plants at Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park. Rancho Sierra Vista is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

Elementary school students plant native plants at Rancho Sierra Vista in Newbury Park. The National Park Service and Mountains Restoration Trust are seeking volunteers to help plant nearly 5,000 native plants and trees. (Credit: National Park Service)The project encompasses 24 acres and consists of planting, monitoring and regular maintenance of 2,000 trees, including coastal live oaks, valley oaks, walnuts and sycamores. In addition, there will be 3,000 understory plants, including shrubs such as sage, bunchgrass and herbs. All plants and trees will be maintained and monitored over a 10-year period.

"This is an exciting and important restoration because we are connecting to 10 acres we planted last year in the upper reaches of Potrero Creek," said Irina Irvine, a restoration ecologist for the National Park Service. "We will be creating a functioning, self-sustaining riparian corridor which will benefit overall watershed health, reduce flashy fuel loads and provide water, forage and shelter to wildlife."

The public is invited to volunteer either a few hours or on a more long-term basis to help with planting and weeding. More information is available at www.volunteermatch.orgsearch/opp1943238.jsp.

All trees and plants will be grown locally at native plant nurseries operated by the two agencies.

Mountains Restoration Trust is a non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving natural land in the Santa Monica Mountains through restoration, education and land acquisition. Founded in 1981, MRT collaborates with government agencies in an ongoing effort to maintain a cooperative relationship between urbanization and native land. More information is available at www.mountainstrust.org.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park in the country, encompassing more than 150,000 acres of mountains and coastline in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A unit of the National Park Service, it encompasses a seamless network of local, state and federal parks interwoven with private lands and communities. As one of only five Mediterranean ecosystems in the world, SMMNRA preserves the rich biological diversity of more than 450 animal species and 26 distinct plant communities. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/samo.

The Ventura County Tree Mitigation Fund distributes funds for projects that result in the planting and maintenance of protected trees, including restoration and/or maintenance of their associated habitat. The program is administered by the Ventura County Planning Department.