Thousand Police Dept City Watch Update - Research Your Moving Company

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.

On October 23, 2012, a victim hired Flat Rate Movers, based out of Atlanta, Georgia, to move property from the victim’s former residence in Georgia to the victim’s new residence in Thousand Oaks, California.  After the company took possession of the victim’s property, company personnel notified the victim of a delay in the transportation of her property and thousands of dollars in additional charges that had not been included in the original contract.  Fearing she would not receive her property, the victim paid the additional money. 

On November 4, 2012, a driver for Flat Rate Movers, (S) Jack Romanski, spoke with the victim by telephone.  Romanski advised that several thousand more dollars were required or he would not deliver the victim’s property.  Romanski told the victim that failure to pay the money would result in the victim never seeing the property again.  He also warned the victim not to call the police.  Investigation also led to the discovery that Flat Rate Movers LLC has a long history of customer complaints. 

On November 4, 2012, Thousand Oaks Police Officers located Romanski and arrested him.  The victim’s property was also recovered.

On November 6, 2012, Romanski was arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on one felony count of extortion.  He remains in custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on $10,000.00 bail.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to warn its citizens to use caution when choosing a moving company.  It is recommended that those preparing to hire a moving company go to www.protectyourmove.gov for helpful information.

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 these types of crimes.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Preliminary Ventura County / Conejo Valley Election Results as of Early This Morning

The Ventura County Clerk & Recorder website has a nicely organized election results section at recorder.countyofventura.org/elections that provides easy to access, up to date election results.

With all 630 Ventura County precincts reporting, there were 426,948 registered voters and 256,927 votes cast, or a 60.18% voter turnout. While these numbers reflect many of the Vote by Mail ballots received before election day, the numbers will certainly change to some degree to reflect Vote by Mail ballots received at polling locations on Election Day.

Here are some selected (with a focus towards Conejo Valley elections) unofficial Ventura County only results posted on that site updated just after 2 AM this morning.

President (255,107 votes)

• Barack Obama (Dem) 51.16% (130,512 votes)
• Mitt Romney (Rep) 46.32% (118,156 votes)
• Gary Johnson (Lib) 1.09% (2,784 votes)
• Others 1.43% (3,655 votes)

There were 1,820 ballots that did not place a vote for President.

U.S Senator (245,932 votes)

• Dianne Feinstein (Dem) 53.57% (131,742 votes)
• Elizabeth Emken (Rep) 46.43% (114,190 votes)

Overall preliminary vote in California is Feinstein 61.4% vs Emken 38.6%.

26th Congressional District

• Julia Brownley (Dem) 51.85% (104,225 votes)
• Tony Strickland (Rep) 48.15% (96,774 votes)

State Senator District 27 (Ventura County only)

• Todd Zink (Rep) 56.45% (64,146 votes)
• Fran Pavley (Dem) 43.55% (49,486 votes)

Districtwide (Ventura/LA counties, Pavley has 52.6% vs Zink's 47.4%).

Member of the Assembly 44th District

• Jeff Gorrell (Rep) 53.53% (66,830 votes)
• Eileen Macenery (Dem) 46.47% (58,009 votes)

Conejo Valley USD Board Member (Vote for 2)

• Betsy Connolly 37.86% (24,120 votes)
• Peggy Buckles 32.78% (20,886 votes)
• Tony Dolz 29.15% (18,572 votes)

Thousand Oaks City Council (Vote for 2)

• Jacqui Irwin 24.20% (18,044 votes)
• Al Adam 15.83% (11,802 votes)
• Ed Jones 14.34% (10,694 votes)
• Jim Bruno 13.69% (10,206 votes)
• Mic Farris 12.32% (9,187 votes)
• Deborah Birenbaum 9.03% (6,737 votes)
• Others 7,903 votes

Conejo Recreation and Park District (Vote for 2)

• George Lange 44.22% (26,797 votes)
• Charles B. Huffer 25.08% (15,199 votes)
• Dennis Anderson 18.10% (10,970 votes)
• Clint R. Matkovich 12.36% (7,488 vote)

For updates and results of other local races, visit recorder.countyofventura.org/elections.

Hilton Foundation Opens New Campus in Agoura Hills: Plans to Double in Size

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has formally moved into its new campus here in Agoura Hills! The structure has been carefully designed as a cutting-edge, environmentally sensitive and energy-efficient building to meet Platinum LEED-certified green standards.

In 2007, the Foundation's board of directors decided in favor of building a permanent home for the organization to continue carrying out Conrad Hilton's legacy for generations to come. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a family foundation established in 1944 by the man who started Hilton Hotels, which provides funds to nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people throughout the world.

"This new home in Agoura Hills will prepare the Hilton Foundation for the time it will double in size and staff," said Hilton Foundation President and CEO, Steven M. Hilton. "My father, Barron Hilton, has pledged his intent to follow in the footsteps of his father, Conrad Hilton, and contribute 97% of his entire net worth at the time of his passing. This building is the first phase of a four-phase campus that will allow us to grow accordingly into the future."

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by international business pioneer Conrad N. Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels and left his fortune to help the world's disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The Foundation currently conducts strategic initiatives in six priority areas: providing safe water, ending chronic homelessness, preventing substance abuse, helping children affected by HIV and AIDS, supporting transition-age youth in foster care, and extending Conrad Hilton's support for the work of Catholic Sisters. Following selection by an independent international jury, the Foundation annually awards the $1.5 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to a nonprofit organization doing extraordinary work to reduce human suffering. From its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1 billion in grants, distributing $82 million in the U.S. and around the world in 2011. The Foundation's current assets are approximately $2 billion.

Visit www.hiltonfoundation.org to learn more.

Burger Express in Newbury Park Closed Its Doors on Tuesday, October 30th

UPDATE: Burger Express Fresh Mexican Grill is located at 3200 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Simi Valley. www.burgerexpressfreshmex.com

Burger Express at 2140 Newbury Road in Newbury Park closed its doors on Tuesday, October 30th, after serving the local community for nearly 15 years. The owners did indicate on the Burger Express Facebook page that they are looking for a new location in the area, but they can't say where or when at this point. Burger Express served some of the best breakfast burritos in town, according to my sources. Rumor (unconfirmed) has it that we could be seeing BBQ cuisine at this location in the future. We shall see. Hoping for the best for the Burger Express team and to see them elsewhere in town at some point soon.

The Stonehaus Coffeehouse and Wine Tasting Room at the Westlake Village Inn to Open Late Summer

Update 10/31/12: The Stonehaus opened on Thursday, November 1st.

Update 9/24/12: The Stonehaus will be opening "in just a few weeks time"

The beautiful Westlake Village Inn will soon be opening a new Tuscan-style coffeehouse and wine tasting room, The Stonehaus. The 2800 square foot stand-alone location, with a 760 square foot. private tasting room, is nestled within the Inn’s own vineyard and is expected to open sometime in September. In fact, they are currently accepting applications for baristas, wine stewards and other staff at www.westlakevillageinn.com/index.php/employment.

According to a press release from the Inn, The Stonehaus will be a "unique vibrant morning coffee house with the aroma of freshly baked croissants, breads and our privately labeled roasted coffees filling the air. As the morning transitions into late afternoon, the interior takes on a European winery feel that will be complimented with exterior brushed limestone pathways and patios. The warmth of an exterior stone fireplace and wood burning pizza oven will complement the authenticity of the experience. You will be able to sip our private label wine and enjoy the sound of our lime stone patio fountain or sit in the shade of ancient oak tree taking in the backdrop of our waterfall. The grounds will be landscaped with pathways that will meander through the vineyards and play host to weddings or special events."

Sounds pretty nice! For updates, visit www.the-stonehaus.com.

Ventura County Sheriff Discusses Recent Recent Residential Thefts in Oak Park

Between late August and October of 2012, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies have taken report of five residential thefts in Oak Park and one in Casa Conejo.  The thieves mainly stole jewelry and in one instance, an unloaded gun.  None of the stolen property was locked or secured in the home.  Some of the jewelry was hidden in drawers or under clothing, but not secured.  The gun was in a closet and not a gun safe.

A common thread to the residential thefts is the victims all had services come into their homes, such as house keepers and carpet cleaners.   Most of the victims left their homes unattended with the workers inside. 

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is recommending residents keep themselves safe from residential thefts by following some preventative tips.

• Keep all jewelry and precious metals in a locked safe.
• If the safe can be carried away, keep it with you. (While the work is being done).
• If you don’t have a safe, place all jewelry and precious metals in a container and keep it with you. (While the work is being done).
• Research all services you plan to use for licensing, reviews and call to find out if they complete background checks on employees.
• While a service company is in your home, don’t leave or sequester yourself away from the workers.  If you actively watch and interact with the workers, it is less likely your property will be stolen.
• If law enforcement needs to respond to a theft, it is helpful if there are pictures of the jewelry, the fair market value of the item is known, an inventory of the jewelry was completed, and the date and time it was last accounted for.  This is helpful for any item stolen, along with serial numbers. 
• Consult your homeowners insurance agent to determine if your jewelry is covered.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is actively working on the cases and suspects are being questioned. The VC Sheriff's Department website is www.vcsd.org.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers Hot Line:  1-800-222-TIPS

Full Nighttime Freeway Closures at Wendy/101 Interchange in Newbury Park Nights of November 5-9 and 13-14

The 101 Freeway at Wendy Drive in Thousand Oaks will be closed for bridge construction from Monday, November 5^th through Friday, November 9^th from 11 PM to 5 AM and on Tuesday, November 13^th to Wednesday, November 14^th.

Beginning at 7 PM on each closure night, travel along the bridge will be limited to one lane in either direction to allow for mobilization of construction equipment and materials.

Motorists traveling northbound will be directed to exit the freeway at Wendy Drive and immediately re-enter the Freeway by making a left turn and using the northbound on-ramp.

Motorists traveling southbound will be directed to exit the freeway at Wendy Drive, turn right onto Wendy Drive, right onto W. Hillcrest Drive, right onto Rancho Conejo Boulevard/Borchard Road, and then use the US-101 southbound on-ramp loop to re-enter the Freeway.

During the freeway closures, construction will include erecting steel bridge girders utilizing cranes placed on the Freeway. During the closures, 15 steel girder segments up to 100 feet long and weighing over 30,000 pounds each will be placed along the bridge. California Highway Patrol units will be stationed at the off-ramps to ensure traffic is properly detoured. 

The 18-month Wendy/101 Interchange Improvement Project is scheduled for completion in August 2013. Residents can visit www.toaks.org/wendy101 to learn more about the project, view detour maps and closures, as well as sign-up for weekly road closure notifications.