Buy Gift Cards at Costco and Save a Lot of Money Elsewhere

If you're not already a Costco member and have no intention of becoming one, gift cards are a reason to consider a Costco membership. Costco offers an assortment of gift cards for sale at bargain prices; typically 20% off.  A $55 annual Costco membership fee can quickly be recovered if you use these cards. Here's a summary of what several (Oxnard, Westlake Village and Simi Valley) local Costco stores either currently have on hand or have carried in the past.

• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: $100 in gift cards for $79.99 (also available online)

• Buca di Beppo $100 in gift cards for $69.99 (in store)

• CPK $100 in gift cards for $79.99

• P.F. Chang's $100 in gift cards for $79.99 (online and in store)

• Roy’s $100 in gift cards for $79.99 in store

• Marmalade Cafe $100 in gift cards for $79.99 in store

• Build-a-Bear Workshop $100 Gift E-Cards for $79.99 (available online)

• 24 Hour Fitness discounted 2 year memberships

• Cold Stone Creamery $100 in gift cards for $69.99

• Yogurtland four $25 gift cards for $79.99

• Krispy Kreme 4 $15 gift cards for $44.99 (online)

All of this of course is subject to change and availability.

Positive and Uplifting Thoughts From Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers During the Pandemic

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters just reached its 5th anniversary at 111 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (Trader Joe's/CVS plaza). If you're looking for an independent, local family-owned coffee and bake shop, this is the place for you! ragamuffinroasters.com.

We’ve been hosting daily gift card drawings for local Conejo Valley eateries on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page since July 23rd. These drawings have been made possible thanks to donations from several hundred individuals and businesses at bit.ly/CVGFund (credit cards) and paypal.me/ConejoValleyGuide.

In a recent drawing, we asked folks to enter by adding a positive and/or uplifting comment to the post. Here’s a compilation of some of those comments.

• “Do small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa

• Choose to be kind over being right and you will be right all the time.

• After every storm a rainbow appears.

• Remember that time heals all, and if we all stick together we will be okay!

• A smile is a curve that can set things straight.

• No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.

• Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.

• “You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

• Enjoy the time you have, with the people you have it with!! Family, whether blood or not, is everything!

• Find the good, and share it with others.

• Be so happy that, when other people look at you, they become happy too.

• All it can take is a smile to change someone’s whole day.

• Tough times don’t last but tough people do.

• Be kind. You don't know what people are going through. Wish them well

• When words are both true and kind, they can change the world!

• Find something positive in each and every day.

• Find time to do something nice for someone today.

• “I don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains” - Anne Frank

• When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond,

• “If it was easy, then everyone would do it!”

• “Kindness costs nothing, yet it is the most precious gift.”

• Smile with your eyes. You can do it. You may not think people will notice, but they do.

• May you see sunshine where others see shadows, and opportunities where others see obstacles.

• To quote Dory, “Just keep swimming.”

• Stars shine brightest in the dark.

• Be positive and thankful for all that you have.

• May your WiFi be as strong as your coffee!

• Sprinkle kindness like it's confetti.

• Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits put together that will overwhelm the world.

• The sun will come out tomorrow.

• As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.—Albert Schweitzer

• Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

• Always believe something wonderful is about to happen.

Sweet Arleen's in the Westlake Plaza at 960 S. Westlake Blvd, Ste 4 is named after its original owner, Arleen Scavon, but is now owned by Chef Julia San Bartolome. They worked together to win the Food Network Cupcake Wars three times. Walk into this shop and you'll be mesmerized by the cupcakes on display. sweetarleens.com

Facts About Getting Real ID Cards in the State of California

UPDATE 3/26/20: THE REAL ID IMPLEMENTATION DEADLINE HAS BEEN DELAYED FROM 10/1/20 TO 10/1/21 BY DHS AT THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND EMERGENCY DECLARATION.

Now that we are well into 2019 (now 2020), it’s time for people like me, and perhaps most of you,. to start thinking about getting a Real ID card. (AS MENTIONED ABOVE, THE DEADLINE HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK A YEAR TO 10/1/21 DUE TO THE PANDEMIC).

WHAT IS REAL ID?

Beginning October 1, 2020 (NOW 2021), the federal government will require your driver’s license or ID card to be Real ID compliant if you wish to use it as identification to board a domestic flight or enter secure federal facilities that require identification. The California DMV now offers federally compliant REAL ID drivers’ licenses.

The Real ID is a requirement of the Real ID Act of 2005.

DO I HAVE TO GET A REAL ID CARD?

No, you don’t. But if you plan to board a domestic flight starting October 1, 2020, your existing California driver’s license or state-issued ID will not work with TSA if it is not Real ID compliant.

In lieu of a Real ID card, you will need to show a U.S. passport, passport card or other forms of identification noted at www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

HOW DO I GET A REAL ID CARD?

Plan your DMV visit by making an appointment to visit a field office. DMV offices closest to the Conejo Valley include Thousand Oaks (Avenida de los Arboles), Ventura, Simi Valley,. Oxnard and Santa Paula. San Fernando Valley DMV locations include Winnetka, Van Nuys and Granada Hills.

Prepare for your visit as follows:

1. Bring proof of your identity (original or certified copies only). It should show your date of birth, true full name (sorry, Madonna, Lady Gaga and Cher, this goes for you too). Documentation can include a current, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, U.S. birth certificate, Permanent Resident Card or other items.

   Note that the identify document must show your current true full name; multiple name change documents are required if your name has changed multiple times. So for example, you’ll need to bring a certified marriage certificate if your current legal name is different than on your birth certificate or other identifying document.

2. Bring proof of your full Social Security number (SSN) in the form of either an original Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, pay stub or other items.

3. Bring two printed documents showing proof of California residency which list your first and last name and residence listed on the ID card application. It must show a physical address, not a P. O. box. Items you can use include mortgage bill, signed rental agreement, home utility bills, employment documents, property tax bills, etc.

4. You will also need to complete an ID card application. The California DMV strongly encourages residents to complete applications online at www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/forms/dl/dl44. It is available in 10 languages (sorry, no Pig Latin though). Register for and complete the form online and when you arrive for your appointment, DMV staff can access and process the form. Easy peasy.

5. Application fee is $30 for the ID card ($35 for a non-compliant driver’s license).

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE REAL ID CARD?

Usually within 60 days by mail.

Learn more at REALID.dmv.ca.gov.

My experience getting a REAL ID card in August 2019.

IRS Advises Taxpayers to Keep Economic Impact Payment Notice with Other Tax Recrods

The IRS advises that people who receive an Economic Impact Payment in 2020 should keep Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment, with their tax records. This notice provides information about the amount of their payment, how the payment was made and how to report any payment that wasn’t received.

For security reasons, the IRS mails this notice to each recipient’s last known address within 15 days after the payment goes out. It’s especially important for people to keep this notice if they think their payment amount is wrong. When they file their 2020 tax return, they can refer to Notice 1444 and claim additional credits, if they are eligible for them.

Taxpayers should keep this notice filed with all their other important tax records. These include, W-2s from employers,1099s from banks and other payers, other income documents and virtual currency transaction records.

Learn more about the Economic Impact Payments at www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.

Rattlesnake Do's and Don'ts in the Trails of the Conejo Valley and Neighboring Areas

I've seen more snakes in the trails of the Conejo Valley in recent years than I can ever recall, some, but not all of which are rattlesnakes.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive but can strike when they feel threatened or provoked. If you come across one on the trail, just back off and give them room to retreat. They don't want to mess with you!

Rattler crossing the Rosewood Trail on a sunset hike.

It is rare that rattlesnakes cause serious injury to humans. According to the California Poison Control Center, rattlesnakes account for 800 bites each year, with only one or two deaths. Most bites occur during the months of April through October, when both humans and snakes are active outdoors. About 25% of bites are dry (i.e. no venom), but still require medical treatment.

Do's and Don'ts

• Wear shoes when out hiking in the trails.

• Stay ON the trails...don't venture out into the underbrush, where snakes may be hiding.

• Watch what you touch with your hands too...especially if it's dark and hard to see.

• Leave them alone. They are fun to watch, but do so from a distance. Don't try to pick them up.

Is it a Rattler or a Gopher Snake?

On the trails of the Conejo Valley I've come across rattlesnakes, gopher snakes, king snakes, garter snakes and perhaps a few others I wasn't able to identify. The rattlesnakes are the ones to be particularly wary of because of their venom, so be aware of the following distinctions:

Rattlesnakes are wider/heavier than most of the other local snakes and have a triangular-shaped head, broader at the back than at the front, with a distinct "neck." They have openings between the nostrils and the eyes. There are a series of dark and light bands near the tail which look different from the markings on the rest of the body.  DO NOTE that rattles may not always be present as they may have fallen off are are not always developed on a young rattler.

For some great information on identifying California snakes, visit www.californiaherps.com/identification/snakesid/common.html.

Notice the stocky size of this rattlesnake, the clear rattle, and the different series of dark and lights bands leading down towards the rattle.

Beautiful King Snake (known for lunching on rattlesnakes).

Gopher snake crossing the trail in Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa.

Gopher snake on the Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park.

Do Well by Doing Good in the New Year! Volunteer Opportunities in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County

How about a new New Year's resolution for 2020! Resolve to dedicate some time towards a local organization that needs your help. Not only does it feel good to help others, but it helps broaden your horizons. And with the lousy economy, many people need your help. Or if you are one of those many people who is between jobs, giving time to those in need looks great on your resume.

So to summarize:

1. Volunteering makes you feel good.

2. Feeling good about yourself benefits all aspects of your life.

3. There are many organizations and people who need your support.

4. Volunteering is a great resume builder. You may even learn new, marketable skills as a volunteer!

Here on Conejo Valley Guide we have compiled an extensive, growing list of local volunteer and support organizations based in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County area. Click here to see the list and to click through to their websites.

A sampling:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County - Improves the lives of children by creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring.

• Cancer Hope Foundation - Enhances the lives of people affected by cancer.

• Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara - Helps people with cancer and their loved ones through a large variety of programs.

• Community Action of Ventura County - Help eliminate poverty in Ventura County.

• Foodshare of Ventura County - Stores and distributes millions of pounds of food per year to those in need of food of Ventura County.

• Laubach Literacy of Ventura County - Trains/supports volunteers who tutor adults seeking to learn English.

• Senior Concerns - Provides programs, services and support to the elderly in eastern Ventura County and western Los Angeles County.

• Surfrider Foundation Ventura County - Dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves, and beaches for all people.

• Casa Pacifica - Serves abused and neglected children and adolescents, and those with severe emotional, social, behavioral and mental health challenges in the Central Coast area.

• Gold Coast Veterans Foundation - Provides free programs and services to veterans and their families in Ventura County.

These are just a few of the 60+ non-profit organizations listed here.  Contact us to be added to the list or if there is an event you would like to promote on CVG.

Sick With the Flu? Know What To Do!

Influenza (or flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with others except to get medical care.

Know the symptoms of Flu

Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: Fever* or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness). Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. This is more common in children.

* It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Take Antiviral Drugs if your doctor prescribes them!

Antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illness. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. They also can prevent serious flu complications.

CDC recommends that antiviral drugs be used early to treat people who are very sick with the flu and people who get flu symptoms who are at high risk of serious flu complications, either because of their age or because they have a high risk medical condition.

Stay Home When Sick

When you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible. Remember to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw tissues in the trash after you use them. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.

*Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine before resuming normal activities.

Treating the flu: www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/index.html