Magnus Kalins

VENTURA, CA – For the past two years Anna and Erik Kalins have enjoyed parent/child swim classes, at the Ventura Family YMCA, with their 2-year old son Magnus. Magnus, an energetic, thriving almost three year old little boy, today, finds himself battling a very rare form of leukemia called Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML).

The discovery of his cancer was a shock to his friends and family and even more shocking was the news that his only treatment option is a bone marrow transplant.

To help the Kalins family the Ventura Family YMCA, Be the Match and City of Hope have teamed up to host a bone marrow donor registry drive to find Magnus’ lifesaving match.

The drive will take place on September 20th from 11:00AM to 5:00PM at the Ventura Family YMCA located at 3760 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

To participate, potential donors must be between the ages of 18-44 years old. They will have their cheek swabbed and their DNA will be added to the donor registry. “It’s so simple and only takes 10 minutes to fill out the form and get your cheek swabbed,” stated Anna Kalins. Donors will then be added to see if they're a match for Magnus or the thousands of other patients with blood cancers or other diseases where a marrow transplant will save their life. For parents who are registering, a fun arts and craft station will be set up to give children a place to play.

“We are asking for everyone to help Magnus’s and thousands of other patients in need of a bone marrow transplant by joining us at the YMCA and signing up in the Be the Match registry,” stated Amy Bailey Jurewicz, YMCA Executive Director.

While waiting for his match, Magnus continues to enjoy life. Now, a big brother to his baby sister Zane, Magnus takes his role very seriously and gives out a lot of hugs and kisses and watches out for her already too.

For more information about the “Match for Magnus,” please contact Vivian Abernathy by calling 626.283.9182 or by emailing her at vbernathy@coh.org. To join the Be the Match Registry online go to the website http://www.join.bethematch.org and use the Promo Code: Match4Magnus.

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Ventura Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before & after school childcare, day & resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, teen programs, and many more healthy lifestyles and community enriching programs which nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Through its’ Open Doors program, the Y ensures that no one is ever turned away due to their inability to pay and facility memberships without contracts or join fees makes the Y accessible to all. The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Log on to ciymca.org/ventura.

CAMARILLO, CA - Today, Jeff Gorell, candidate for U.S. Congress in California's 26th district, announced the strong support and endorsement of Ventura County's top law enforcement figures. Gorell is currently a State Assemblyman, and prior to that served for more than seven years as a Ventura County Deputy District Attorney in the violent felony unit and major narcotics unit.

"I'm proud to announce my strong support for Jeff Gorell for Congress," said Ventura County District Attorney. Greg Totten. "Jeff was a tough-as-nails prosecutor in the D.A.'s office, helping stand up for victims of crime and keep our neighborhoods and schools safe. He served our nation in Afghanistan as a war veteran, and has made a name for himself as a respected, effective member of the California State Assembly, always standing up for public safety. He is a leader. Jeff understands this community, has served it well, and will make a great Congressman for the 26th District."

In the State Legislature, Gorell strongly advocated against the implementation of the state's realignment program (AB 109), which resulted in the transfer of thousands of dangerous criminals and inmates to local jails and also the early release of jail inmates back into community neighborhoods. Gorell also supported and coauthored new laws to prevent horrific crimes, including a bill that provided public safety officials new tools to prosecute the most vile and harmful child pornography offenses. This bipartisan bill, SB 145, was supported by the California District Attorneys Association and signed into law by Governor Brown.

"Jeff Gorell is a proven leader and the right leader for this community," said Mike Tracy, current Ventura City Councilmember and former Ventura Police Chief. "Jeff fought hard to protect our neighborhoods as a local prosecutor and was a fierce advocate for public safety as our representative in Sacramento. I am proud to support Jeff for Congress."

Ventura County law enforcement's endorsements for Jeff Gorell's bid for Congress include:
• Greg Totten, Ventura County District Attorney
• Michael Bradbury, former Ventura County District Attorney
• Steve McLean, Santa Paula Police Chief
• Robert P. Gager, Port Hueneme Police Chief
• John Crombach, Former Oxnard Police Chief/Former Chief Assistant Sheriff
• Mike Tracy, former Ventura Police Chief
• Calvin Remington, former Ventura County Probation Chief
• Bryan MacDonald, former Assistant Police Chief for Oxnard
• Larry Carpenter, former Ventura County Sheriff
• Dennis Gilette, former Ventura County Assistant Sheriff
• Randy Pentis, former Commander, Ventura County Sheriffs Department
• Eric Tennessen, Sergeant, Ventura County Sheriff Department
• Bob Gonzales, former Santa Paula Police Chief

Assemblyman Jeff Gorell was elected to the legislature in 2010 where serves as Vice Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. From 1999 to 2006, he served as a Ventura County District Attorney. Gorell is also an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. A decorated veteran of two tours to Afghanistan, Gorell was recently promoted to Commander. He is also on the faculty of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks where he been an adjunct professor of public policy since 2006.

The Fillmore Women’s Service Club and the Fillmore Ebell Club are celebrating their 50th and 100th anniversary, respectively. This will be held at the Memorial Building the evening of September 27th.

The two clubs are trying to invite all past members and Fillmore Women Service Club scholarship recipients. There will be a catered dinner, live entertainment and dancing.

If you have not been contacted, but are a past member of either organization or a scholarship recipient and are planning to attend, please contact: Susan – 805-524-2020.

Attendance to this private event is by invitation only. Please contact Susan As Soon As Possible to join us in this wonderful celebration, and an evening of fun.

Ventura, CA. – Residents of the Santa Clara River Valley communities of Fillmore, Piru, and Santa Paula are invited to name their new local bus service.

Beginning Friday, September 12, residents may begin submitting entries to name the new transit service in Fillmore, Piru, and Santa Paula. Entries should reflect the spirit, culture, history, and landmarks found throughout the Santa Clara River Valley. The winning entry will receive a $100 VISA gift card as well as a monthly pass for the new transit service. The winning service name will appear on the new vehicles when the transit service launches in January 2015.

Visit www.NameTheBusContest.com for online entry submittal and downloadable entry forms in English and Spanish as well as complete contest rules. Entry forms may also be picked up at Fillmore and Santa Paula city halls; Fillmore, Piru, and Santa Paula libraries; and at the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) office. All entries must be submitted online, hand-delivered to the VCTC office, or postmarked by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26. Submit paper entry forms to the address provided below.

Name Your Bus Service Contest
Attn: Donna Cole
Ventura County Transportation Commission
950 County Square Dr., Suite 207
Ventura, CA 93003

Entries are limited to residents of Fillmore, Piru, and Santa Paula. Residents of all ages are encouraged to submit service names. Only one entry is allowed per person. Contest winners will be announced on or about October 10, 2014. The winner will be notified via telephone or email prior to announcement of the winning service name.

For more information about public transportation in Ventura County, visit www.goventura.org or call 800-438-1112.

Ventura, CA - Religion and medicine – a healthy or holy relationship? – will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding as part of its Ethics in Healthcare Series on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

James Hornstein, M.D., chairman of the Bioethics Committee at Community Memorial Hospital, will moderate the seminar that will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, located at 100 E. Main St. in Ventura.Local leading speakers will be:

Rabbi Professor Elliot Dorff, Ph.D, rector and professor of Philosophy at American Jewish University. Rabbi Dorff also is a lecturer at UCLA School of Law and chairman of the Conservative Judaism Committee on Jewish Law and Standards.

Father Luke Dysinger, professor of Church, History and Moral Theology at St. John Seminary in Camarillo. Rev. Dysinger also is an instructor in Medical Ethics for Southern California Catholic Priests and is a family practice physician.

Chaplain Curtis Hotchkiss, director of the CMHS Spiritual Care Department.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Call 1-800/838-3006, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 12 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Saturday, October 4th, 5pm to 6pm E.P.
Foster Library in the Topping Room
Los Padres National Forest Part 1

Friends of the California Condors will discuss these magnificent birds, the threats to their existence and the steps being taken to keep Condors wild and free. Please attend and learn about this stunning creature that resides in our backyard!

Saturday, October 11th, 5pm to 6pm E.P. Foster Library in the Topping Room
Los Padres National Forest Part 2

Author, Los Padres hiker and PCT hiker Diane Soini will present lightweight backpacking techniques and discuss details of her PCT adventures. Brings your questions and notebooks especially if you are planning a 2015 PCT thru or section hike.

Saturday, October 25th, 5pm to 6pm E.P. Foster Library in the Topping Room
Los Padres National Forest Part 3

Wilderness blogger David Stillman takes us into the seldom seen areas of Los Padres National Forest. Photos, stories and advice from this highly experienced local hiker.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org

CAMARILLO, CA - The Jeff Gorell for Congress campaign today launched its first television commercial, a positive 30-second ad entitled "He Knows Us" featuring a number of prominent Ventura County community leaders supporting his candidacy. It will begin running this evening on cable channels throughout the district.

"My campaign is focused on restoring bipartisan, common sense leadership to Congress and this first television commercial captures the essence of what my candidacy is all about," said Gorell. "The people of Ventura County deserve a positive campaign and I intend to give them one."

Gorell's commercial features appearances by many well-known Ventura County residents, including respected Democratic and Republicans Women Leaders such as former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Irene Pinkard and Community College Trustee Dianne McKay; as well as local Military Veterans like 3-time Purple Heart recipient Dr. Jon Williams, and Capt. "Brick" Conners, USN (ret.). Other notable Ventura County community leaders in Jeff's commercial include Port Hueneme Council Member Doug Breeze, former Port Hueneme Mayor Tony Volante and former Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem Bedford Pinkard.

"Congress--including the incumbent--has lost touch with the public," continued Gorell. "People want solutions, not politics. We want ideas not ideology. We want an end to gridlock and negative campaigns. My commercial taps into the growing public sentiment in Ventura County that we need a new Representative in Congress who understands our local communities and who will put our concerns ahead of political partisanship."

Gorell has built a strong record for bipartisan leadership in the State Assembly. The non-partisan Sunlight Foundation recently ranked Gorell as the 2nd Most Moderate Legislator in California-out of 120 state lawmakers. He led the successful negotiations with Governor Jerry Brown to create a permanent Rainy Day Reserve Fund in the State Budget. He also partnered with Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom to create an Economic Gold Team that is working to preserve local jobs and attract new businesses to Ventura County.

Other supporters featured in the television ad include: Ventura business owner Kasey Kruft, Ed Morera, Heather Denove, Josh Enobakhare, and Josh Young.

Assemblyman Jeff Gorell was elected to the legislature in 2010 where serves as Vice Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. Gorell is also an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve. A decorated veteran of two tours to Afghanistan, Gorell was recently promoted to Commander. He is also on the faculty of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks where he been an adjunct professor of public policy since 2006.

Victor Villaseñor

Camarillo, CA - The Ventura County Housing Trust Fund (VCHTF) welcomes best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize Nominee Victor Villaseñor as the guest speaker at its Affordable Housing Fundraiser on Nov. 6.

Villaseñor will deliver a heartfelt presentation of his journey of life as the son of an immigrant farm worker who has endured and overcome many obstacles in life, including language and cultural barriers, discrimination and dyslexia and bring a fresh approach to the plight of the underserved, and the uniting of people from all walks of life.

Proceeds from the event will support the VCHTF’s Revolving Loan Fund to produce new affordable housing in Ventura County. Sponsorships are available: $500 for Journeyman, $1000 for Architect, $2500 for Contractor or $5000 for Developer levels.

About Ventura County Housing Trust Fund:
VCHTF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Its mission is to support more housing choices, by generating and leveraging financial resources, working in partnership with the public, private, and non-profit sectors throughout Ventura County. The Housing Trust Fund makes below-market rate loans for pre-development costs of affordable housing developments with a priority for projects serving farmworkers, homeless persons, veterans, and youth transitioning out of foster care. “The donations generated by this event will be leveraged with a matching grant from the State of California, Proposition 1C (Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006) Local Housing Trust Fund Program. Every dollar raised will double the impact to create new affordable housing units desperately needed in our high cost housing market. VCHTF brings new dollars to the table to help fill the gap left by drastic cuts in traditional Federal, State and local housing funding sources,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of VCHTF.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.vchousingtrustfund.org.

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Nov. 6
Time: 4 to 5 p.m., Complimentary tours of the historic Camarillo Estate; 5 to 7 p.m., main event, guest speaker, libations and appetizers
Place: Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo Calif.
Cost: Pre-register $45 per person or $80 per couple by Nov 4; or $50 per person at the door
Info: (805) 330-6987; www.vchousingtrustfund.org

The Ventura early Intervention Prevention Services (VIPS) serves young people ages 16-25 in Ventura County at risk for developing psychosis. VIPS provides confidential assessment and early assistance for young people who are at risks for mental illness as well as individualized treatment for the young person and their family. If the young person presents a combination of symptoms, or the symptoms appear to worsen over time, this may indicate the onset of a mental illness. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty maintaining focus, concentration or memory
• Hearing sounds or voices, seeing visions, or experiencing strange sensations that others don't perceive
• Difficulty with conversations or being understood
• Feeling overly fearful or suspicious
• Changes in sensitivity to light, sound or touch, decreased sense of smell
• Dramatic changes in behaviors, ideas, sleep or appetite
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Deterioration in school or work functioning

For more information please call (805)642-7033

A second printing of Kenneth Fine's "Anecdotal History of Fillmore" is now available for sale at Patterson's Hardware, Fillmore Historical Museum and the Treasure Station. This little book is filled with Kenneth's memories of growing up in Fillmore with stories about the oil fields, pioneer families, sports and hunting and fishing in the Sespe. Anyone "longing for the good old days" will enjoy this first hand account of the family homestead and all the things kids did then.

VENTURA COUNTY, CA - The concept is simple but the potential pay-off is huge. If every single individual, family and business makes the personal commitment to take action to battle hunger during the month of September, FOOD Share, Ventura County’s regional food bank, can continue feeding more than 74,500 people who visit its 180 pantry partners each month.

Organized by Feeding America, Hunger Action Month is a nationwide campaign to mobilize the public to take action on the issue of hunger, and promote ways for everyone to get involved with the movement to solve it.

“While our efforts to raise food and funds donations, and implement strategies on how to feed the line today and shorten the line for tomorrow are year-round, we take this opportunity to thank our partners who have dedicated endless hours toward our poverty-alleviation work,” said Bonnie Weigel, president and CEO of FOOD Share. “Without them, we would not be able to achieve the work we do to deliver food and services to the 74,500 people who depend on FOOD Share each and every month.”

FOOD Share relies on community support and is currently restocking its shelves in preparation for the upcoming holiday season when more people turn to local food banks for assistance.

How to Take Action for Hunger Action Month:
• Hunger Action Month proclamation with FOOD Share and the Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. in the Ventura County Government Center’s Hall of Administration
• Vote for FOOD Share to help Ventura County’s regional food bank win a $60,000 funding grant from Walmart’s Fight Hunger. Spark Change campaign.
• Finding simple ways at work and home to help feed the hungry, like hosting a neighborhood canned food drive with your kids, having potlucks and asking guests to bring canned food donations, or pack their lunches then donate the funds it would have cost to dine out to FOOD Share.
• Stroll the sidewalks of Ventura Harbor Village for the Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival the weekend of Sept. 13-14, and enjoy the vibrant displays of chalk art, painting, photography, pottery, sculptures and more. The signature FOOD Share event will feature more than 50 regional artists. All event net proceeds will benefit FOOD Share.

For more information on Ventura County’s hunger alleviation efforts for Hunger Action Month, visit www.foodshare.com.

About FOOD Share:
More than 35 years ago, eight citizens performed a good deed by distributing food to those who were in need underneath a Ventura bridge. The early philanthropic movement quickly formed into what is now Ventura County’s regional food bank, FOOD Share, which has grown from serving a few hundred hungry people per month to 74,500 people. Today, staff and volunteers distribute more than 10 million pounds of food annually from its distribution site; more than 180 partner agencies, which include neighborhood and church food distributions and soup kitchens; as well as hunger assistance programs. FOOD Share’s programs provide healthy nutrition and education to children, families and seniors, which include: KIDS Share, SENIOR Share, Nutrition Education, Community Market, SoCal Gas CARE Program, ART Share and more. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, FOOD Share is a member of the Feeding America network, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. For more information about FOOD Share, visit www.foodshare.com. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

LOS ANGELES, CA — The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a stable and diverse blood supply by giving blood in honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September.

Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease that causes red blood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape. It is estimated that sickle cell disease affects as many as 100,000 people in the U.S. Many of these patients face a lifetime of blood transfusions to help reduce the risk of stroke, damage to major organs and other complications that can arise as a result of sickle cell disease.

Since blood from donors of the same ethnic background as the recipient is less likely to cause complications, the Red Cross must maintain a diverse blood supply. This is particularly important for patients like those with sickle cell disease who may require regular blood transfusions.

To help increase donations during the month of September, those who come out to donate blood or platelets throughout the month will receive a coupon by email for a free haircut at participating Sport Clips locations.

For more information or to make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Ojai
9/12/2014: 12 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Quarter Mile Films, 407 Bryant Circle, Suite D

Simi Valley
9/4/2014: 12 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Simi Valley Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
9/12/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
9/3/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
9/4/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
9/8/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
9/10/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
9/15/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
9/11/2014: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina
9/11/2014: 2 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Tickets are on sale now for the Ventura County Humane Society’s 7th annual fundraiser “Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow” scheduled from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at Boccali’s restaurant, Ojai.

Prices are $45 adults, $30 children which includes a full Italian dinner and a live band. Also featured is a “Buy It Now” marketplace with bargains on items and services from businesses throughout Ventura County. Several adoptable animals from the Humane Society shelter will be at the event.

Funds raised through this event go towards the care and protection of the animals of the shelter, including a new effort to modernize the dog kennels. It costs approximately $960,000 yearly just to keep the shelter open. The Humane Society of Ventura County receives no direct financial assistance from city, county and state agencies, the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. Fundraising events, grants and donations are the HSVC’s only sources of income.

The benefit is outdoors on the lawn at Boccali’s Restaurant at 3277 E. Ojai Ave. For tickets call 805-646-6505. Limited tickets available at the door for $50 adults and $35 children.

Have you come across a title recently that isn’t part of the Ventura County Library’s collection? While our Interlibrary Loan system is a wonderful way to get books from libraries throughout the country, E.P. Foster Library would like to offer our customers an additional option.

Starting on September 2, 2014, customers looking for titles the library does not own will be able to submit a request for the E.P. Foster branch to purchase the title in eBook format. For titles that meet our criteria, the customer can then borrow a Kindle DX eReader from the library with the title pre-loaded and ready to read! In addition, each device will maintain a growing library of previously purchased titles that will remain accessible into the future.

Currently, E.P. Foster Library has SIX Kindle DX eReaders to loan. Each will circulate for three weeks at a time, and library customers over the age of 18 with a valid Ventura County Library card will have access to these devices after signing a short borrower agreement. This exciting new program has plenty of room to grow, and we welcome our customers’ feedback going forward!

Anyone who is interested can view a sample borrower agreement online or contact E.P. Foster Library at (805) 648-2716 for additional information about the library’s eReader lending policy.

E.P. Foster Library is located at 651 E. Main Street in Ventura. Our hours of service are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

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"September 20th will be here before you know it. That is the day Team Namaste is participating in Relay for Life. This is a 24 hour event our team has participated in for several years. We do this to support those who are battling cancer, honor those who have passed away and last but not least try to raise money to help with cancer research and programs that the American Cancer Society has developed to help those suffering with cancer. To date our team has raised over $4,000 . . . but we're not done yet. I'd like to thank several Fillmore vendors who are helping our team by showing some baskets our team is raffling off for this event.

The vendors are:
Patterson Hardware - Dodger basket
Vintage Pleasures - Doll basket
Fro-yo Frozen Yogurt - Lakers basket
Elkins Golf Course - donation of a round of golf for 4 individuals

We also have a USC basket, a Raiders basket and a frozen basket. The tickets are selling for 3 tickets for $5.00. We will continue selling the tickets through Saturday, September 20th and will pick the winners at the Relay for Life event. If you are interested in purchasing some tickets you can contact Lola Rogers (team captain) at 805-276-9274.

Our team would like to thank you in advance for your support.

CAMARILLO, CA - “Hogs for Dogs,” the first poker motorcycle run to benefit Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20,, 2014. The ride will kick off with registration from 9 – 11 a.m. at Ventura Harley-Davidson, 1326 Del Norte Dr., Camarillo, and travel to three additional stops throughout Ventura County before ending at the fifth and final stop, where a family-friendly festival will be happening from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the VCAS Camarillo Adoption Center, 600 Aviation Dr.

The cost to participate is $25.00 per rider and $10.00 per passenger and includes snacks, lunch and prizes.
During a poker ride, riders collect cards at each stop and, at the final stop, those with the high and low poker hands are awarded prizes. Those who love animals but are not motorcycle riders are encouraged to support VCAS by attending the free end-of-ride festival where they will enjoy live music, raffles, games, vendors and fee-waived pet adoptions.

Preregistration is not required, ALL types of motorcycles are welcome and proceeds will go toward the care and comfort of animals waiting to be adopted at VCAS Adoption Centers.

The ride, organized and hosted by the SEIU 721 Union Bikers Caucus, is being supported by many local businesses. For more information or to become an event vendor or volunteer, contact: Jann Linsalato, SEIU worksite organizer, at: (818) 298-8488 or janthebiker@gmail.com.

Oakland, CA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing several new tools to assist communities, including news media, to help promote September’s National Preparedness Month (NPM). This is the first year that NPM will also include the America’s PrepareAthon Fall Day of Action on September 30.

The goal of America’s PrepareAthon! is to build a more secure and resilient nation by increasing local awareness about the types of disasters that could happen in one’s own community and what to do to be safe and prepared; but most importantly, practicing a response to these disasters. Therefore, this campaign is focused on getting people to take action, such as participating in a preparedness drill, exercise, or discussion to increase their level of emergency preparedness.

The following are resources available to communities and newsrooms:
• A digital guide on how to promote and participate in 2014 National Preparedness Month.

• The National Preparedness Month Digital Engagement Kit includes suggestions for engagement through social media as a way to promote National Preparedness Month, September 1st-30th.

• Three promotional preparedness videos, that include:
o It Started Like Any Other Day- 4:11 (Full version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_omgt3MEBs
o It Started Like Any Other Day- :30 Seconds (Promo) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVeQw9uCfJc
o It Started Like Any Other Day- :15 Seconds (Promo) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvvl6urVy-4

• Register with America’s PrepareAthon!, which provides Day of Action guides, How to Prepare guides, and customizable promotional materials designed to help Americans take action and join the growing number of individuals who recognize that preparing for disasters is a shared responsibility.
Follow FEMA Region IX online at www.twitter.com/femaregion9.