The Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) is sponsoring a free anti-terrorism and security training session Friday, October 24 at the Four Points Sheraton in Ventura (1050 Schooner Dr.). The daylong class (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) is open to all individuals responsible for maintaining security at lodging and other private facilities in Ventura County.

Attendees will receive an overview on how to increase awareness of suspicious behaviors and links to larger threats, and how to report information to the proper law enforcement authorities. The program is intended to encourage relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement.

“The primary goal of any private facility, whether it is a hotel, motel, RV park or office building, is to provide a secure environment for its employees and guests,” says Rebekah Evans, executive director of VCLA. “This program will show how to train staff to be alert and aware of the threats that are out there.”

The program, “Infrastructure Liaison Officer Training,” will be presented by Hal Kempfer from InfraGard, a national education and information-sharing program created by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the private/public sector.

To pre-register, go to www.InfraGardLosAngeles.org and click on the “InfraGard Training” tab. For questions, call FBI special agent Carrie Kokenis, carrie.kokenis@ic.fbi.gov, 310-420-5284.

Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA)
The Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) is comprised of lodging facilities and destination marketing organizations in the California cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura. VCLA represents 61 members including hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, RV Resorts, resort rentals, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau. Its "VenturaCountyWest" marketing campaign is designed to attract overnight leisure and business visitors to the region. www.venturacountywest.com www.facebook.com/venturacountywest.