As this year’s tax filing deadline approaches (April 17, 2012) the American public can be confident that IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) is working vigorously to stop abusive tax schemes and related federal offenses. The enforcement of offenses involving return preparer fraud, questionable refund fraud and identity theft remain high priorities for the IRS.

“The IRS Criminal Investigation takes violations of tax law very seriously,” said Leslie P. DeMarco, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. "Tax Return Preparers and individuals who choose to prepare and file false tax returns, steal refund payments, misuse client’s identity, or in any other manner undermine the honesty and integrity of our tax system risk prosecution.”

In the greater Southern California area, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are actively investigating those involved in alleged criminal violations of involving alleged return preparer fraud, questionable refund fraud, and identity theft. United States District Court records for the Central District of California reveal the following legal actions this week:

Costa Mesa Tax Preparer Indicted for Aiding and Assisting
In the Preparation of False Tax Returns

Today, on April 13, 2012, Ronald Vernon Strawn, 67, of Costa Mesa was arrested in Prescott, Arizona.

On April 11, CONTINUED »

CAMARILLO, CA - Veterans who are currently looking for employment are encouraged to attend the job fair at the 5th Annual Military Business & Community Expo, Tuesday, May 8 at the Ventura County Office of Education (5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo). Employers who are interested in hiring veterans as well as other job seekers are invited to secure a display table for the event. The expo and job fair are hosted by the Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), TRIAD, Santa Barbara & Channel Islands Navy Leagues and RDP-21. Entry to the job fair portion of the expo is free.

Many of Ventura County's best known employers including Navy Base Ventura County will be represented at the job fair.

Volt Workforce Solutions is an exhibitor at both the job fair and expo. "A large number of companies in Ventura County contract with the military," says Ellen Brown, Volt's Ventura County regional delivery manager "Vets bring the needed work ethic and 'hard' skills that translate well into military-related civilian jobs. Employers also have opportunities that are good matches for non-veteran workers. That's why the expo is open to all employers and job seekers."

"This is the third year we've hosted a job fair at the Military Business & Community Expo," says Bill Buratto, president and CEO of VCEDA. "Participation grows every year. Our county is fortunate that it has well-educated, trained and trainable workers. Not every region has such a skilled and flexible workforce."

Job fair hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those who participate can attend a free seminar, "How to Get A Job On Base." The fair will include an area for job seekers to gain resume and interview tips from job placement professionals.

The cost for an employer display table is $300. For more information or to reserve a table, contact, Renee Smith at 805-969-5244 renee@rsvpevents.net or go to www.MilitaryBizExpo.com

Livingston Visiting Nurse Association will hold Diabetes Classes to introduce basic information regarding diet, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, new developments and common problems. Open to the public and free of charge, the classes are held the first Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:30 pm @Livingston VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, #101, Ventura. No registration is necessary; for information call Linda Hampson, RN, MSN @ 805-642-0239,ext 723.

Craig Newton a teacher, a presenter and a love of musical instruments will be performing at the Fillmore Ebell Club luncheon on April 24th at the Fillmore Memorial Building at 12:30 pm. Craig has been teaching and presenting Music programs to children for the past 16 years throughout California. He is a multi-instrumentalist who plays more than 20 different instruments and brings his love of playing music to everyone. His highly acclaimed program "A Historical Journey Through America's Music" has been enjoyed by audiences throughout the southwestern United States. The ladies are looking forward to his music.

If you would like to join the ladies please call Lavonne Deeter 524-2090. Lunch is $12.00 and is excellent. Membership to the club is currently open for more information please call Melody Stitch 521-1400.

Fillmore, CA - Heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of American men and women. Last year 750,000 American died from heart disease and almost half had no symptoms prior to their first event, which was death.

To help people from preventing this from happening, Community Memorial Health System is offering free HeartAware screenings at its Center for Family Health office in Fillmore on Saturday, April 28.

The screenings are from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The CFH office is located at 852 Ventura St.

The Mini HeartAware screening is designed to determine your risk factors for developing heart disease which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Once a HeartAware risk assessment is taken, each participant is given a personalized and confidential report that indicates their overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as ways to reduce it.

The mini HeartAware screening includes: Total cholesterol and glucose for non-fasting and fasting with appointments; total cholesterol; triglycerides, HDL, LDL and glucose; bilateral blood pressure; cardiac auscultation; weight, fat percentage; and body mass index as well as individualized education towards achieving optimal cardiac well being of health.

There are no advance requirements necessary; however, reservations are limited. Call 805/667-2818 or go to www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp to schedule a screening.

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

Self-Therapy for the Stutterer is the classic self-help guide by the founder of The Stuttering Foundation. It is written to and for the many adults and teens who stutter. The book is available at most public libraries. If you stutter, you do not need to surrender to your speech difficulty because you can change the way you talk. You can learn to communicate with ease rather than with effort. There is no quick and easy way to tackle the problem, but with the right approach, self-therapy can be effective.

This book outlines a self-therapy program which describes what the person who stutters can do to work towards better communication. It is often used as a supplement to speech therapy. A timely feature on page 164 is information about King George VI and how inspirational his speeches were during WWII as depicted in the movie, The King’s Speech.

Writes Charles Van Riper, Ph.D., about this book: “There are always some who stutter who are unable to get professional help and others who do not seem to be able to profit from it. There are some who prefer to be their own therapist. In this book, Malcolm Fraser has provided guidance for those who must help themselves. Knowing well from his own experience as a stutterer the difficulties of self-therapy, he outlines a series of objectives and challenges that should serve as a map for the person who is lost in the dismal swamp of stuttering and wants to find a way out.”

The book is available free to all public libraries. If your library doesn’t have it, ask them to contact the Stuttering Foundation toll-free at 800-992-9392 for a copy.

Saturday, April 14, at 11:00 am. Alma Ferrel will be presented a check for $175,000 from First 5 Ventura County through the Community Investment Loan Fund in partnership with EDC-VC. In attendance will be Stan Mantooth, Bruce Stenslie, Mayor Gayle Washburn, and Supervisor Kathy Long.

Alma Ferrel, owner of ABC Kids Care in Fillmore, is the first recipient of the Community Investment Loan Fund. The loan program is funded by First 5 Ventura County and provided in partnership with the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County to support parents and employers by addressing the need for more childcare in Ventura County.

With the $175,000 loan, Ferrel relocated her 8-year-old, home-based childcare business that cared for 26 children into a former church building that accommodates up to 64 pre-school-age children. Ferrel used the funds to renovate the new space and to purchase furniture, playground equipment and supplies.

She is also eligible for an additional $40,000 loan for working capital from the EDC-VC Revolving Loan Fund.

“Finding quality childcare is a worry for so many working parents in the county, which is why are proud to partner with First 5 Ventura County to help close the childcare gap,” said Bruce Stenslie, president/CEO of EDC-VC.

“As a mother, I can speak to the fact that our minds and hearts are with our children throughout the workday,” added Claudia Harrison, executive director of First 5 Ventura County. “A high-quality learning experience comforts parents with the knowledge that our children are truly learning and growing. Through developmentally appropriate, nurturing activities they are developing cognitive and social skills, building a foundation that will last a lifetime.”

Economists cite a rate of return 7-10 percent per year for every dollar invested in early education. Over the past 10 years, First 5 Ventura County has supported more than 1,400 preschool spaces across the county.

A grand-opening celebration for ABC Kids Care and check presentation will be held at the preschool on April 14.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, the Manufacturing Outreach Program, Global Entrepreneur Training in Trade (G.E.T. Trade) program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.

First 5 Ventura County invests Proposition 10 tobacco tax revenue in local programs and services that support health, early learning and family strengthening for children 0-5 and their families. For information, visit first5ventura.org.

CENTRAL COAST, CA - The Air Pollution Control Districts in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties today announced that they have secured $250,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Energy Commission to develop an Electric Vehicle Community Readiness Plan for the Central Coast of California. One of the goals is to develop a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging infrastructure along the Highway 101 corridor through the Central Coast, connecting Southern California and the Bay Area.

“We are excited by the securing of these grant monies. This funding will be used to facilitate all aspects of the installation of PEV charging stations on the Central Coast, which is forecast as an early adopter market for PEVs,” said Stan Cowen, Ventura County APCD Project Engineer. Electric vehicles are gaining popularity and to accommodate these new vehicles a cohesive infrastructure plan is needed to ensure a smooth rollout of the new transportation technology.

The three air agencies, working with non-profit organizations - the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition and the Community Environmental Council - have created an EV Coordinating Council (Plug-In Central Coast) to support the emerging PEV market on the Central Coast. These local efforts are part of a larger statewide effort to expand EV infrastructure throughout the state of California. The Coordinating Council will be looking to local representatives from the various jurisdictions to collect input and guidance throughout this process. Workshops and Toolkits will soon be assembled to assist local decision makers in their efforts to prepare for the increased use of electric vehicles throughout our communities.

For more information see www.c-5.org

Ventura, CA - Community Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center is offering a free discussion group on Tuesday, April 17.

Roland Rotz, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, will conduct a support group for men who have been touched by cancer – whether you are a patient, family member or caregiver of someone with cancer. The purpose is to provide an opportunity to meet and share experiences in a supportive atmosphere.

The discussion group will meet 6 to 7:30 p.m. at CMH’s Cancer Resource Center, located 2900 Loma Vista Road, Suite 105, in Ventura. For more information or to RSVP, call 805/652-5459.

Community Memorial Hospital is a member of Community Memorial Health System, a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and 11 family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Found Siberian Husky in Piru. Vicinity of HWY126/Pacifica. On April 8. Please call to id. 521-1373

Always concerned about the welfare of animals, Milan Boyanich, A Street Self-Storage owner, recently donated a substantial amount of dog-related equipment including a wash station, several dog kennels of various sizes, large holding pen and much more. Lisa and Darren Friedman graciously accepted the donation in behalf of “All For Love Animal Rescue” (AFLAR), an all volunteer Ventura county based non-profit animal rescue group. AFLAR is dedicated to saving animals primarily from the Camarillo animal shelter.

AFLAR gives abandoned animals a safe, permanent home through networking, adoption events, transport to reputable 501-C3 rescue organizations and provide foster homes and medical treatment when needed. Some medical treatments can be costly and AFLAR depends solely on donations to fund the medical help wounded animals need.

Besides donations... funds are also raised through rummage sales... the next one held at the Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks on April 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to generous donations from caring supporters like Boyanich, AFLAR is able to continue providing the caring service to animals in urgent need. For more information on becoming a volunteer, to make a donation or support their cause in any way, visit their website at www.allforloveanimalrescue.org or on Facebook.

Moorpark College will host a Job and Career Expo on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Campus Quad located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark. The public is invited, and free parking will be available. Numerous employers will participate, offering part-time, full-time, and internship positions. Check www.moorparkcollege.edu/expo for a list of employers. Bring a resume as some employers may be hiring on the spot. Free resume assistance is available Monday-Thursday through April 16, from 3-5 p.m. in the Career Transfer Center. Attend Career Information Sessions throughout the afternoon of April 17: Engineering 1-2 pm in Fountain Hall (FH), Room 115; Multimedia 1-2 pm in FH116; Philosophy 1-2 pm in Humanities/Social Science Building (HSS) Room 230; Journalism 2-3 pm in FH116; Psychology/Sociology 3-4:00 pm in FH115; and Computer Network Systems Engineering CNSE 4-5 pm in FH116. Contact Moorpark College Career Transfer Center for additional information at 805.378.1536.

NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for eleven seats on its advisory council, which ensures public participation in sanctuary management and provides advice to the sanctuary superintendent.

The sanctuary is accepting applications for Recreational Fishing member and alternate, Tourism member and alternate, Education member and alternate, Chumash member and alternate, Public at large alternates (2), and Business alternate.

Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve two-year terms.

The advisory council consists of 42 voting representatives representing a variety of public interest groups and county, state, and federal agencies.

Applications are CONTINUED »

Saturday April 21st will be Grad Nite Live's yearly giant "YARD SALE" in front of the Fillmore School District Office beginning 8AM to 3PM. Bring your donations by 7AM so we can set it up to sell by 8AM, If you need things picked up or any questions call Mrs Chaney 524-4909 or 407-5759 Class of 2012 students will be helping Grad Nite Live make this a successful fundraiser.

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands’ Institute for Global Economic Research (IGER) will hold its semi-annual Economic Research Luncheon focusing on the global economy, including the Pacific Rim countries and export opportunities. The event will feature a presentation by Dr. Sung Won Sohn, IGER’s Director. Sohn will discuss how local businesses need to look beyond the traditional marketplace and export. This event, which is open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, April 25, at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Resort in Oxnard. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. and includes lunch. Reservations are $50 per person.

Sohn, an endowed professor at the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics and nationally renowned economist, said that the Institute is the first of its kind within the region, helping to link the regional economy more closely to the global economy. A primary function of IGER is to develop future workforce leadership by providing international perspectives to students through learning opportunities based on practical experience.

Sohn has served as CONTINUED »