Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The busiest shopping days of the year are upon us. Malls, retailers, and grocery stores will be more crowded than usual with busy shoppers. Whether you are about to celebrate a holiday in the coming weeks or not, keep the following in mind when going out to shop (and the rest of the year, too):

1. Please remember to lock your vehicles. Whether you are at the shopping mall or parked in your own driveway, lock and remove your valuables from your car.

2. Keep careful track of your bags and other packages. If you leave something unattended, it could get stolen or discarded.

3. Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies when taking mass transit: report any unattended packages to security or staff.

4. Be sure not to buy more than you can carry. If your packages are making it hard for you to walk upright or see, ask a store employee to help you carry them to your car.

5. Check receipts to see whether your full credit card number appears. If a receipt has your full number on it, take a pen and thoroughly scratch it out.

6. If at all possible, do not let your credit card out of your sight. You swipe your card or watch the sales person do so.

7. Double check that you have your credit cards and check book after you pay for your items and don’t forget your purse and wallet from the shopping cart or counter.

8. Remember that the bad-guys may be watching you store your packages in your car and then go to another store. That’s when they break into your car and steal what you just placed inside. Be vigilant of your surroundings, paying attention to people and vehicles which may be following from location to location or home.

If you go shopping with children over the next several weeks, keep the following advice in mind for everyone’s safety:

1. Ensure that any children with you know your cell phone number. Give cards with contact information to any who don’t.

2. Make a plan with children in case you get separated. Have a central meeting place, and review with your children who they can turn to for help if they find themselves alone.

3. Go over the dangers of strangers with them so that they know who not to talk to or follow.

By following this advice, you can reduce the stress of shopping during the particularly busy season. As always, keep your personal safety in mind and be on the lookout for fraud and identity theft.

Nature of Incident: Holiday Safety Tips
Location: City of Moorpark
Date & Time: Monday, November 13, 2013 at 11:00a.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Moorpark Police Beat Coordinator Unit
Prepared by: Sr.Dep Beat Coordinator Bob Berger
Media Release Date: Monday, November 11, 2013
Follow-Up Contact: Bob Berger (805)299-1504
Approved by: Stephen Wade, Captain

Camarillo, CA - Camarillo Hospice is pleased to announce a benefit concert on Sunday, December 1, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Padre Serra Catholic Church. The concert will feature vocalist Eric Petrucci accompanied by Dominic MacAller on piano performing sacred arias and art songs.

The concert is free and open to the public, but donations are encouraged and gratefully will be accepted to support Camarillo Hospice’s programs of practical and emotional support and counseling to the seriously ill and grieving.

Eric, who has availed himself of Camarillo Hospice counseling services relative to the losses of his father in 2003 and of his mother in 2010, planned the concert in honor of his mother, Jean. December 1, 2013 marks the three-year anniversary of her passing. He titles the concert, “That I May Cease to Mourn” and comments, “The caring staff of Camarillo Hospice has made a world of difference in making my grieving process bearable. I couldn’t imagine an organization I would rather support!”

Eric holds a B.A. from The University of Notre Dame and a Master of Music from New England Conservatory, both in classical vocal performance. Dominic MacAller serves as the director of Music and Liturgy at Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo, where he has worked since 1999.

Founded in 1978, Camarillo Hospice has remained a non-profit, volunteer hospice and grief counseling center that provides practical and emotional care, comfort, support and counseling to individuals and families who are facing a life-limiting illness or the grief of losing a loved one and education on end-of-life issues to all. There is no requirement of a doctor’s referral to qualify for the services of Camarillo Hospice, no time limit on services, and all services are free.

For more information regarding the Memorial Service or the programs and services of Camarillo Hospice, please call the Hospice office at 805.389.6870, email info@camarillohospice.org or visit the hospice website at www.camarillohospice.org.

If a home in your neighborhood looks like no one is home for an extended period of time, do humanity a favor and knock on the door. It is possible someone is behind those closed doors living with unhealthy fears and behaviors.

In more cases that you would think, people are living and dying alone, surrounded by untold collections. Popular television programs have taken the lid off the topic of hoarding but not the mystery. All compulsive behaviors have causes and unpleasant side effects.

In almost a dozen recent properties that have been referred to me for sale, they were occupied by hoarders whose lives were driven by the passion of surrounding themselves with perceived comfort in the form of “things”. Unfortunately this can include pets.

There are five classifications of hoarders according to the National Study on Chronic Disorganization. The specific areas deal with Structure and Zoning, Pets and Rodents, Household Functions, Sanitation and Cleanliness
Hoarding can include excessive attachment to possessions, extreme clutter throughout the home’s living spaces, inability to discard items and the stacking of magazines, newspapers and junk. Hoarders will move items or trash from one pile to another, without ever discarding anything. They will acquire seemingly useless items, including trash. They have organizational difficulty or perfectionism, exhibit difficulty permitting others to touch or move accumulated items; put off doing what they know needs to be done; have difficulty making decision and managing daily tasks, and have limited or poor socialization skills.

Based on the level of hoarding identified, it may be best to contact the County’s Mental Health Department or in some cases the local police for a “well-being check”. If extreme Level 5 has been reached, it is recommended that clean-up be left to professionals who have the proper safety equipment and anti-bacterial chemicals and licenses.

You can help prevent this sad outcome in your neighborhood by watching for the lonely looking home where lack of yard care is evident; where few visitors are noticed except for regular deliveries from United Parcel of Fed-Ex, trash buildup and general lack of activity.

When the residents of these homes have passed away or moved to safer living situations, a REALTOR® with experience in clearing and cleaning such a home should be called in to assist in rehabilitating the property for resale and utilize appropriate marketing strategies and disclosures.

Ventura, CA - Community Memorial Hospital’s Cancer Resource Center is offering a free discussion group on Wednesday, December 11, for cancer patients and their families to discuss what the Affordable Care Act means for people with cancer.

Jody Giacopuzzi is an oncology social worker at the CMH Cancer Resource Center. The group will be held from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at the CMH Cancer Resource Center. Discussion points include:

 An overview of the ACA.
 Six ways the ACA is helping cancer patients.
 ACA and expanded Medi-Cal.
 How to review current insurance options under the ACA.

The Cancer Resource Center is located at 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.

The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for 2013 Citizen of the Year. Please send your nomination along with why you feel this person should be Citizen of the Year via email at FillmoreChamberc@gmail.com or mail your nominations to the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, 246 Central Avenue, Fillmore CA 93015. The Chamber will accept nominations until November 29, 2013. The Citizen of the year will be awarded at the annual “Community Awards Dinner” at the Memorial Building in March of 2014.

It’s almost time for the 2013 Fillmore Christmas Parade sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club. This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 1:00 PM. The parade is open to all groups or persons wanting to celebrate the season with a holiday themed entry. Parade check-in is at 11:30 AM in front of the Memorial Building. Applications to participate in the parade are available at the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce office located at 211 Central Avenue.

On Saturday, November 16th, 2013. From 1pm to 6pm Come join the Piru Neighborhood Council’s Grand Opening of the new Piru Town Square Skate Park in Piru, CA. for a Fundraiser & Equipment Drive for the Children of Piru. The Piru Skate Park has been in the works for the last 12 years when the children of Piru suggested it as something they wanted to see for the town. On March 3, 2009 the former Re Development Agency approved the Piru Town Square Expansion Project. In April of 2011, the County of Ventura requested a modification to the Piru Town Square expansion to add a skate park and pedestrian walkway that would connect the two facilities. The park had a ribbon cutting ceremony on 11/7/2013. Three weeks prior to this date the park was already in use by children and adults of all ages on scooters, skates and skateboards. One noticeable factor was the lack of safety equipment for many of them. The community is small and has limited funds to ensure that its children are safe, while enjoying the outdoor skate park.

Piru Neighborhood Council is hoping to raise funds to provide safety equipment, as well as new and gently used helmets, skate boards and scooters to as many children who are in need. We are also raising funds to provide a restroom for the skate park. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to fund both of these projects. On November 16th, 2013 starting at 1pm we will be joined by an all-volunteer group of community minded individuals & groups.

Gold coast broadcasting station Q104.7 with Miss Alynette has committed to be herefor a day of music, art &fun. They will be the voice & force behind our equipment drive along with their sister station Live 105.5.

There will be a Graffiti workshop by The Lab with its community based art projects teaching aspiring young artists about the consequences of tagging while teaching them how to complete mural projects with structure and pride. Two specialty food trucks Belly Bombz – Bringing a new twist to chicken wings and sliders with an Asian Flare, and Ventura Highway’s Rockin’ Rollin’ Rotisserie with its diverse menu of sandwiches, burrito’s, Greek style gyro’s and desserts. The Focus Apparel Skate Team will be on hand for skate demonstrations for the kids at the skate park.

At the depot we have two Dj’s and avid skaters to provide music. DJ Aslan grew up in Simi Valley, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles, where music was plentiful. He began learning about turntables in 1993 and was engulfed in the art shortly thereafter. By 1996, he was beginning to compete in most local battles. He is honored to have entered large competitions such as the DMC World Competition and International Turntablists Federation. 2002 brought Aslan to take up a new home near Tulsa, Oklahoma where he connected with CedEnough & Church Boy Entertainment to bring music that is needed for this day and age. He went on to connect with other artists around the nation like KJ-52, Dre Murray (We Live as Kings) and a fellow TableTurner-Dj Promote. Whether it is spinning for a particular artist, performing with live bands, or rocking an event by himself, Aslan is the one artist who does not have time for an offseason.

Our next guest Dj is world renowned DJ P-Trix one of the most influential and internationally-respected forces in today’s hip-hop generation. Recognized by many for his unrivaled beat-juggling skills, P-Trix, born Patrick Arriola, began djing at the age of 12. His natural talent, dedication and genuine love for music quickly gained him recognition in the late 1990’s in the underground hip-hop community. A Los Angeles native, P-Trix has proudly taken his craft to all four corners of the world.

P-Trix has performed internationally with hip-hop legends including Common, De la Soul, The Roots and Eminem. He was crowned the 1999 DMC USA Champion and placed 3rd in the DMC World Championship.

Hip Hop Artist Roc C is also on the Line up; Fans of West Coast underground hip-hop know Roc C for his debut mic appearance on the 2004 Oh No single "Move Pt. 2", produced by J Dilla... Rocs stand-out verse and cameo in the songs video lead to a deal with Stones Throw Records. As the latest MC from the prolific Oxnard, CA crew (Lootpack, Dudley Perkins, Oh No, M.E.D.) Roc made a lot of noise right out the gate. His first single, "Don’t Stop", an Oh No-produced slab of infectious trunk funk, was used for EA Sport's Fight Night Round 3 video game. "All Questions Answered" featured production by Oxnard family member and longtime Roc C collaborator Oh No, as well as DJ Romes and Kan Kick. He has been busy working on his solo project as well as several group projects.

This is sure to be a day filled with community spirit, the Piru Neighborhood Council and the residents of Piru are excited about sharing this day with our neighboring communities. Generous donors like you are the key to our success and will make it possible to fulfill ourongoing Mission to promote better living conditions, better education, improved housing, and a greater participation in community affairs by the people of Piru and its Vicinity. This Corporation is organized pursuant to the General Non-Profit Corporation Law of the State of California.

For more information or if you would like to participate at #SkatePiru with a vendor booth or to donate monetarily or with equipment please contact Julie Lugo (805)421-6937 or by email: jlugophotography@yahoo.com
Donations can brought to the event and also be mailed to:
Piru Neighborhood Council Inc.
P.O. Box 162, Piru, CA 93040

Tim Blaylock

OXNARD, CA - Boys & Girls Clubs of America has presented the prestigious Horizon Award to Tim Blaylock, chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The Horizon Award is presented annually to the chief professional officer in the Pacific Region who exemplifies professionalism through their work including organizational development and advancement of the Boys & Girls Club Movement both regionally and nationally.

Blaylock was nominated by BGCA staff and peers, and was selected from among 189 chief professional officers in the region. Angela Ware, vice president of the BGCA Pacific Region, presented him the award on Oct. 18 at the 2013 Pacific Leadership Conference.

“A Horizon winner has the vision to go beyond the everyday and sees beyond the horizon. These individuals become mentors and role models not only within their local organization, but are leaders throughout the BGCA Movement,” said Ware during the presentation. “As a leader, Tim realizes this vision by inspiring and investing in his professional staff, and enlisting caring and committed volunteers toward a shared goal and hope for building great futures for kids.”

“I was humbled, grateful and really surprised by this honor. We do this work because it is important, not for the recognition,” said Blaylock. “I'm proud to work for a great organization, a wonderful board of directors and an incredible staff. This award represents all of our collective work to help those children that need us most.”
Blaylock leads BGCOP, which serves more than 9,000 girls and boys through three full service clubhouses, 13 school program sites, one targeted re-entry site and one public housing unit. He has led BGCOP through a period of dramatic growth, with particular emphasis on serving children in nontraditional environments, including public housing, schools and a juvenile justice facility.

His proudest accomplishments include refurbishing the Harriet H. Samuelsson Clubhouse, starting the first Boys & Girls Club located inside a juvenile justice facility in California, leading the charge with the SHAPE program to eradicate childhood obesity. He has had one youth who was selected as the National Youth of the Year award, and one National Youth of the Year Runner-up, as well as many youth who have won county, state and regional awards in various program areas, thanks to his guidance during his years in the Boys & Girls Club Movement.

Blaylock is a member of national board of directors of The Professional Association for Boys and Girls Clubs across America. He joined the BGC movement in 1990, after working as the vice president of sports for the World Corporate Games.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme exists to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. With three full-service clubs and 13 school program sites, the organization is one of the largest of its kind in California, serving more than 9,000 members annually. It’s also the first Boys & Girls Club of its kind to open in the Juvenile Justice Center. Program areas offered to youth include character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, technology and sports/fitness/recreation opportunities. For more information, visit www.positiveplace4kids.org.

SANTA PAULA, CA. - Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB: SCVE) Chairman of the Board, Scott K. Rushing, today announced the Bank's 2013 third quarter results.

Board Chairman Scott Rushing reported that portfolio quality continues to demonstrate solid performance and loan production improvement is already apparent with record high second and third quarter new loan production.
SCVBank recorded a net loss from operations of $25,000 for the third quarter of 2013 compared to a net profit of $148,000 for the third quarter of 2012. SCVBank continues to maintain a strong capital position with a Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio of 10.95%, up from 10.68% at December 31, 2012. Liquidity continues to be very strong as cash, interest bearing deposits at financial institutions, and investments total 48% of total assets at quarter end.

President Cheryl Knight commented that, "challenges remain due to the decline in loan demand, irrational competition, and historically low interest rates, all placing pressure on interest income.” Chairman Rushing stated that, “financial results are consistent with the bank’s strategic plan to hire additional lending staff to support future growth of the bank”. Ms. Knight added that, “the bank continues to seek good quality loans. As new quality loans are funded, the financial performance of SCVBank should strengthen.”

Founded in 1998, SCVBank currently operates three branches in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Executive and Loan Offices are located at 866 East Main Street, Santa Paula, Ca. Under its stock symbol of SCVE, SCVBank’s stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen, Raymond James & Associates Inc., and Monroe Securities. The Bank’s web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporation Headquarters
901 East Main Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
(805) 525-1999

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, and the ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions.

A message from Detective Ray Dominguez:
Greetings Farm Watch readers, recent reports indicate that commercial burglaries are on the rise. We’ve had multiple burglaries and attempted burglaries reported throughout the Oxnard Plains and Somis area. I’m finding that many of these burglaries involved suspect(s) cutting pad locks or chain link fences to gain access to the property. The suspect(s) have then cut or pried their way into storage containers, storage sheds, and farm offices to steal everything from office computer systems, tools, and even buckets containing loose brass sprinkler heads.

The trend I’m seeing involves suspects using tools to pry at exposed door hinges instead of trying to defeat heavy‐duty locks used to secure doors on outbuildings. The suspects are looking for the weakest link to access your shed. Please check your sheds and storage buildings for this potential problem. If your door hinges are exposed, try moving them to the interior of the shed to reduce the chance of having the hinges pried at. The same holds true for hinges on chain link fences. The suspects will dismantle the hinges if they have access to them, and lift a gate off the hinge in lieu of trying to defeat your heavy‐duty chain and locks.

Suspect(s) have also been cutting or pounding small access holes into the sides of wood or sheet metal storage sheds to gain access. Once they gain access, they crawl inside or simply pull the property out via the opening they create. Take a look at your building and see what can be done to defeat this type of attack. If you can’t reinforce the existing building, then consider moving your valuables to a more secure location.

Another trend I’ve CONTINUED »

The Ventura County Rose Society will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center at 5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo.

The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for advice from Consulting Rosarians and refreshments, a little rose show at 7:00 p.m., and our speaker presentation will begin at 7:30 pm.

This VCRS meeting will feature three different demonstrations showing methods of rose propagation from cuttings. Jeri and Clay Jennings from the Gold Coast Heritage Rose Foundation will show their method of propagating Old Garden Roses. Burling Leong, owner of Burlington Nursery in Visalia, CA, will demonstrate how she does chip budding propagation to produce many of the roses for the Hearst Castle Rose Garden. Kim Rupert will demonstrate his "burrito method" of making cuttings.
Members and guests will have an opportunity to try "hands-on" propagation. This will be a very exciting meeting for anyone interested in learning how to propagate their favorite rose that is no longer in commerce.

Visitors are always welcome to our VCRS meetings. For more information contact: Janet Sklar at 818-337-9970 or Dawn-Marie Johnson at 805-523-9003. Our website is http://www.venturarose.org/

Ventura, CA - The Community Memorial Health System’s Bariatric Weight Loss Center has been designated as a Center of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation.

The COEMBS program recognizes surgeons and facilities that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care for obese patients. The program is structured to help bariatric surgery providers continuously improve care quality and patient safety.

To earn the COEMBS designation, CMHS’s Bariatric Weight Loss Center provided information on all aspects of its bariatric surgery program and processes, including data on its surgical outcomes.

“Accreditation shows we are following the highest standards of care for patients of size,” said Julienne Mitchell, bariatric coordinator for CMHS. “Dr. Helmuth Billy and our staff have cared for over 200 patients in recent years, and we’re honored to receive this recognition.”

The Surgical Review Corporation is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by industry stakeholders and dedicated to advancing the safety, efficacy and efficiency of surgical care worldwide.

For more information on the Bariatric Weight Loss Center, call 805/658-5831.

Community Memorial Health System is 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.

This Friday, November 1st, 5:30pm, 460 Santa Clara St. Fillmore

Please come and celebrate the soft opening of:

Diamond Realty
Friday, November 1, 2013
5:30pm
460 Santa Clara St. Fillmore, CA 93015

Hors d'oeuvres will be served along with wine from the Robledo Family winery. Music will be provided by Theresa Griffith an internationally acclaimed flutist.

Please RSVP to: Theresa@DiamondRealtyTeam.com

Jan Marholin

Jan Marholin, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley took the B&G Club of America’s Spark Plug Award at the B&G Club Pacific Region Conference held in Reno Nevada on October 15-18, 2013. The award is presented each year to a new chief professional officer who has affected positive impact for their organization and the Pacific Region as a whole. The recipient must have demonstrated exceptional determination, tenacity, spark and leadership, and have evidenced significant improvements in their Club’s operation. “We all know how special Jan is and how essential she has become to our Club. We see her energy, enthusiasm and dedication on a daily basis….now she has an award to prove it!” stated Tammy Hobson board president of the B&G Club of SCV.

Livingston Hospice conducts several adult bereavement support groups to help those who have experienced a loss. Explore and express feeling, understand the grief process and receive emotional support. Open to the public, free of charge, all are welcome. The groups are held at

The First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Drive, Oxnard; Every Wednesday, (November 6, 13,20, 27); from 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Livingston Memorial VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave (#112), Ventura; Every Wednesday, (November 6, 13,20, 27); from 6:30 – 8:00

Help of Ojai, 370 Baldwin Road, Ojai; On 2nd & 4th Tuesday, (November 12 & 26); from 10:30 am – 12 noon

For the newly bereaved: at Livingston Memorial VNA, 1996 Eastman Ave, (#112), Ventura; On second Thursday, (November 14); from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Call 642-1608 for more information.