Camarillo Acorn

Camarillo man's horse wins big in Kentucky

By Daniel Wolowicz camarillo@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Come the World Championship Breeder's Cup at Santa Anita Park this October, odds are Carl Grether 's 4-year-old filly Intangaroo will have traded the label of "long shot" for that of "favorite.

Rising gas, food prices impact local businesses

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Think rising gas costs affect only the average commuter? Think again. The average gallon of gas costs $3.94 in California. A year ago, the state average for a gallon was less than $3.43. That jolt has affected Camarillo, from big government agencies to local businesses.

Restaurants deal with higher costs

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Not much has changed at Blimpie, the small submarine sandwich shop Ray and Lee Louie have owned for three years. Not on the surface anyway.

Victims' bill of rights to be on November ballot

By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Supporters of a new statewide initiative, which would create a bill of rights for crime victims and reform the parole system, turned in more than 1.25 million signatures to the Sacramento registrar's office this week to get the measure on the November 2008 ballot, county officials announced Monday.

Healthcare agency settles with union

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Tri-Counties Regional Center agreed last week to an undisclosed pay raise for more than 200 union workers in three counties, potentially settling a sevenmonth dispute that included harassment charges.

Hare makes campaign stop at high school

05/09/2008

Democratic 37th Assembly District Candidate David Hare spoke to students at Frontier High School and helped 18-year-old students register to vote last week.

WWII aircraft to fly into Camarillo next week

05/09/2008

The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour's four vintage WWII aircraft will make a stop at the Camarillo Airport on Mon., May 12 at 2 p.m. The three restored bombers and a single P-51 Mustang will be on display from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mon., May 12; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues.

Strickland speaks at Lobby Day in Sacramento

05/09/2008

Assemblymember Audra Strickland was among the guest speakers at the annual Lobby Day in Sacramento for the California chapter of Concerned Women for America. Speakers discussed pending state legislation and included Strickland, Sen. Bob Margett and Chief Counsel for Pacific Justice Institute Kevin Snider.

Community Briefs

05/09/2008

Teachers open up on GATE The Camarillo Noontime Optimist Club meets at noon every Monday at Round Table Pizza, 880 Arneill Road, Camarillo. Teachers from the Pleasant Valley School District will discuss the GATE program at the May 12 meeting.

Heritage Fund celebrates milestone

05/09/2008

The Heritage Fund recently celebrated its return to annual grant making through the generosity of donors who helped the fund reach its endowment goal of $400,000.

Fiesta needs volunteers

05/09/2008

The Camarillo Fiesta Association is looking for volunteers to help out at the Camarillo Fiesta and Street Fair on Sat., July 12 and Sun., July 13. Volunteering opportunities have been opened to the general public. Volunteers will receive a Fiesta volunteer T-shirt.

Tennis tourney a success

05/09/2008

The Meadowlark Service League recently hosted the Women's Doubles Tennis Tournament and Luncheon to raise funds for nonprofits in Camarillo and surrounding communities. The event, which provided a day of tennis, boutiques, drawings and live auctions, raised close to $30,000.

Conejo Mountain to honor veterans

05/09/2008

A Memorial Day ceremony focusing on honoring the service of U.S. military veterans will be held at 11 a.m. Mon., May 26 at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo. The event will feature The Lee Jennings Veterans' Memorial Avenue of the Flags, a display of American flags lining the roadways.

Optometrist eyes new office

05/09/2008

The practice of optometrist Dean Amundsen, OD, has moved to a new location at 4000 Calle Tecate, Ste. 100, Camarillo. The office will host an Open House from 1 to 5 p.m. Sat., May 17. Amundsen graduated from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1984. He has been in private practice serving Camarillo since 1985 at the same location.

Foundation awards grant to Camarillo hospice

05/09/2008

Livingston Memorial Foundation of Westlake Village his presented grants totaling $406,000 to 33 Ventura County nonprofit organizations for medical and health-related issues during its 2007-2008 grant year.

Antidepressant may offer youth relief from irritable bowel syndrome

05/09/2008

Researchers at Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA have found that low-dose antidepressant therapy can improve the quality of life for adolescents suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS. The syndrome affects six percent of middle school students and 14 percent of high school students in the United States.

Alzheimer's Association fundraiser

05/09/2008

The Alzheimer's Association, California Central Coast Chapter will hold a ForgetMeNot bowling tournament from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Harley's Camarillo Bowl, 305 Arneill Road, Camarillo. Admission is $20, which includes bowling and shoe rentals.

We're all in this together

05/09/2008

I vividly recall an incident in my family when I was about 9 years old. It was a beautiful summer morning and I had just sat down on a swing seat in our backyard. I was dreamily watching a butterfly flit across some roses when my younger sister came flying around the corner of the house. Soon after, redfaced and in hot pursuit, came my father.

Free seminar on urinary incontinence

05/09/2008

Community Memorial Health System will hold a seminar on advances in the treatment of urinary incontinence in women from 6 to 8 p.m. Tues., May 13 in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 Brent Street, Ventura.

Conflict negotiator takes on the big boys of oil

By Caroline Neeley Special to the Acorn — 05/09/2008

Exxon Mobil Corp. has made their second best profit ever, a whopping 17 percent higher than a year ago. No doubt first-quarter profits will be reported soon from Shell, Texaco and the rest of those billiondollar machines.

Stretch your gasoline dollars

05/09/2008

Camarillo Car Care has created two calculators to figure out how far one dollar's worth of gas will go. The first calculator figures out miles per dollar, and the second calculator figures the cost of a trip. Access the calculators at www.camarillocarcare.com/ gas_mileage_calculators.htm.

Doing their part to help the environment

05/09/2008

GREEN TEAM- La Mariposa Elementary School students and staff plant a Chinese elm tree in the school's main quad as part of an Arbor Day celebration on April 24. During the school year, La Mariposa students participated in the Wal-Mart Recycling Challenge. For each 60-gallon bag of plastic shopping bags, the retailer gave $5 to La Mariposa.

University opens newly renovated cafeteria

05/09/2008

A new dining commons has opened at California State University Channel Islands. Designed by WWCOT Architects, an architecture and design firm, the project transformed an existing Missionstyle building into modernlooking spaces.

Spartans still streaking

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Once again, the Rio Mesa High swimming program was simply perfect. This season both the boys' and girls' swim teams at RMHS won Pacific View League titles while going undefeated during league play. The girls' winning streak in league is now 13 straight meets, while the boys increased their winning streak to 49 straight.

Tourney win puts Pacific Fury in a good mood

05/09/2008

UNLEASH THE FURY- The Pacific Fury Black girls' basketball team won the Silver Division of the So Cal Class after going 4-0 in the tournament. The Fury beat the Eagles of San Diego, 55-30, and Cal Swish Blue, 52-41. In the semifinals, the Fury won a close game against the Orange County Elite, 40-32, and later beat Cal Swish, 50-46, for the championship.

Cornerstone Christian claims Omega League baseball title

05/09/2008

With the CIFSouthern Section baseball playoffs set to begin next week, Cornerstone Christian appears to be primed for a solid postseason run. The Eagles entered Thursday's regular-season finale at Pilgrim with a 12-7 overall record and a 9-0 mark in the Omega League.

Scorpions set to battle Hart

05/09/2008

The Camarillo High boys' volleyball team will open the CIFSouthern Section Division II playoffs at home tonight against Hart of Newhall. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Camarillo is the top seed from the Pacific View League.

Pet of the Week

05/09/2008

A LOT TO LOVE- Scout, 1, is a happy-go-lucky tan Labrador mix. His friendly, energetic, playful behavior needs training and love. Scout can be adopted at the Camarillo Animal Shelter. Ask for ID#418775. Occasionally pets have already been adopted, so call (805) 388-4341 or visit www.vcar.us before going to the shelter.

Sheriff's Blotter

05/09/2008

Camarillo Sometime between April 28 and 29, a thief stole all four tires, valued at $1,400, off a car parked in the 4800 block of Adohr Lane. A briefcase was stolen from a car parked in the 90 block of Flora Vista sometime between April 28 and 29.

Stabbing suspect arrested

05/09/2008

Police arrested Gilbert Joseph Gutierrez of Moorpark on May 1 for allegedly stabbing Camarillo resident Gregory Allan Ruiz, 19, in the back following an argument in the 100 block of Moorpark Avenue last month. Gutierrez was taken into custody and is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Police ask for public's help in identifying remains

05/09/2008

Investigators have run out of leads and are asking the public for help in identifying the skeletal remains of a man found on a Somis ranch two months ago. Police say the suspicious death of a man between the ages of 21 and 50, 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and of mixed ancestry could be a homicide.

You cannot travel on the path until you become the path itself

05/09/2008

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo Emerson As I departed the airplane and approached the terminal in Cusco, Peru, the faint echo of music wafted through the air. When I entered the terminal, something I never would have expected happened.

Japanese cemetery commemorates 100 years

05/09/2008

The Oxnard Japanese Cemetery will celebrate its 100th anniversary at the annual cleanup held by the Ventura County chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sat., May 10. The cemetery is located on a onethirdacre plot at the intersection of Pleasant Valley and Etting roads in Oxnard.

Church to screen family film

05/09/2008

The Camarillo United Methodist Church will offer a free family movie night at 6:30 p.m. Sat., May 17 in Brooks Hall at the church, 291 Anacapa Drive, Camarillo. The movie is "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium," about a magical store where the toys come to life. The movie is rated G.

Gardening tips for May blooms

05/09/2008

Flowers, vegetables and lawns are entering their maximum growing months, and backyard gardeners can do much in May to help them thrive, say experts at Agromin, a Camarillobased manufacturer of premium soil products.

For Mommy

05/09/2008

My 4-year-old son wanted to write a special message to his mommy for Mother's Day, so he dictated his thoughts to me and I wrote them down as follows: Mommy, I love you very much for Mother's Day. I love you every day because I always want to be happy, and you always make me happy.

Adoption agency hosts free seminar

05/09/2008

Children's Bureau, a nonprofit licensed private adoption agency, will hold an information meeting for prospective adoptive parents from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tues., May 27 at the Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Golden opportunity for a history lesson

05/09/2008

HISTORY LESSON- Rachel Sutcavage, a 6-year-old Camarillo resident, holds "gold" she found panning with volunteer Larry Shulman of the Pleasant Valley Historical Society Museum, right, as Adolfo Camarillo High School student and volunteer Eric Chen, left,

Library helps with tracing family trees

05/09/2008

The Ventura County Library has two new Web-based resources that make it easier for patrons to trace their family trees. HeritageQuest Online and Ancestry Library Edition allow users to explore their roots by searching a surname.

Happy Mother's Day 2008

05/09/2008

Mom, while circumstances beyond your control caused us to grow up way below the poverty line, you made life an adventure. You taught me to love science, nature, beauty, books. You gave me the great gift of resiliency and a love of learning. I think of you when I am excitedly describing some new scientific discovery, and others' eyes are glazing over.

A blaze of glory

05/09/2008

BIG WINNERS- Camarillo Blaze AYSO boys' under-10 soccer team took first place in the Oxnard Sports Festival last weekend. The team includes, back row, from left, Coach Jesus Duran, Gavin Hale, Ernesto Gallard, Carlos Rocha, Jordan Duran and Jose (Pepito) Zinkewich.

Time-challenged parents can take advantage of everyday moments

05/09/2008

Whether trekking to the grocery store, tackling laundry or racing to a meeting, today's parents are busier than ever.

CASA program can play vital role in a child's life

05/09/2008

In California thousands of children are removed from their homes because of alleged abuse. Many of these children don't have parents who contest the allegations or express an interest in their children. As dependents of the court, the children are part of a legal system, which often leaves them feeling confused and alone.

Make plans for wine fest

05/09/2008

The Casa Pacifica Angels Wine and Food Festival will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sun., June 1 on the campus of California State University Channel Islands. The event will include samples from 150 wineries, 75 restaurants and 25 microbreweries.

Kinetic sculpture on display

05/09/2008

Buenaventura Art Association artist Christine Beirne created and donated a kinetic sculpture for the Ventura Harbor Village titled "Seeking Peace." The piece is mounted between two palm trees in the planter between the Harbor Village Gallery and Hi-Cees restaurant.

Monkee Madness

By Sally Carpenter sallyc@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Fans came from as far away as Lodi, Calif., to greet Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz on May 1 at Conejo Valley Days in Thousand Oaks. Audience members began arriving at 5 p.m. to stake out front row seats for the 8 p.m. show.

Moore's art at Sea Breeze

05/09/2008

An exhibit of works by local artist Lisa Moore, "Interwoven Circles: A Cycle of Works," will be on display from Thurs., May 22 to Sat., June 28 at the Sea Breeze Art Gallery, 255 S. Laurel St., Ventura.

"Iron Man"

05/09/2008

Directed by: Jon Favreau Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard and Gwyneth Paltrow Rated: PG13 (mostly bloodless action violence) Running time: 125 minutes Best suited for: superhero fanatics Least suited for:

Theater goes Wilde for 'Earnest'

05/09/2008

The Camarillo Community Theatre will present the classic comedy "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde through Sun., May 18 at the theater, 330 Skyway Drive, Camarillo. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

International au pairs show their musical flair

05/09/2008

In First Neighborhood, Westlake Village, Cultural Care au pairs from around the world shared their national heritage with the Conejo Valley community by presenting a familyfriendly International Music Festival. The au pairs were joined by their host families and families from the local community.

Civil Air Patrol cadets to play Moorpark College

05/09/2008

Cadets Colin Delaney and Frank Sefton of Civil Air Patrol Camarillo Composite Squadron 61 will make their first guest appearance with the 562nd Air Force Band at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Fri., May 9, at the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, 7075 Campus Road.

November ballot a potential disaster

05/09/2008

The California Department of Education recommends that "the election for the governing board will take place on the first regular election following passage of the reorganization proposal." In other words, see if unification passes, then elect a board for the new district.

Let's hear it for Mom!

05/09/2008

It doesn't seem fair. For all they do, only one day of the year is set aside to recognize moms. A week seems more appropriate. But then again, most busy moms don't have more than 15 minutes, let alone a week, to take a well-deserved bow and collect the multiple "thank-yous" they so richly deserve.

Cartoon

05/09/2008

Saticoy CC golf tournament has 'Big' appeal

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 05/09/2008

Kelly Decker of Westlake Village had been a longtime contributor to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County but didn't think she had the time to be one of its mentors. But a couple of years ago Decker decided to make time. She was matched with "Little Sister" Jessica Batchelor, 12.

Team recognizes a real-life G.I. Joe

05/09/2008

THINKING OF YOU- The Mustang AA Giants of the Camarillo Pony Baseball Association, above, show their support for teammate Bryce Arnold's father, Senior Chief EOCS(SCW) Joseph B. Arnold, a Navy Seabee on his third deployment in Iraq, with Bryce at right. The Giants also sent Arnold a care package.

Datebook

05/09/2008

FRI., MAY 9 American Folk Dancing West Valley Folk Dancers will dance 7:15 to 10 p.m., Canoga Park Senior Center, 7326 Jordan Ave. American dance "Mega Mambo" taught. For all ages, skill levels. Wear soft shoes. $4. (818) 591-9078.

A Remodel In The Neighborhood Of Three Springs

05/09/2008

This remodel in the neighborhood of Three Springs has surfaces made of granite, wood, tumbled Travertine. The kitchen features custom cherry cabinets, GE Monogram appliances, including a builtin refrigerator, cooling drawers, Advantium oven, warming drawer and pull-out shelves. The floor plan includes 4 bedrooms, 3.

Michael and Arleen Delgado

05/09/2008

For February 2008, the awards for Top Listing Agents and Top Selling Agents from Prudential California Realty's Oxnard/Channel Islands of fice went to Michael and Arleen Delgado.

Article

05/09/2008

Prudential California Realty (PCR) has adopted the slogan "Let's Make It Happen!" Large banners are hung in the center of their six offices as a constant reminder of this philosophy. For several years, PCR has being using a book called, "Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results.