Camarillo Acorn

Residents salute America's heroes

11/14/2008

GRATEFUL NATION— Above, Camarillo resident John Torkelsen, who served in the Navy during both World War II and Korea, is surrounded by his granddaughters, from left, Caris Kozak, 9, Candace Kozak, 1, and Rebecca Kozak, 5, during the Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11 at Constitution Park in Camarillo. The event was hosted by the American Legion Post 741.

Don't count Measure U out just yet

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

Not so fast—the fate of Measure U hasn't been decided just yet. After Election Day it was generally believed that the Camarillo school unification effort had failed as all precincts had reported; the measure, which needs a simple majority to pass, was behind by about 2.5 percent.

State Senate race still too close to call

By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

More than a week after the election, some races in Ventura County still haven't been decided due to the hundreds of thousands of still-to-be-counted ballots.

Anti-prison hospital groups share same goal, different stategies

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

The Prison Hospital Action Committee (PHAC) and the Taxpayers for a Safe Ventura County are hoping different roads lead to the same goal: no prison hospital in Camarillo. Both groups are opposed to construction of a $1-billion, 1,500-bed prison hospital that would replace the Ventura Youth Correctional Facility on Wright Road.

Car burglaries on rise throughout city

By Daniel Wolowicz camarillo@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

Vehicle burglaries skyrocketed throughout Camarillo in early November, and police are asking residents to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight.

Renovation moves forward for historic barn

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

The Camarillo Ranch barn, one of the oldest and most historic landmarks in the city, will undergo renovations costing $643,376. The 103-year-old barn, which has been used as a storage facility in recent years, will be refurbished so it can be used to host indoor events. The City Council awarded the bid for renovations during last week's regular meeting.

Flannigan moves to Camarillo post

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

A new police captain has been assigned to oversee patrol services in Ventura County's unincorporated areas, including Oak Park, Lake Sherwood, Hidden Valley, Lynn Ranch, Bell Canyon and parts of Newbury Park. Capt. Bill Flannigan and Capt. Brent Kerr of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department are switching jobs.

Bank ramps up recycling program

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

A recycling pilot program at Santa Barbara Bank & Trust is well on its way to keeping as much as eight tons of waste out of a landfill. The company had no formal recycling program in place for its 1,400 employees until it began developing one with the city of Santa Barbara about this time last year.

See glass jewelry

11/14/2008

Glass artist Dolores Barrett's fifth annual studio jewelry show will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., Nov. 22 at Camarillo Church of the Nazarene, 2280 Antonio Drive, Camarillo. Barrett will display her jewelry and new creations. Work by handmade book artist Mardel Burns will also be exhibited.

Pruning seminar

11/14/2008

Baron Brothers Nursery will host a fruit tree and rose pruning seminar at 10 a.m. Sat., Nov. 22 at the nursery, 7568 Santa Rosa Road, Camarillo. The seminar will have a question and answer segment. There will also be drawings for soil amendments, fertilizers and seeds.

Hope fundraiser

11/14/2008

A fundraiser to create Our Community House of Hope will be at 7 p.m. Fri., Nov. 14 at the North Ranch Center, 1400 N. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village.

Body Temple Gym helps members shed pounds

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

After meeting online through a matchmaking website, Denise Wallace and Larry Pollock discovered they had much in common. They're the same age, and so are their daughters, and both are passionate about bodybuilding. Within a few days, the two were inseparable.

Camarillo Hospice celebrates national care month

11/14/2008

Camarillo Hospice is celebrating National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, raising awareness of hospice care and giving thanks to the hospice's volunteers. Medical hospice and palliative care programs provide pain management, symptom control and psychosocial support to patients and their families when a cure is not possible.

Partridge earns certification

11/14/2008

Kara Partridge, chief administrative officer for the Camarillo Health Care District, has been certified as a special district administrator by the California Special District Leadership Foundation. The special district administrator certification is a voluntary designation sought by administrators with various academic and professional backgrounds.

YMCA offers free flu shots

11/14/2008

The Camarillo Family YMCA will host a free flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Sat., Nov. 15 at the Y, 3111 Village at the Park Drive, Camarillo. Staff from Seaview IPA will be administering the vaccines to community members age 18 and older.

Health care district announces events

11/14/2008

Camarillo Health Care District announces its upcoming events calendar. All events will be held at the center, 3639 E. Las Posas Road, Camarillo. A basic first aid class will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat., Nov. 22.

Walk and Roll

11/14/2008

The Walk and Roll Club meets at 9 a.m. every Monday and Thursday at the Camarillo Health Care District, 3639 Las Posas Road, Building E, Ste. 123, Camarillo. The group completes a one- to two-mile walk together. The club is free and open to the public. Dogs are welcome.

Datebook

11/14/2008

FRI., NOV. 14 Westlake Village Encore Meets at Westlake Yacht Club, 32123 Lindero Canyon Road, WLV. Refreshments 9:30 a.m. Meeting, program 10 a.m. Floral designer from Canfield Persons, The Oaks mall, shows how to make holiday arrangements. Flowers raffled off. Guests welcome.

Mind Storm Masters bring robots to life

11/14/2008

GREAT JOB, TEAM!—Monte Vista Middle School's Mind Storm Masters team competed in the inaugural Lego League Robotics Competition sponsored by the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation at the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club on Nov. 1. Twenty teams competed in the competition and were judged on robot performance and design, teamwork, and project presentation. Students had about two months to build and test their Lego robots for the tournament. Monte Vista Mind Storm Masters took second place overall and also took second place in robot performance with scores of 99, 114 and 134 missing first place by just 2 points. Monte Vista Mind Storm Masters team members include Mason Bender, Brandon Benich, Michael Fischler, David Fraley, David Gatchel, Michael Mayper, Trevor Pepperdine, Ryan Smith and Lexi Townley.

CineMagic hosts rummage and bake sale

11/14/2008

CineMagic will host a rummage and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, Sat., Nov. 15 at Dos Caminos Elementary School, 3635 Appian Way. Proceeds will go toward theater arts for the children of Pleasant Valley. The sale is organized by parent and teacher volunteers with CineMagic and the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation.

Library computer class is for kids

11/14/2008

A computer class for students in grades kindergarten through 12 and their parents will be held from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Sun., Nov. 23 in the technology classroom at the Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo.

Pony Baseball registration to begin

11/14/2008

Camarillo Pony Baseball registration will be held through Sun., Jan. 4 for players ages 5 to 19. In-person registration will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 20 at the Camarillo Community Center,1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo.

Unfinished business

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

Think a high school football team with a 1-8 record has no chance at the playoffs? Think again. When Camarillo (4-5 overall, 2-2 in Pacific View League play) and Rio Mesa (1-8, 1-3) face off tonight at RMHS, it will be for more than city bragging rights.

Scorpions finish season with a fun round of golf

11/14/2008

DOWN THE MIDDLE— Camarillo High's Dani Belvedere hits a shot from the fairway during Monday's CIF-Southern Section Girls Golf Northern Divisional at River Ridge Golf Club. ACHS finished in 14th place with a team score of 498.

Playoffs underway for local schools

11/14/2008

TITLE CHASE— Hailey Keairns of Camarillo High, left, dives down to return a serve from the Fullerton volleyball girls' team during Tuesday's CIF-SS Division II-A first-round match. The Scorpions played at Oak Park on Thursday night. In other action Thursday, the top-seeded Rio Mesa boys' water polo team opened play in Division VI against Glendale.

Squirrel of the Month

11/14/2008

PREGNANT OR NOT?—Cathy and Tom Smith of Calabasas have been hiding peanuts in the bark of their Eucalyptus tree so "Susie" can find a meal. The Smiths wrote, "We think she either has babies or will be having babies soon!" We aren't experts on squirrels but we think a good sign is Susie's stomach. If she looks bloated, she's pregnant. The Smiths also said she's healthy, pretty and has nice fur. Send your Squirrel of the Month photo to the address on page 4, or to camarillo@theacorn.com if it's a digital image. We do not discriminate against males or female squirrels that are not pregnant.

Pet of the Week

11/14/2008

CALM LADY—P.J. is a 3year-old female Siamese. She is calm and quiet, has beautiful blue eyes and is declawed. P.J. is available at the Camarillo Animal Shelter, 600 Aviation Dr. Call (805) 388-4341 and ask for ID No. A454609. Occasionally pets have already been adopted, so call first or visit www.vcar.us before going to the shelter.

Camarillo Blotter

11/14/2008

A home in the 2000 block of W. Chapel Drive was burglarized sometime between Oct. 31 and Nov. 4. The victim reported $150,000 in jewelry was stolen from her home. A car parked in the 300 block of Paseo Camarillo was burglarized sometime between Nov. 3 and 4. A personal navigation system and an iPod transmitter, totaling $180, were stolen.

Man who was saved by Schindler to speak at Hyatt

11/14/2008

The Conejo Jewish Academy will host a lecture titled "Little Leyson: The Youngest Schindler's List Survivor Tells His Story" at 8 p.m. Mon., Nov. 17 at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village. The public is invited.

A matter of integrity

11/14/2008

"Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direc tion of truth and love.

Presbyterian church to host men's conference

11/14/2008

The second annual No Man Left Behind Men's Conference, sponsored by the Valiant Men Ministry of Simi Valley Presbyterian Church, will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sat., Nov. 22 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley.

Moose really know how to serve city

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

Why would Wayne Scott and other members of the Camarillo Family Moose Center donate food, money and countless hours to treat hundreds of strangers to a free meal on Thanksgiving Day? "You never forget about it," said Scott, 50. "It's such an emotional experience. . . . There's not a dry eye in the house.

Honoring our troops

11/14/2008

THANKING SERVICE MEMBERS— Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School students sing traditional patriotic songs during the school's Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 10. Services recognizing U.S. troops of both past and present wars were held throughout Ventura County on Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Longing for a parents' night out?

11/14/2008

The Camarillo Family YMCA will host Parents' Night Out from 5 to 9 p.m. Sat., Nov. 22 at the Y, 3111 Village at the Park Drive, Camarillo. Children ages 3 to 10 may be dropped off at the YMCA to give parents a night out. Kids will participate in Thanksgiving-themed games and crafts, dinner and a movie.

Philanderer make over

11/14/2008

HILARITY ENSUES—Melissa Raggenkamp, left, plays Rusty, and Linda Shaver plays Charlie in the Conejo Players production of "Goodbye Charlie." The play is about a womanizer who's reincarnated as a beautiful woman. It opens Fri., Nov. 14 at the Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S. Moorpark Road, and runs through Sat., Dec. 13. Ticket prices range from $16 to $20. For more information or to buy tickets, call (805) 495-3715.

Art exhibits

11/14/2008

Studio Channel Islands Art Center will host an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. Sun., Nov. 16 at the gallery on the campus of California State University Channel Islands, Building 18 on Ventura St., Camarillo. Two exhibits will run from Sun., Nov. 16 to Sat., Nov. 20.

Fall is ripe with fruit varieties

11/14/2008

Fall brings a variety of apples and other fruits to the Ventura County Certified Farmers' Markets available now through December. Among the selections is a new crop of apples good for snacking or fall recipes. Nancy Rydell of Fair Hills Farms, who participates in the Ventura Market, has a variety of Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples for consumers.

Poster contest seeks entries that capture the look and feel of the Strawberry Festival

11/14/2008

The California Strawberry Festival seeks submissions for the 2009 official poster contest with $1,500 awarded to the winner. The entry deadline is Jan. 5. The poster will be used in marketing and advertising, as well as printed on T-shirts and promotional items.

Representative says 'Thank you'

11/14/2008

It is an honor to serve the people of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in Washington, DC, and I want to thank the voters for your support again this week. As a nation, we face challenges today unlike any we've faced in many decades. But the United States has faced great challenges before and we have always prevailed. There is much work ahead.

Union head wants to clarify

11/14/2008

I am the president of the Oxnard Federation of Teachers and School Employees and the President and Treasurer of the political action committee (PAC) that opposed Measure U in the last election. I want to take issue with a quote from Debra Creadick that appeared in the Nov.

Foundation given congrats

11/14/2008

Recently, I had the privilege to be a volunteer judge at the first annual Robotic competition in Camarillo sponsored for the children by the Pleasant Valley Education Foundation. The event was held at the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club and was a great success. The sponsors and the hosts pulled off an incredible event for the children and our community.

What now?

11/14/2008

The strength of the Camarillo Acorn , our community newspaper, is not necessarily the articles and editorials we deliver to you, but the comments and letters you return to us to complete the feedback cycle.

Cartoon

11/14/2008

Take Your Camarillo Acorn on Vacation

11/14/2008

'SAY CHEESE'—Camarillo residents Doris Phipps, Fred Phipps, Joe Wawrach and Lupe Wawrach read their hometown newspaper at the library in Epheses, Turkey. Epheses was a highlight on a recent Mediterranian cruise.

Program aims to help lost seniors

By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

A new service for senior citizens may give their caregivers some peace of mind. Project Life Saver, a locator service for wandering Camarillo seniors suffering from dementia, was unveiled before officials at the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club Tuesday.

Chamber luncheon to focus on local, state and national economy

11/14/2008

The Camarillo Chamber will host its annual economic outlook luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 21 at Spanish Hills Country Club, 999 Crestview Ave., Camarillo. Guest speaker will be Dr. Bill Watkins. Housing, retail sales and employment will be discussed, as well as how Camarillo's economy factors into California's and the nation's economies.

State controller to speak

11/14/2008

The Ventura County Taxpayers Association will hold its 54th annual meeting and dinner at 5 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 20 at Las Posas Country Club, 955 Fairway Drive, Camarillo. California State Controller John Chiang will be the guest speaker. The controller is the chair of the Franchise Tax Board.

The story behind Dizdar Park

11/14/2008

Tucked just off Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo is one of the smallest parks in Camarillo, Dizdar Park.

Curling finds a home in Ventura County

By Carol Pond carol@theacorn.com — 11/14/2008

On Saturday nights at the Iceoplex in Simi Valley, after the hockey players have hung up their skates, players of a different sport take to the ice in jeans and sneakers, wielding brooms and 40pound stones. The sport is curling, which grew in popularity in the United States during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, when the U.S.

Poetry Out Loud contest will return to schools

11/14/2008

The Ventura County Arts Council invites all public, private and parochial high schools, as well as homeschoolers to participate in the Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, a competition that engages high-school students in the presentation of poetry through memorization and performance.

'Be a Santa to a Senior' needs volunteers

11/14/2008

Home Instead Senior Care is teaming up with nonprofit agencies and area retailers to sponsor the fifth annual Be a Santa to a Senior, a program that collects, wraps and delivers gifts to lonely and needy seniors in Ventura County who might not otherwise receive a gift.

Badminton comes to Camarillo

11/14/2008

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District hosts open play badminton from 6 to 9:30 p.m. every Saturday at Freedom Park Gym at the Camarillo Airport, 224 Willis Ave., Camarillo. For more information, call (805) 482-1996.

St. Mary Magdalen screens film

11/14/2008

St. Mary Magdalen Church will host a screening of the film "The Fragrant Spirit of Life" at 7 p.m. Sun., Nov. 16 at the church, 2532 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. The movie is about life in Uganda.

Bird watch on the schedule

11/14/2008

The Conejo Valley Audubon Society has announced its events calendar for November. Ron Barns will lead a group to Ahmanson Ranch at 8 a.m. Sun., Nov. 16. Participants should meet at the Rancho Road ParkandRide. For more information, call Barns at (818) 9919967.

Camarillo-based developer reaches milestone

11/14/2008

The completion of Flynn Road Business Park in Camarillo marks TOLD Corporation's 5millionth square foot of construction in Ventura County. Flynn Road Business Park features 63 industrial and 14 office condominium units. Phase I opened to owners in November 2006 and Phase II opened October 2008.

Carole and Manny Hernandez

11/14/2008

Carole Hernandez of Prudential California Realty's Camarillo office was congratulated by Bro ker/owner Bob Majorino and Branch Manager Jim Chutuk for recently earning her e-Certification. ECertification recognizes members of the Prudential Network who are competent using the Internet and technology in their real estate business.