Thousand Oaks Acorn

Conejo Valley Days wraps it up for another year

05/08/2008

TRYING HIS SKILL WHILE HELPING A WORTHY CAUSE- Justin DeBeikes, 8, of Thousand Oaks tries to toss a ping-pong ball into floating rings at the Thousand Oaks High School Associated Student Body game booth on opening night of the Conejo Valley Days carnival. The excitement continued through Sunday at Conejo Creek Park South.

T.O. Acorn is celebrating its 10th anniversary

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

In 1998 the first Harry Potter book was released, the International Space Station was launched and the Thousand Oaks Acorn made its debut. All were major undertakings, made after much preparation.

Alcohol may have been a factor in traffic death of boy

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

Another tragedy has struck an area high school. A Westlake High School freshman died after an auto accident Friday night involving a suspected drunken driver. Lester Turcios, 15, died at 12:30 p.m. May 3 from blunt force head injuries, according to Senior Dep. Medical Examiner Armando Chavez.

Ventura County superintendent of schools leaving area for new post

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

The Ventura County Office of Education will see a different face at the top for the first time in 15 years. Charles Weis, who's been superintendent of schools since 1993, has been selected for the superintendent position in Santa Clara County. He'll begin his new employment on July 1.

Chamber of Commerce endorses Measure B

05/08/2008

The Agoura/Oak Park/Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce's board of directors has voted to support the "Right to Vote on Traffic Congestion" initiative that will appear on the Thousand Oaks June 3 ballot as Measure B. Under Measure B, large developments, such as big box stores, would require a vote of the public if found to cause significant traffic congestion.

For the record

05/08/2008

Due to erroneous information provided to the Acorn , the date of Dick Van Dyke's fundraiser for Thousand Oaks High School was incorrectly listed last week in a story and Datebook as May 14. The event was actually on May 1.

Park district chair is named director of the yea

05/08/2008

Conejo Recreation and Park District board of directors chair George Lange was named Director of the Year during the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts annual conference in April.

Letter shows city had a different perspective on mobile homes in 1995

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

Conejo Mobile Home Park residents wish they'd received a letter of encouragement from Councilmember Andy Fox like the one he sent to Thunderbird Oaks Mobile Home Park in 1995. The letter touts mobile home parks as an asset and an affordable housing resource protected by the city.

Change on Triunfo board raises new questions

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

The leadership makeup of Triunfo Sanitation District has taken another twist following the announcement that longtime member Jim Acosta is resigning from the district's board of directors. Former Triunfo boardmember and Thousand Oaks City Councilmember Dennis Gillette has been appointed by the Ventura Regional Sanitation District to take Acosta's place.

Topanga Fair planned over holiday weekend

05/08/2008

The 35th annual Topanga Days Country Fair will be Memorial Day weekend starting at 10 a.m. Sat., May 24 to Mon., May 26 at 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. The family friendly event will feature a parade, crafts, jewelers, holistic therapists, environmentally friendly products, dancing and musical performances.

NPHS club prepares for AIDS fundraiser

By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

As the end of the school year approaches, many students are focused on finals and summer vacation plans. But the Interact Club at Newbury Park High School is in full swing planning a May 31 fundraiser that will raise money for AIDS awareness.

CRPD plans 'Sycamore to the Sea' hike

05/08/2008

Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Outdoor Advisory Council will hold the annual Sycamore to the Sea hike at 9 a.m. Sat., May 17. Checkin will be at the Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park.

V.C. Over the Hill Gang meets for fun in Simi

05/08/2008

Ventura County Over the Hill Gang invites active people aged 50 and up to a get acquainted meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Fri. May 9 at a member's home in Simi Valley. The club consists of people who enjoy outdoor activities with other physically active seniors.

Symphony aims to raise $600,000

05/08/2008

The New West Symphony recently announced a $300,000 challenge gift. The challenge is being made by three longtime supporters of the symphony: a leadership gift of $150,000 from Ventura residents and philanthropists Sandra and Jordan Laby, $100,000 from an anonymous donor, and $50,000 from New West Symphony President Len Linton and his wife, Judy,

Postal carriers to collect food on Saturday

05/08/2008

Postal carriers will be collecting for a food drive on Sat., May 10. Postal routes throughout the county will be collecting food from residents. Items are to be placed near mailboxes. Areas include: •Thousand Oaks Post Office- 3435 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Democrats host candidate forum

05/08/2008

The Democratic Club of Conejo Valley will have the last of its series of candidate forums before the June primary at 6:30 p.m. Wed., May 14 at the Grant Brimhall/Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

RSVP helping seniors get their economic stimulus checks

05/08/2008

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) at the Goebel Senior Adult Center will continue to help anyone who needs to file a 1040A income tax form in order to receive the economic stimulus payment.

Celebrity brightens the parade

05/08/2008

WARM GREETING- Chad Everett, celebrity grand marshal, tips his hat to the crowd at the start of the 52nd annual Conejo Valley Days Parade on Saturday. The weather was perfect, and about 90 groups participated.

Many Mansions appoints board member

05/08/2008

Many Mansions has appointed Sasan Nikoomanesh of Simi Valley to serve as a member of its board of directors. Nikoomanesh is an executive, consultant and information expert with experience managing and supporting technology and finance in a variety of industries, private corporations and federal agencies.

Perfect day for a parade

05/08/2008

STEPPING OUT- Sean Parkinson, left, John Gilbert and Glen McAfee of Pack No. 3715 kick off the 52nd annual Conejo Valley Days Parade. Last Saturday's event began with a P-51 flyover, and the World War II-era plane made several return flights.

Conejo Free Clinic needs volunteers

05/08/2008

The Conejo Free Clinic is seeking licensed vocational nurses, certified medical assistants and registered nurses for volunteer duties. Volunteers served for four hours one Thursday a month at a morning pediatric health clinic. Duties include injection, patient intake and computer skills.

Westlake group awards grants

05/08/2008

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

Dermatologist to give free tips on skin cancer prevention

05/08/2008

James S. Weintraub, MD, will host a free skin cancer awareness seminar from 9 to 10 a.m. Thurs., May 15 at The Oaks mall near Macy's Women's store on the lower level. Weintraub, a dermatologist at Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center, will discuss various types of skin cancer and how they're diagnosed and treated.

How to handle adult diabetes

05/08/2008

If you've been told by a healthcare professional that you have type 2 diabetes, it's normal to feel anxious or uncertain. But you're not alone- - almost 10.5 million adults age 60 and older in the United States have diabetes.

Volunteer group helps foster children

05/08/2008

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.

'Monkee Man' wows the CVD crowd

By Sally Carpenter sallyc@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

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.

Jonathan Edwards to perform at library

05/08/2008

Concerts at the Bodie House presents Jonathan Edwards at 8 p.m. Fri., May 16 at the Grant Brimhall/Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Edwards is a folk rock musician whose 1971 song "Sunshine" sold about 1 million copies.

Air Force Band will perform Friday at Moorpark College

05/08/2008

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.

A new location for music lovers

05/08/2008

A SMILE AND A SONG- Keyboard Concepts owner Dennis Hagerty plays for guests at the grand opening of his Agoura Hills store. Keyboard Concepts recently moved from Thousand Oaks to 28501Canwood St. in the Agoura Design Center. Call (818) 832-5881 for more information.

Ojai Art Center stages a classic rabbit tale

05/08/2008

The Ojai Art Center Theater will present "The Velveteen Rabbit" beginning at 7 p.m. Fri., May 9 at the theater, 113 S. Montgomery St., Ojai. The play is based on the 1922 story by Margery Williams about a shabby toy bunny who is beloved by his child.

Musical is 'Out of This World'

By Cary Ginell Soundthink@aol.com — 05/08/2008

For Broadway fans tired of seeing the same old big budget blockbuster musicals, the Musical Theatre Guild is just the ticket. The guild, according to its brochure, specializes in "exploring and preserving works from the musical theatre repertoire that were either forgotten, neglected, or unfairly dismissed.

"Iron Man"

05/08/2008

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:

WHS to host a jazz festival

05/08/2008

Westlake High School will hold a jazz festival at 9 a.m. Sat., May 10 at the high school, 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village.

Village Voices to showcase famous songs from movies

05/08/2008

The Village Voices Chorale will perform "Reel Music: A Night at the Movies" at 8 p.m. Fri., May 30 and Sat., May 31 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Scherr Forum Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Practice makes perfect even for a skilled performer like Dick Van Dyke

05/08/2008

TUNING UP BEFORE TAKING THE STAGE- Dick Van Dyke, second from left, rehearses with his quartet, the Vantastix, which includes, from left, Bryan Chadima, Eric Bradley and Mike Mendyke. They were rehearsing before a benefit performance at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza last Sunday. Van Dyke also sang with five local high school choral groups.

Datebook

05/08/2008

THURS., MAY 8 Science Fair White Oak Elementary School hosts Science Fair 6:30 to 8 p.m., 31761 Village School Road, Westlake Village. Students kindergarten to fifth grade give science demonstration, display results of science experiments. Free admission, open to public. Gina Amenta-Shin, (818) 889-1450.

High School Hi-Lights

05/08/2008

All events (subject to change) are listed by name, location and time if provided. If calendars are modified, school sources are asked to contact us with updated information at this email address: steve@theacorn.com.

Kids help each other through peer program

By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

Every day a group of about 35 middle school students come to a very special class. Sandwiched between science and English, a select bunch of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders meet to learn how to help their struggling peers.

TOHS student earns scholarship

05/08/2008

High school senior Lauren Garcia of Thousand Oaks is one of 20 students to receive the Ignatian Leaders Scholarship at Gonzaga University for the 200809 academic year. The scholarship, which was established to recognize academic merit, leadership qualities and community service, is worth $20,000 over four years.

Three times the tuneful enthusiasm

05/08/2008

TRIPLE THREAT- Three bands march as one during the Conejo Valley Days Parade: Newbury Park High School, and Sequoia Middle and Sycamore Canyon.

T.O. band will host two events

05/08/2008

Two upcoming events will benefit the Thousand Oaks High School band. •A Mother's Day pancake breakfast and carwash will be held Sat., May 10 at the high school, 2323 N. Moorpark Road. The breakfast will be from 8 to 11 a.m., and the carwash will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Street fair to support Panther band

05/08/2008

The Newbury Park High School Panther Band will sponsor its second annual street fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., May 17 at the school, 456 Reino Road, Newbury Park. The fair will feature a farmers' market, kid zone, carnival, rummage sale, street vendors, arts and crafts booths, live music and a swap meet.

Ahead of the game

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

Last week Michael Avery decided what college he's going to attend. Now all he has to do is choose a high school. Avery, a 15yearold eighthgrader who attends Ascension Lutheran in Thousand Oaks, made a verbal commitment to play basketball at the University of Kentucky beginning in the fall of 2012.

Westlake JV baseball coaches leave program amid questions

By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

Robert Gerig was mowing the baseball diamond at Westlake High, prepping the field for a Monday afternoon practice. Minutes later, Gerig and his son Joey were no longer coaches for Westlake's junior varsity baseball team.

Tough challenges ahead for local volleyball teams

By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

The Marmonte and Sunset leagues have a date with destiny. When the CIFSouthern Section Division I boys' volleyball playoffs begin Friday night, the Marmonte's top three teams- Royal, Thousand Oaks and Agoura- will all be playing against Sunset League opponents.

Warrior golfers continue to build momentum

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

Unlike basketball, there are no assists in golf. What Westlake High sophomore Chris Doyle did for his Warrior teammates during Monday's CIF-Southern Section Northern Divisional championship, however, comes pretty darn close.

Newbury Park, Agoura in lacrosse final

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

After splitting their season series, the Agoura and Newbury Park lacrosse clubs will meet in the Southern California Lacrosse Association championship game Friday night at NPHS. The Newbury Park Prowlers earned a trip to the final with a 4-3 win over the Thousand Oaks Knights Tuesday night.

New office buildings close escrow

05/08/2008

Four properties valued at about $6 million have closed escrow at the newly completed Bollinger Office Park in Newbury Park, according to Lee & Associates-L.A. North/Ventura Inc., a fullservice commercial real estate brokerage and a member of the Lee & Associates group of companies.

EYE ON LOCAL AREA STOCKS

05/08/2008

Company Name AMGEN BAXTER BEVERLY HILLS BANCORP CAMINOSOFT CORP. CHEESECAKE FACTORY COUNTRYWIDE FINANCIAL CORP. DIODES, INC DTS, INC. ELECTRONIC CLEARING HOUSE ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY SENSOR INC.

Westlake production company specializes in new technology

05/08/2008

Conejo Valley resident Eric Blum is owner and executive producer at Eric Blum Productions, a full-service production and post-production company that has been in business for more than 25 years creating productions for corporate and broadcast.

Each springtime brings out more rattlers, and more curious canines are being bitten

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

An abundance of rattlesnakes is keeping rattlesnake wrangler Bo Slyapich and local veterinarians busy this spring. "I thought last year was real bad with lots of rattlesnakes, but this year is a whole lot worse," said Slyapich.

Snakes not the only danger to pets

05/08/2008

Not all pet poisonings can be blamed on snakes. If a substance is good for people, that doesn't necessarily mean it's good for pets. If an owner drops it, man's best friend might eat it, so be careful with prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and vitamins.

Pet of the Week

05/08/2008

PUGLICIOUS- Otis, a 7-year-old male black pug, can be adopted from the Agoura Animal Shelter at 29525 Agoura Road. To take Otis home, ask about identification No. A3814527. Occasionally pets have already been adopted, so always call (818) 991-0071 first or visit animalcare.lacounty.gov/.

CHP officer works with FBI in targeting Internet predators

By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

He doesn't want to be called Chris Hanson, but Jeffrey Ferber admits he shares a mission with the host of the popular NBC Dateline series "To Catch a Predator": Both seek to bring sexual offenders to justice.

Sheriff's Blotter

05/08/2008

Newbury Park A secured bicycle was stolen at Sequoia Middle School during the school day on April 9. A burglar entered classrooms and stole and damaged property at a public school in the 2600 block of Michael Drive between April 25 and 27.

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

05/08/2008

"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.

Science and medical ethics to be discussed

05/08/2008

The Conejo Jewish Academy will host a twopart lecture series on science, Intelligent Design, religion and Jewish medical ethics at 8 p.m. Mon., May 12 and Thurs., May 15 at the academy, 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills.

St. Paul Lutheran Church schedules golf tourney

05/08/2008

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Agoura Hills will host its second annual golf classic at 1:30 p.m. Sun., June 8 at Lost Canyons Golf Club, 3301 Lost Canyon Drive, Simi Valley. ; Tournament entry includes golf, cart fees, lunch, goodie bag, contest holes and a holein-one contest for a new car.

Mother's Day three times the fun

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 05/08/2008

Mother's Day may not mean three times the presents, but Danielle Kilmer's life as the mother of triplets definitely brings her lots more work, more fun and an abundance of love. Kilmer knew she was in for a lot of work as soon as she was told she was pregnant with three babies.

Fifth-grade finalists perform at celebration

By Denise Gula Special to the Acorn — 05/08/2008

Finalists from all CVUSD fifth grades gathered last week at Aspen Elementary for a Public Speaking Oratorical Celebration.

Au pairs celebrate cultures

05/08/2008

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 family friendly International Music Festival. The au pairs were joined by their host families and families from the local community.

Restoration summer camp registering kids

05/08/2008

Mountains Restoration Trust's "Discovery Nature Camp" is accepting reservations for the three sessions held at Headwaters Corner in Calabasas. The camps are open to children ages 8 to 12, and are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Over and over

05/08/2008

DAREDEVIL- Matt Jones, 16, of Thousand Oaks, representing Jacob Flame's Tang Soo Do University, does flips during Saturday's parade along Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Tips take the wedding cake

05/08/2008

For some soon-to-be-married couples, choosing a wedding cake is becoming more important than deciding on an entree. When selecting a wedding reception menu, the engaged are finding it's hip to "marry" the unexpected, like pairing wine with wedding cake.

The World's Greatest Moms

05/08/2008

Why my mom is great: My mom, Shiphrah Maller, spends her life caring for others. A 1942 UCLA graduate transplanted to New York City after marriage. A school teacher in a low income area, she was referred to as the "Trip Teacher"- she was the only teacher to take children on field trips.

Leading the show

05/08/2008

SETTING THE CADENCE- Drum major Jaclyn Bellville, an eighth-grader, leads the Redwood Middle School marching band during the Conejo Valley Days Parade.

Catch 'Peter Pan' in Thousand Oaks

05/08/2008

Pacific Festival Ballet presents its spring performance of "Peter Pan" tomorrow, Fri., May 9, at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. A children's fulllength matinee will begin at 4 p.m. The 7:30 p.m. performance will also include a tribute to Scott Joplin, classical ballet variations and the Olympics.

Study planets

05/08/2008

The Ventura County Astronomical Society will hold its monthly membership meeting at 7:30 p.m. Fri., May 16 in the multipurpose room at Mesa Union School, 3901 Mesa School Road, Somis. Guest speaker Dr. Marshall Perrin will discuss "Imaging of Planet Formation.

Crowd gets extra musical attention

05/08/2008

ALL SHINY AND BRIGHT- The Thousand Oaks High School marching band stops to play along the Conejo Valley Days parade route. The band stopped and gave short performances at two bleacher sites, one at the Do-it Center and the other at The Lakes.

Getting dizzy on the Sizzler

05/08/2008

SMILES AND SCREAMS- Dylan Morgan, 12, and Trevor Martinez, 13, both of Thousand Oaks, hold on while spinning on the Sizzler ride during opening night of the Conejo Valley Days carnival at Conejo Creek Park South in Thousand Oaks.

For Mommy

05/08/2008

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.

Girl talent to be showcased

05/08/2008

The Girls Empowerment Center will have a "Girls Got Talent Night" from 6 to 10 p.m. Fri., May 30 at the center, 2500 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village. Girls will meet with creative professionals to try on different talents or discover a new one.

'Is ice cream good for me?'

05/08/2008

'IT HAS MILK IN IT, RIGHT?'- Riley Hearon, 4, of Thousand Oaks shows off her ice cream mustache. Riley attended the first night of the Conejo Valley Days carnival where young and old enjoyed rides, food, beverages, entertainment and an exhibitors' tent.

Using a limousine service is one way to keep teens safe en route to the prom

05/08/2008

Prom night is often one of the most anticipated nights on a teen's calendar. Though parents may worry about their children staying out late on prom night, hiring a chauffeured car for the evening can make the event seem special for teens and give parents peace of mind.

Adoption topic of info meet

05/08/2008

Children's Bureau, a nonprofit licensed adoption agency, will hold an information meeting for prospective adoptive parents from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tues., May 27 at the Grant Brimall/T.O. Library, 1401 E. Janss Road in T.O. Families and individuals interested in becoming adoptive parents to a child or siblings are invited to attend the meeting.

Because of you, we have improved as a paper

05/08/2008

We started with a simple plan. We knew that if we produced a high quality weekly newspaper that covers local news, people would read it. With readers come advertisers, and if the paper is a quality product, it goes into homes instead of recycling bins. We reasoned that this formula had worked before and would work again.

Cartoon

05/08/2008

Guest opinion

By Hannah-Beth Jackson Candidate for state Senate — 05/08/2008

Our local school districts are in crisis, as is the statewide system itself. Protests of imminent teacher firings and school closings, like the one I spoke at recently, Buena High School in Ventura, are sprouting up all across the state.

Measure B didn't play by the rules; it will hurt the city

05/08/2008

Recently, I wrote the comprehensive analysis floating around of Measure B, the Do-it Center backed referendum formally called the "Right to vote on traffic congestion initiative.

Another group sees the dark side of Measure B

05/08/2008

One aspect of Measure B that hasn't received attention is the effect that such a law would have on the development of new affordable housing, especially housing for low-income seniors. Measure B contains no affordable housing exception.

Measure B is bad medicine for T.O.

05/08/2008

Measure B misleads the citizens of Conejo Valley by claiming to be about traffic concerns. In reality it's an attempt to limit retail competition in the area. Measure B denies us the opportunity to purchase the best products at competetive prices.

Symphony lovers should be spared the parking fee

05/08/2008

I look at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza as a wonderful addition to the city and not a boondoggle as some might think. I have one complaint though. We are season subscribers to the New West Symphony and as such must pay $8 to park in the Plaza parking structure for each performance.

New mall should kill the lights

05/08/2008

I am relatively new to the neighborhood of Dos Vientos. Since I moved in last summer I have anxiously awaited the opening of a what appeared to be a beautiful new Paraiso shopping center located right behind my house.

Any kind of travel beats the internal combustion engine

05/08/2008

In all my years living in Newbury Park I thought I saw everything there is to see until today, Sunday morning, April 20. While chatting with some neighbors, a chariot came by being pulled by two Alaskan huskies. Of course one of our neighbors was riding the chariot.

8 years old, and already worried

05/08/2008

I am writing this because I am seeing lots of waste in the world. At a campout for Girl Scouts I went to the lake nearby, and I saw a dead crawdad, dead fish, soda cans in the river, people catching fish, dead fish on a rope, bottle caps, trash in the river and polluted banks. I felt mad and sad to see that.

Killers of mother duck deserve to be prosecuted

05/08/2008

On April 25, about eight teenagers were seen abducting 13 mallard duck babies and left the mother duck dead from a pellet gun shot to the neck in the Conejo Creek South area. There are a lot of sad and sickened children and adults in the surrounding neighborhood who really enjoyed observing the mother with her fuzzy baby ducklings.

Drug and alcohol abusers have three choices

05/08/2008

If you're habitually drinking and using drugs you have three choices: 1. Sober 2 Jail 3. Dead Let's look at all three: 1. Sober . Often you need to get tired of jail or come too close to No. 3, (dead) for the decision to embrace sobriety to kick in. You may need to lose your job, car, home, friends and family, but if you go on getting loaded that'll happen.

Not every juvenile should be tried as a minor

05/08/2008

Currently there's an open criminal case with the Ventura County District Attorney's Office. This case concerns a youth killing another child based upon sexual orientation. There are also civil rights' groups seeking to have the perpetrator tried as a juvenile.

Nasty tactics a bad habit in politics

05/08/2008

As a person who is very tired of the political animosity that's been in play for a long time and the vitriol that's been spewed by both sides of the political spectrum, I was excited to read Tina Aschenbrenner's letter to the editor on April 10 that she "was writing her letter completely free of complaints and negativity.

Here's another project for a future Eagle Scout

05/08/2008

Hats off to Eagle Scout Mitch Engelking for his ingenious idea to post an official sign and distance markers for the Peppertree Park track. I've been an almost daily user of this track for eight years and have always wanted to know the exact distance around.

Article

05/08/2008

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.

Jordan Cohen

05/08/2008

RE/MAX Olson & Associates congratulates Jordan Cohen, Estates Director for his March sales totaling over $8.2 million for the month. Cohen is not affiliated with any team, group or partnership. Clients who have Cohen represent them with their sales or purchases work solely with him.

In A Gated Senior Community

05/08/2008

This is a manufactured home with two bedrooms, two bathrooms in a gated senior community right on a golf course. Features include flowers, rosebushes, and trees in the yard, an enclosed sunroom, and air conditioning.

Erik Sellfors

05/08/2008

RE/MAX Olson & Associates would like to congratulate Erik Sellfors for his sales production in the month of March totaling over $2.4 million. Sellfors has been a licensed broker since 1986 serving the San Fernando and Ventura County areas. He handles the sale of bank owned (REO foreclosed) homes for some of the nation's largest lenders.