Is Today a Holiday or Not?

Well, apparently many employees at the Oxnard DMV figured that it was and took the day off. The Ventura County Star reported that almost half of the 29 DMV employees didn’t show up for work today.

It is Columbus Day, my calendar says so. But with only 10 employees, what do you do? The management sent the workers to another DMV, and closed the Oxnard office.

Facebook Lite – the New Coke?

Last night the new improved, faster, simpler Facebook Lite came online prematurely. The Beta Version was released and went over like the proverbial lead New Coke balloon. It was down for a while and now it works fine. Facebook Lite is very much like Twitter with the thumbs up/down like Stumble-Upon.

2009 Jim Beam Surftag US Series

Don’t Drink and Surf

But registration is open to the public in the Jim Beam Surftag US Series, taking place this Saturday, September 24. Join teams of the most experienced and talented surfers in California at Surfer’s Point.

Windy Hill Alpaca Farm’s Answer to Fire

Cindy Harris and Doug Fieg, wanted to protect their alpacas from the recent wildfires that were threatening their Windy Hill farm.

Evacuating the animals would have put a lot of stress on then, so they tried something else.

Is Today a Holiday or Not?

Well, apparently many employees at the Oxnard DMV figured that it was and took the day off. The Ventura County Star reported that almost half of the 29 DMV employees didn’t show up for work today.

It is Columbus Day, my calendar says so. But with only 10 employees, what do you do? The management sent the workers to another DMV, and closed the Oxnard office.

Ideas to Address our Water Issues from the NRDC

As Gasoline goes up in price, California goes bankrupt and global warming and political unrest upset the world you would think we have enough to worry about. But this summer we are likely to also have water shortages to be concerned about. Dependable access to sufficient amounts of water is critical for us all.
Our governor has called for a reduction in urban water use in California by 20 percent by 2020. This is going to require great efforts to increase efficiency in our use of water. This will be especially important for our commercial, industrial and institutional sectors.
A paper issued in May 2009 by the Natural Resource Defense Council will help understand a range of water saving practices and how they can be used in business and industry.

Issue paper (PDF, 629 KB)

PETA offers Wildfire Evacuation Advice for Animals

Moorpark, Calif. — In the wake of wildfire evacuations in Ventura County, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of animal companions, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, companion birds, and other animals who need to be included in evacuation plans:

New Wildfires Blaze in Moorpark

Santa Ana winds have created dangerous conditions as wildfire once again threatens home and 1,500 acres of property in the northwestern area of Moorpark tonight.

Scattered ranches and homes were given evacuation orders. How many homes this involved was not specified although one small building was on fire.

2009 Jim Beam Surftag US Series

Don’t Drink and Surf

But registration is open to the public in the Jim Beam Surftag US Series, taking place this Saturday, September 24. Join teams of the most experienced and talented surfers in California at Surfer’s Point.

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Ojai Film Premiere of Watershed Revolution

I was reading a paper about ecology and environmentalism not long ago. It stated that although younger people have had several forms of education on the subject that most younger adults had no idea what a watershed was. It argued that a large amount of our pollution issues are a result of a lack of adequate environmental education on those issues with which we all need to be concerned.

Thanks to the Ojai Valley Green Coalition we will have a good answer to the question, “What Is a Watershed?” The 30-minute documentary film will profile our Ventura River watershed and the community members and organizations working to protect and restore it.

Ideas to Address our Water Issues from the NRDC

As Gasoline goes up in price, California goes bankrupt and global warming and political unrest upset the world you would think we have enough to worry about. But this summer we are likely to also have water shortages to be concerned about. Dependable access to sufficient amounts of water is critical for us all.
Our governor has called for a reduction in urban water use in California by 20 percent by 2020. This is going to require great efforts to increase efficiency in our use of water. This will be especially important for our commercial, industrial and institutional sectors.
A paper issued in May 2009 by the Natural Resource Defense Council will help understand a range of water saving practices and how they can be used in business and industry.

Issue paper (PDF, 629 KB)

Ventura Alzheimer Care

Many of us have been placed in the difficult position of having to care for a parent or grandparent who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Hearing this diagnosis can be stressful, frightening, and completely overwhelming. It is important to understand this turning point in your loved ones life and know the options that you may have to deal with it.

When the Times Get Tough, the Tough Make Their Own Money

Local residents often find interesting ways to make their economies work when the larger economy gets difficult. Some people buy food in bulk at reduced prices, start community gardens, and work with local businesses to get the things they need.

The Ojai Economy Group is considering the use of alternative currency as a creative way to meet the needs of the local community. Not a new idea, alternative dollars or scrip have been useful in many economic downturns all over the world. Experts estimate that there are at least 2,000 local currencies across the globe designed to assist communities keep the money flowing and enable citizens to meet their daily needs.

Essential Wine Company Screens “Absolute Beginners”

Are you looking for something different to do? Enjoy fine wine? On Tuesday, August 11 from 7 to 9 pm, Camarillo’s Essential Wine Company will host the screening of the movie “Absolute Beginners.” This ultra-cool 1980’s musical will be introduced and discussed by Filmmaker Danielle Stallings. This film by Julien Temple is based on the book about the birth of teen culture in London of the 1950’s and 60’s and includes a great cameo by David Bowie.

Pierpont Inn Celebrates 100, Brings its Own Presence

Our own Pierpont Inn will enjoy its 100th birthday celebration next year, but is getting its presents early, or should I say presence.

This beautiful 99 year old Ventura landmark is getting renovations done, but these renovations seem to be stirring up old ghosts. The Arts and Crafts style building was built in 1910 by Josephine Pierpont-Ginn. It has subsequently been owned by two more women, Mattie Vickers Gleichman in 1928 and more recently Grace Ahn in May of 2009.