Category: Public Safety

Bilingual report — Ventura County Public Works Agency battles a growing problem of illegal dumping that costs taxpayers millions of dollars in clean-up costs

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Illegal dumping is a serious problem for the communities in Ventura County. Waste poses an environmental threat to both humans and wildlife. Illegal dumping, along with a $3,000 fine plus clean-up costs and community service, can be avoided by locating the proper information on disposal and recycling options. Ventura County Public Works Agency’s “Don’t Dump On Me, VC!” campaign encourages the community to keep Ventura County beautiful by providing information on simple and easy ways to dispose of waste.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Board of Supervisors ratify declaration of local emergency for Ventura County following winter storms

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On Tuesday, Jan. 24, the Board of Supervisors, voted to ratify the proclamation of a local emergency put forth by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services in order to provide assistance to residents in relation to the storms that affected the county beginning on January 8. The vote to ratify occurred following the date of the proclamation since the Board was not in session on the date the proclamation was authored.

“We are hopeful that our county will soon receive approval from FEMA for the Individual Assistance Program,” said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services. “This program is vital to supporting residents through the recovery process. The Individual Assistance Program provides several types of help to residents including temporary rental assistance as well as funding for debris removal and repairs. We are working closely with our federal elected representatives to advocate on behalf of Ventura County to ensure residents receive the assistance they need.”

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Bilingual report — Gina Johnson appointed Interim Chief Probation Officer for the Ventura County Probation Agency

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Today, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson announced the appointment of Chief Deputy Probation Officer Gina Johnson to the position of Interim Chief Probation Officer, effective January 29, 2023. Chief Deputy Johnson will serve in this role while the County of Ventura continues its search for the permanent Chief Probation Officer. Chief Deputy Johnson succeeds Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela who is retiring from County service on January 28 after 34 years of service, the last 13 of which he served as Chief Probation Officer for the Agency. 

“We look forward to welcoming Interim Chief Probation Officer Gina Johnson to this important leadership position for the Probation Agency and I want to thank her for being willing to serve during this time of transition,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson. “We thank Chief Varela for his many years of thoughtful leadership and dedicated work at the Probation Agency and within the community. We wish him all the best in retirement and look forward to working with Interim Chief Johnson.”

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Congressman Salud Carbajal Visits Ventura Port District to Survey Winter Storm Damage

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VENTURA — California Congressman Salud Carbajal, U.S. Representative of California’s 24th District, visited the Ventura Port District recently to survey the impacts of the early January Atmospheric River Rain Events to the Ventura Harbor area. In the past weeks, severe winter…

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Ventura County Community Development Corp. — Grants available for Thousand Oaks seniors, households affected by the Thomas Fire

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Join VCCDC and the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to learn about grants that can help seniors living in the areas of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village and households impacted by the Thomas Fire with home improvements to prepare their home for wildfires including screening vents, clearing vegetation, tree trimming, gutter cleaning and more!

WORKSHOP DETAILS:
DATE/TIME: Thursday, January 26th @ 6pm
LOCATION: Online (receive link once you register)

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — FEMA Assistant and Beach Closures

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There has been a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California (FEMA-4683-DR) for severe winter storms was amended to include Santa Barbara County for individual assistance, debris removal, and emergency protective measures. Residents of Santa Barbara County will now be eligible to apply for Federal financial assistance, and public agencies will be eligible to seek reimbursement for debris removal. Public agencies had previously been eligible for reimbursement for costs associated with emergency protective measures.

Residents who incurred financial losses due to storm damage are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. An application for assistance can also be made by downloading the FEMA app in the Apple and Google store. This allows documents to be uploaded to FEMA directly and track the status of applications.

If you cannot live in your home at this time due to storm impact causing water damage, mold, mud, or inability to access your home, please make sure you include this in your application.

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Bilingual report — Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer Retires from Public Service; Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson Named Interim

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City Manager Alexander Nguyen announced today that Oxnard’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Betsy George announced her retirement from the public sector, effective Jan. 19.

Former City of Phoenix CFO Denise Olson has been appointed by Nguyen to serve as Oxnard’s Interim CFO until a permanent replacement is found.

“We thank Betsy for her public service and the great work that she, and the Finance team, have done to strengthen Oxnard’s financial standing,” said Nguyen. “We’re also grateful to have Denise join our City in the interim. I’m confident that her leadership managing the finances for the fifth largest city in the nation will be an asset to Oxnard.”

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Bilingual report — County of Ventura News update for Jan. 17

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January Storm Recovery Information

Since the onset of the January 2023 storms, the State of California has been working closely with federal partners to provide support to impacted communities. On January 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration, which was approved by President Biden on January 9, 2023, to include Ventura County. The Presidential Emergency Declaration provides state and local assistance to providing emergency services, such as protecting lives and mitigating damage.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — All Evacuation Orders Are Lifted in Santa Barbara County

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First of all, I want to sincerely thank every single person who evacuated and otherwise followed guidance from safety officials regarding sheltering in place and staying off the roads. Because so many followed the orders, our first responders were able to focus their attention on those who most needed it. Thanks to your efforts there have been no fatalities or serious injuries reported.

Effective immediately, all evacuation orders are lifted for the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas fire burn scars and all of Montecito, Toro Canyon, Padaro, and Carpinteria. There are still restricted areas to allow for the draining of storm water and clearing of debris. In particular, North Jameson Lane will be closed from Sheffield to Olive Mill. Roads that are only accessible from Jameson will be accessible to residents only. Show proof of residency and safety officials will let you through.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Monday Storm Update

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Our County first responders held their 3rd emergency press conference Monday at 4 pm. I’ve included the video of the press conference below.

We expect heavy rain and potential thunderstorms overnight, with a high risk for flash flooding throughout Santa Barbara County and our neighboring counties. The request from our first responders is to please stay off the road unless you are evacuating or otherwise absolutely need to be. If you went to work today and must commute home, please do not attempt. Stay put for tonight. The northbound 101 freeway is closed from Highway 33 to Santa Claus Lane and again at the Gaviota tunnel, along with Highway 154 in both directions. The County has one emergency shelter open at the Wake Center located at 300 North Turnpike in the Eastern Goleta Valley between Goleta and Santa Barbara and is looking to open more. Please check the County of Santa Barbara’s social media and other news sources for updated emergency shelter information. You can also call 805-678-3073 for more Evacuation Center information.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Warnings Issued

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An evacuation warning has been issued for the Alisal, Cave, and Thomas Fire burn scars ahead of a projected storm coming in Monday evening. Public safety officials will be meeting tomorrow morning to make a decision on whether the warning will be elevated to an order. Stay alert and be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

If you are in a position where you are safe and secure, please consider joining our Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for our installation ceremony during the first Board hearing of the year on Tuesday January 10th at 9am. During the ceremony, I will be installed as Chair for the 2023 Board of Supervisors and we will be celebrating the swearing in of recently elected County officials. 

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Evacuation Issued

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An EVACUATION ORDER has been issued due to an incoming storm Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 10 PM, with the potential to produce flooding and mud and debris flows. This EVACUATION ORDER is effective immediately and applies to the identified properties and parcels in and around the Alisal, Thomas, and Cave Fire burn scars.

Do not attempt to drive while it is dark or raining as roads may be damaged and your car may be swept away by moving water or debris.
Strong winds are also expected, which can cause debris to fall onto roadways and power outages.
BE PREPARED to sustain yourself and your household for multiple days if you choose not to evacuate, as you may not be able to leave the area and emergency responders may not be able to access your property in the event of road damage, flooding, or a debris flow.
For Evacuation Center information, contact the American Red Cross at 805-678-3073.
For animal evacuation information, call Santa Barbara County Animal Services at (805) 681-4332, Monday-Friday, from 8 am-5 pm.
If you need animal evacuation support outside those hours, please call the County Animal Services after-hours phone line at (805) 683-2724.

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Feb. 23 — Ventura County Grand Jury to hold its annual Open House

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The Ventura County Grand Jury invites the public to its annual Open House on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Grand Jury Chambers located at 646 County Square Drive, Ventura.

The Grand Jury is a panel of 19 Ventura County citizens who conduct investigations into the operations of local governmental entities within the county. Investigations originate either from a public complaint or from within the Grand Jury.

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April 15, 16 — VCFD to Help Develop ‘Girls with Grit’ Fire Camp

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CAMARILLO — Thirty girls will learn what it’s like to be a firefighter during the Ventura County Fire Department’s Girls Fire Camp April 15 and 16.

Reporters and photographers are invited to cover the event at the fire department’s Regional Training Center adjacent to the Camarillo Airport. Camp runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The camp is led and taught by female firefighters from VCFD and fire departments across the West Coast. The youth empowerment program is designed to showcase firefighting, and help them become “Girls with Grit” whether they pursue a firefighting career or not.

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July 28 — Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation to host inaugural Hope Gala

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VENTURA COUNTY — To further the mission of supporting local victims of crime so they do not have to live in silence or fear, the Ventura County Family Justice Center (VCFJC) Foundation will host its first annual Hope Gala July 28 at the Westlake Village Inn.

This inaugural event will recognize the work VCFJC does on behalf of victims of crime, as well as those individuals who have helped pave the way for VCFJC to carry out its mission. The night’s theme is “Hope Grows Here” and will recognize the work the VCFJC does by offering hope and healing. 

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Aug. 17 — Ventura County Fire Dept. to Host FIREWISE USA® Workshop

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CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Fire Department announces Firewise USA®Communities in Ventura County and we invite you to the workshop. Firewise USA®reduces wildfire risks in communities by providing a collaborative framework to help neighbors get organized, find direction, and take action to decrease the ignition potential of their homes and property. The Firewise USA program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is part of Ventura County Fire’s efforts to ensure communities are prepared for wildfire. A Firewise USA® recognized community may be eligible for insurance discounts.

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Nov. 17 — Bilingual report — Community Workshop in Guadalupe To Share First-Ever Continuous Air Quality Data For the Region

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SANTA BARBARA — In September, wildfire smoke from as far away as Oregon impacted California’s Central Coast, prompting the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to issue an Air Quality Alert for Santa Barbara County. An air quality monitoring system established last year in Guadalupe recorded unhealthy levels of particulate matter for sensitive groups and ensured that the data was available to the community for the first time ever via the Guadalupe Community Air Project website.

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Bilingual report — Metrolink’s Tips for Holiday Train Travel with Kids

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Traveling with children is an adventure in itself, so this holiday season Metrolink is sharing a few tips for smooth travel with children on our trains.

Plan where you’ll go in advance. There are many holiday event destinations accessible by Metrolink trains. The EXPLORE page on our website shares many of this season’s best. Pro tip: Metrolink has free and convenient connections to many transit agencies throughout our service area, including L.A. Metro, making it easy to travel car-free.
Purchase tickets with ease. Download the Metrolink mobile app to a smart phone to easily access routes, schedules, fares and stress-free purchases all in the palm of your hand. Pro tip: up to three kids ride free on weekends with a paying adult, and with the Weekend Day Pass, the adult fare is just $10 all day, anywhere we go.

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Simi Valley Will Soon Become a Quiet Zone

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Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) announced this morning at the Metrolink Station in Simi Valley that $4.5 million in funding was secured in the 2022/2023 State Budget for local improvements. The funding will allow completion of safety enhancements at the one remaining rail crossing that was not part of a previously approved and funded Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) Project.

“With this funding, trains passing through Simi Valley will no longer have to blow their horns creating a “Quiet Zone” while also improving safety,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “I am glad I was able to secure this funding for our community that will ensure that the safety of the public is prioritized and businesses and residents living adjacent to the tracks will no longer be disturbed by the sounding of train horns.”

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Ventura County Fire Dept. announces Prescribed Burn Pile Training

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The Ventura County Fire Department, in cooperation with Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (PBA) District will be conducting a small live fire training exercise on December 9th at a ranch located off of Hidden Valley Road in Thousand Oaks.

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VCFD Awarded Grant to Increase Child Passenger Safety Awareness

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CAMARILLO — Ventura County Fire (VCFD) received a $74,210 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate the community on preventing motor vehicle injuries to children, the agencies announced today. In collaboration with Safe Kids Ventura County…

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Bilingual commentary — Missing White vs. Minority Women

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Many of us will remember the Gabby Petito saga from a little over a year ago. Gabby was a pretty 22-year-old woman who went missing and was found dead several days later. It was determined that her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, was a suspect. The month following the discovery of Gabby’s remains, his remains were found. An anthropologist determined that he had suicidally shot himself.  

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Ventura County Fire Department Provides Matching Funds for Localized Fire Hazard Mapping Project

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The Ventura County Fire Department will provide $125,000 in matching funds to the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council to support a localized fire hazard mapping project.

The county Board of Supervisors approved the funding Tuesday, Nov. 1, on a unanimous vote.

“The Ojai area is among the highest wildfire risk areas in the entire state,” said Board Chair Matt LaVere, who represents the Ojai area. “The 2017 Thomas fire and the many even larger wildfires throughout the state that have occurred since that time has shown us the significant role burning embers play in the astonishing speed at which these fires spread and threaten our communities.”

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National Family Caregivers Month: A Time to Honor Those Caring for a Loved One

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National Family Caregivers Month – celebrated each November – is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers. If you are caring for an elderly or disabled loved one, know that you are not alone. Caring Together Santa Barbara County is a network of organizations here to support you.

Caring for family members affects persons from all walks of life. It is estimated that 80-85% of care provided is by family members. Whether the person receiving care is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s Disease or has another physical or cognitive impairment, the role of the caregiver is a challenge.

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Join me for Halloween, Randall Road Ribbon Cutting, Sleep Safe Awareness Month, and More

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Join me for Halloween!
Our team will be at the following locations on October 31st:

Harvest Fair & Trunk o Treat at Franklin Elementary:
Located at 1111 E Mason St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. The event will go from 4 pm-7 pm
Trunk or Treat at Girls Inc Carpinteria:
Located at 5315 Foothill Rd, Carpinteria, CA 93013. This event will go from 3:30p pm- 5 pm
Ghost Village Road in Montecito:
On Coast Village Road in Montecito. This event will go from 3 pm to 6 pm

Be sure to do your part to help make this a safe Halloween for everyone. Here are a few easy things parents and kids can do to stay safe on the spookiest of holidays.

Top Tips for Halloween Safety?
Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
Slow down and be alert! Kids are excited about Halloween and may dart into the street. Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away.
Remind kids to cross the street at corners or crosswalks.
When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.
For more information on Halloween Safety, visit https://www.safekids.org/halloween

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Bilingual commentary — The Specter of Nuclear War

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Those of us who were in grade school in the 1950s and early 60s will never forget the “duck and cover” drills we used to have in our classrooms. This was a Civil Defense exercise that put the fear of nuclear war into our little heads. At least once a month, as best I recall, we would hear the sirens wailing at 10 a.m. on a Friday. We knew what to do: kneel and drop, face down, below our desk—that mighty protector of our young lives—and cover our necks and heads with our arms and hands as much as possible. 

The Soviet Union became a nuclear power in 1949, and suddenly we had a threatening nuclear rival. The Cold War that followed World War II was replete with the rattles of sabers and ominous words, not too unlike what we are hearing today from the leaders of Russia, the remnant of the Soviet Union.

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Probation Chief Announces Retirement

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Ventura County Probation Chief Mark Varela has announced plans to retire on January 28, 2023. “Under Chief Varela’s leadership, our Probation Agency has made transformative changes in effective rehabilitation and prevention programs providing the best chance for positive change for justice-involved individuals,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Matt LaVere. “Among many community programs and approaches implemented under his leadership, Mark was instrumental in construction oversight and transition to the County’s juvenile justice center. We are incredibly grateful for his dedicated service to our County and community.”

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Bilingual commentary — The World’s Safest Cities

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I feel fortunate that as I walk around parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, I am generally not too concerned about my personal safety. 

Well, maybe just a little. I have to admit that I’ve encountered a fair number of angry people on the streets and – I’ll have to say – a substantial number of individuals with obvious mental health deficiencies. 

I won’t delve here into the myriad factors that I believe foster this discontent and madness in our midst. But it makes me yearn for a place that allows me to walk, especially at night, with a sense of confidence in my fellow citizens.

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Lumina Alliance & Cal Poly Safer Welcome October as Dating & Domestic Violence Action Month

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A Theme of “We Deserve” calls attention to the rights of all people in relationships SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Lumina Alliance and Cal Poly Safer are calling attention to Dating and Domestic Violence Action Month this October. The theme,…

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Bilingual report — Ventura County Launches New Audio Alert System in Mixteco and Zapoteco to Protect Farmworkers from Wildfires

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In partnership with the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD), the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP), Líderes Campesinas, the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and the Public Health Institutes Achieving Resilient Communities (ARC) project have added audio alerts in Mixteco and Zapoteco to the recently launched smoke alert system to protect farming communities from wildfire smoke.

California is experiencing longer and more intense wildfire seasons. Wildfire smoke exposure is becoming a growing health threat to farmworkers, who must often continue to work in the fields during wildfires and extreme heat events. Wildfire smoke has been linked to a variety of health problems, including burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, and headache, and can also worsen and cause chronic heart and lung disease. Due to climate change, wildfire seasons are getting longer, more intense, and more dangerous: This year’s season in the US is 116% above the 10-year average before 2022, according to the National Center Fire Interagency.

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Ventura County Office of Education — Fentanyl use by students is a growing concern

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The Ventura County Office of Education is joining state health officials in warning schools and families about a new and concerning version of the synthetic opioid known as fentanyl. In a letter to superintendents and charter school administrators, California Department…

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Bilingual commentary — The Flaw in Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot”

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Laudably, President Joe Biden has reignited the “Cancer Moonshot” that he had previously launched in 2016 when he was vice president. There is now renewed energy, new leadership, and more advanced medical experience, knowledge, and technology. The goal is now more focused: to reduce the death rate from cancer by at least 50 percent over the next 25 years. 

The initiative was termed a “moonshot” to evoke the historic call by the late President John F. Kennedy to land a man on the moon within a decade. So far in our history, nothing compares with the boldness, wisdom, and foresight of that vow to take the “giant leap for mankind.” Nonetheless, a spirited call to take on the current, daunting epidemic of cancer in the United States and save American lives is certainly a necessary step in the right direction.

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Bilingual report — Join the Oxnard Fire Department at Upcoming Fire Prevention Week 2022 Events

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 The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) created Fire Prevention Week to promote fire safety at home and in the workplace. This year the Oxnard Fire Department joins the association in celebration of Fire Prevention Week’s 100th anniversary and its “Fire won’t wait, plan your escape” campaign with a series of community events throughout Oxnard.

According to the NFPA, you may have two minutes or less to safely leave a home once your smoke alarm goes off. Having a fire evacuation plan will help to keep you and your family safe.

“It’s important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that each home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different,” said Stephen McNaughten, Oxnard Fire Marshal. “Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that you plan to help them.”

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The First-Ever UndocuFund Summit hosted by 805 UndocuFund, UndocuFund, and Latino Community Foundation, Calling for Equitable Disaster Relief to be held Sept. 18-20

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UndocuFund, 805 UndocuFund and The Latino Community Foundation (LCF), will co-host the first-ever UndocuFund Summit during the start of peak wildfire season in California. From September 18-20th at North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP) in Sonoma, the Summit will convene leaders from over 30 grassroots immigrant-serving organizations across California that responded to the pandemic and other disasters. Community leaders will highlight the experiences of undocumented Californians throughout the state and explore collective state and federal advocacy efforts.

“Undocumented workers contribute billions to the economy, yet are excluded from federal disaster aid,” said Beatrice Camacho, Director of UndocuFund in Sonoma County. “Without a safety net, California’s undocumented essential workers have labored through wildfires and smoke, 110 plus degree heatwaves, and the pandemic. They were forced to risk their lives to keep food on the nation’s table during devastating disasters. Now it’s time for California to make them a priority.” 

California is home to 10.6 million immigrants (foreign-born individuals) who comprise 27 percent of California’s population. Recent data shows that one in five children in the state are U.S. citizens living with at least one undocumented family member (1.7 million children in total).

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Bilingual report — Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

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On September 13, 2022, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division (Division) received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health that a bird collected during the fourth week of August from the City of Simi Valley area tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first bird collected in 2022 to test positive for WNV in Ventura County. There are no confirmed human cases at this time.

WNV is considered endemic, so we can expect the virus to stay in our environment.

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Bilingual report — Road Closure Due to Bradley Road Bridge Replacement

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The Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) announces the replacement of the Bradley Road Bridge, beginning August 26th, 2022 until December 2nd, 2022. The old bridge, built in 1930 will be replaced to bring the structure up to the current safety standards. The public can expect delays. Please avoid the area if possible. In order to build the new bridge, Bradley Road will undergo the following: 

8/26-9/2 – Single lane will be closed either direction
9/6-11/8 – Full road closure
11/9-11/30 – Single lane will be closed either direction

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Learn About the Ventura County Grand Jury: Jurors Available for Speaking Events

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The Ventura County Grand Jury seeks opportunities to speak to community organizations, non-profit organizations, and similar groups as part of its education outreach program.

The Grand Jury investigates matters affecting aspects of government in Ventura County. Jurors serve as a “voice and conscience” of Ventura County residents concerning their local governments. The Jury comprises 19 citizens who are impaneled by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.

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Cybersecurity Seminar at the Port of Hueneme Highlights Best Practices for Organizations

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As cyber threats continue to increase across the nation, the Port of Hueneme organized a cyber security seminar to gather experts in the field who shared their knowledge and best practices. Today’s event hosted over thirty people with a panel of experts from the U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Base Ventura County, IT companies, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.  

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Bilingual commentary — Lessons from the Black Death of the Middle Ages

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Many Americans who are “done” with the pandemic and its devastation are ready to “move on” and “get back to a normal life.” Would that we could actually do this.

The pandemic may in fact be in the rear-view mirror. The problem is that we just don’t know if it is in retreat as we go on with our lives. We don’t want to think about it anymore. Unfortunately, it may be in that rear-view mirror because it is catching up to us, once again, from behind. This is the kind of thing that happened in the Middle Ages in Europe starting in the 14th century. 

The Bubonic Plague, also known as the “Black Death,” caused massive devastation in Western Europe and surrounding regions. We in the modern age, armed with vaccines and highly effective treatments, do not expect to ever face such horrors. Still, we have lost over a million Americans to COVID-19 and continue to lose several hundred American lives each day. 

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Santa Barbara County First District Supervisor Das Williams — Flex Alert TODAY (Aug. 17), Visiting our National Forest, Monkeypox and More

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igh heat is expected! Consumers are urged to reduce energy use to protect the grid.

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) has issued a statewide Flex Alert, a call for voluntary electricity conservation, for today, Aug. 17, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., due to predicted high temperatures pushing up energy demand and tightening available power supplies. With above-normal temperatures in the forecast across much of the state tomorrow, the power grid operator is expecting an increase in electricity demand, primarily from air conditioning use, and is calling for voluntary conservation steps to help balance supply and demand. Consumers are urged to conserve electricity, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand and less solar energy. Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid during a time of tight supply conditions, and prevent further emergency measures, including power outages.

For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit FlexAlert.org. Be sure to keep up to date with the National weather service.

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