| Dear Neighbors,
As a new school year begins, I want to wish our local students and families a wonderful start and remind everyone to stay safe on the roadways. In this newsletter, you’ll find important updates, resources, and details about upcoming community events—I hope you’ll join me.
Warm regards,
Jeff
Jeff Gorell, Ventura County Supervisor, District 2
SupevisorGorell@ventura.org |
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Extreme Heat Alert: The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services and the National Weather Service are monitoring a multi-day heat event expected through Sunday.
- Temperatures will rise over 100°F by Thursday in many areas.
- A monsoonal flow may bring thunderstorms to mountain areas Friday–Sunday.
- A Red Flag Warning is in effect for mountain areas through Saturday due to extreme heat, low humidity, and breezy winds.
Safety Tips
- Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours
- Stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors
- Use air conditioning or visit public spaces like malls, libraries, and cooling centers
- Be fire-safe: report smoke immediately
- Stay informed and find local cooling centers at: vcemergency.com.
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Help Clear the Shelters!
This Saturday, August 23rd, from 11am–5pm, Ventura County Animal Services is hosting FREE pet adoptions at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters!
With over 250 loving dogs, cats, kittens, bunnies, and more waiting for their forever homes, this is the perfect chance to find your new best friend.
Adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, flea treatment, and a FREE first vet visit. Let’s work together to give every animal the loving home they deserve. |
Community Crime Prevention Meeting – Santa Rosa Valley
August 26, 6 pm
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has reported an increase in residential burglaries in the Santa Rosa Valley. Please take extra precautions to keep your home and neighborhood safe.
Safety Tips to Help Prevent Residential Burglaries:
- Always lock doors and windows.
- Use outdoor lighting and consider motion-activated lights.
- Keep valuables out of sight from windows.
- Trim trees and shrubs to remove hiding places.
- Don’t let mail or packages pile up—ask a neighbor to collect them if you’re away.
- Get to know your neighbors and look out for one another.
- Report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.
For a full Home Security Checklist from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, click here.
Meeting Info: August 26, 6 pm at 11521 Sumac Lane, Camarillo, 93012 (Located in the Camelot Estates/Wildwood Ranch/Cross Street Applewood).
This meeting is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and hear directly from the Sheriff’s Office. |
? Community Town Hall: California’s Draft Zone 0 Wildfire Regulations, September 17, 5:30 pm
Join me and a panel of experts for a Community Town Hall on Wednesday, September 17, from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM at County Fire Headquarters, 2400 Conejo Spectrum Street in Newbury Park.
In 2020, California enacted Assembly Bill 3074, requiring the creation of an “ember-resistant zone”—known as Zone 0—within five feet of homes in high fire hazard areas. The State’s goal is to reduce the risk of homes igniting from wind-driven embers, the leading cause of structure loss in wildfires.
While the law passed in 2020, the regulations have faced delays and are not yet finalized. The Governor issued Executive Order N-18-25 earlier this year, directing the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to adopt regulations by the end of 2025.
What Zone 0 Means for Homeowners:
- Zone 0 covers the area within five feet of a home, including decks and stairs.
- Requirements: Likely restrictions will include removing combustible materials (wooden fences, mulch, plants) from this zone. Certain non-combustible features and well-maintained mature trees may be allowed.
- New Construction: Once the regulations are finalized (expected by the end of 2025), they will immediately apply to all new construction in California’s State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
- Existing Structures: For existing homes and businesses in these high-risk zones, there will be a three-year grace period from the date the regulations are finalized to comply with the Zone 0 requirements.
Ventura County has faced some of California’s most destructive wildfires, and our mix of suburban and rural communities presents unique challenges. Zone 0 is the State’s effort to strengthen community resilience and better protect homes from the increasing threat of wildfire. There are concerns about these regulations and still time for community members to provide input to the State. This meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the draft regulations.
? RSVP to: SupervisorGorell@ventura.org.
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| Photo of the Month
Last weekend, in Camarillo Heights, our District 2 Cal State Channel Islands College Intern Blake spotted an injured fox and called it in. Thanks to the quick response of a local deputy and Ventura County Animal Services, the fox was transferred to the Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center—where it’s resting comfortably. A big thank you to Blake and to everyone who worked together to give this wild neighbor a second chance! |
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211 Ventura County
211 is available 24/7 to connect community members in need with essential resources, including:
- Healthcare
- Food Assistance
- Transportation
- Expenses
- Housing & Homeless Services
- Mental Health Support
Call 2-1-1 anytime, day or night, for free and confidential help. 211ventura.org |
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Upcoming District 2 Events!
- September 18, Santa Rosa Valley MAC Meeting, 6 pm, 13282 Santa Rosa Rd, Camarillo. Learn more here.
- September 25, 7pm-9pm: Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council Meeting, Oak Park High School, 899 Kanan Rd. Learn more here.
- October 11, 2pm-6pm, Santa Rosa Valley Fall Festival, Santa Rosa Valley Park. Games, activities, pie auction, pony rides, vendors, live music and great food. Proceeds to benefit Stepping Stones Riding Program. Cost: $5 Vendors: $50 Email steppingstonesridingprogram@gmail.com to reserve a booth.
- October 25, 11am-3pm: 3rd Annual Oak Park Fire Station Open House, Station 36, 855 Deerhill Rd, Oak Park. Kid encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes!
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