Mountain Fire in Ventura County - Updates and Recovery Information

Smoke from the Mountain Fire seen from Rancho Potrero Open Space in Newbury Park

The Mountain Fire was first reported at just before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6th, near Somis, in the 7900 block of Balcom Canyon Road and Bradley Road. Due to the extremely high Santa Ana winds, it quickly jumped across Highway 118 towards Camarillo and as of Thursday night grew to 20,484 acres burned at 5% containment. The fire has destroyed at least 132 structures and damaged another 88 structures as of Thursday evening. Visit vcemergency.com for details regarding evacuation orders, emergency shelters, road closures, and more. Information hotline is 805-465-6650. Or call 2-1-1 for assistance.

Fire Updates

• As of 8:50 a.m. Saturday, November 9th, the fire is at 20,630 acres with 17% containment.

• As the night of Monday, November 11th, fire at 42% contained. Out of 894 inspections to date, 82 structures damaged and 192 destroyed.

• As of 5:22 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, fire is 54% contained at 20,630 acres. 90 structures damaged, 207 destroyed.

• As of the morning of Thursday, November 14, acreage unchanged, 82% contained, 25 structures damaged, 240 structures destroyed.

Recovery Efforts

The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation, has established an emergency fund accepting donations to support community members and local nonprofit organizations most affected by the Mountain Fire. The Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund is open for giving at vccf.org/donate, and is dedicated to supporting individuals and nonprofit organizations that provide essential aid to those most affected in times of crisis. One hundred percent of contributions go directly toward relief efforts, focusing resources on those who need it most.

If you were impacted by the fire, the Ventura County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VC VOAD) asks that you complete a needs assessment at https://icfs.communityos.org/gethelpventuracounty to get help.

Ventura County Recovers website covers recovery information at www.venturacountyrecovers.org

Fox Fine Jewelry is offering a free diamond necklace to anyone whose home was damaged or destroyed by the Mountain Fire. Necklaces also available for sale, with 50% of proceeds donated to the VC Community Foundation. www.foxfinejewelry.com/pages/mountain-fire-free-necklace

Individual GoFundMe Pages

If you are seeking to donate directly to individuals impacted by the Mountain Fire, there are over 50 GoFundMe fundraisers established over the last 7 days (as of November 9th) at https://www.gofundme.com/s?q=%22mountain+fire%22&time-period=7 (NOTE THAT WE HAVE NOT VETTED EACH FUNDRAISER. USE YOUR OWN DUE DILIGENCE.)

Ventura County Community Foundation Accepting Emergency Donations for Mountain Fire

The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation, has established an emergency fund accepting donations to support community members and local nonprofit organizations most affected by the Mountain Fire. The Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund is open for giving at vccf.org/donate, and is dedicated to supporting individuals and nonprofit organizations that provide essential aid to those most affected in times of crisis. One hundred percent of contributions go directly toward relief efforts, focusing resources on those who need it most.

On Nov. 6, a wildfire broke outside of Moorpark following Santa Ana winds reaching 40 to 80 miles per hour. The fire has grown to 20,596 acres as of Nov. 8 according to VC Emergency, with 7% containment. VCCF has previously stewarded millions of dollars in donations for the Thomas, Hill, and Woolsey Fires, ensuring the funds had the most impact and supported those most affected. VCCF continues to monitor the status of the Mountain Fire, working with its nonprofit and government partners to best respond to the county’s needs.

"Through the Ventura County Wildfire Relief and Recovery Fund, our community has a vital lifeline for those impacted by the wildfire,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, CEO of Ventura County. “This fund stands as a testament to our county's unwavering commitment to provide swift and direct support to individuals and nonprofit organizations on the front lines of relief efforts. Ventura County is both compassionate and resilient, always ready to stand together and support one another in times of need.”

VCCF encourages all community members to stay informed and make safe decisions in the face of this emergency. Information on evacuation zones and shelters can be accessed at vcemergency.com or by calling (805) 465-6650.

“Ventura County has faced devastating wildfires over the years, but the resilience and generosity of our community is stronger,” said VCCF Board Member Leah Lacayo. “We are so grateful to the County of Ventura and our first responders for their heroic efforts to keep our community safe. Your community foundation is here to help, especially during times of disaster, and has set up this fund to support relief and recovery efforts.”

About VCCF

Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation has focused on building philanthropy in our region by stewarding legacies through careful management of the charitable capital entrusted to us. We are committed to a long-term perspective for Ventura County. We honor donor intent by protecting endowments forever and we specialize in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. We invest in the future through scholarships, grant making and collaborative partnerships. vccf.org

The Sanctuary at Thousand Oaks Luxury Apartments in Newbury Park Planned for Early 2026

MBK Rental Living acquired the 7.1 acre site at 1872 Newbury Road (at NE Kelley Road), Thousand Oaks in 2023 and is developing it into a 218-unit luxury apartment community. The project will offer both market rate and affordable residences across multiple two and three story buildings and will offer studio, one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans. Twelve percent of the residences will be designated as affordable housing.

Located on the site is the historic Timber School House and auditorium. Established in 1888, the Timber School District was formed by early ranchers in the Conejo Valley. The original Timber School was a one room schoolhouse that was demolished to make way for the new Timber School House that was built in 1924. The auditorium was built in 1948. These buildings were designated as historic landmarks in 2004 by the City of Thousand Oaks and Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board. Most recently, Conejo Valley High School occupied the buildings until 2015. These buildings will be preserved, rehabilitated and repurposed as the community’s leasing office, co-working space, clubhouse, and children’s lounge.

Grading of the site is currently taking place as of October 2024 and the grand opening is slated for early 2026. Pre-leasing will begin in late 2025. Learn more at www.thesanctuarythousandoaks.com.

Site grading on october 11, 2024

California Assembly Bill 413 "Daylighting Law" Became Effective January 1, 2024

Effective January 1, 2025, California Assembly Bill 413 allows for violators of the Daylighting Law to be cited.

The Moorpark Police Department would like to inform residents of California’s new law, Assembly Bill 413, known as the “California Daylighting Law.” This bill amends Section 22500 of the California Vehicle Code by adding a new section to the law which prohibits stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension.

The law took effect on January 1, 2024, allowing authorities to issue warnings if the law is violated, unless the curb has already been painted red or a sign erected that prohibits parking. Effective January 1, 2025, the law allows for violators to be issued a citation for violating the Daylighting Law.

This law was written to address incidents where pedestrians were struck and seriously injured or killed while crossing the street. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, California’s pedestrian fatality rate was 25% higher than the national average. Pedestrian fatalities increased from 1,013 in 2020 to 1,108 in 2021. There are 43 other states that have implemented similar laws that have resulted in successfully reducing traffic collisions involving pedestrians. The city of Hoboken, New Jersey has a similar law and has reported zero traffic fatalities involving pedestrians over the last seven years.

The Moorpark Police Department is aware that street parking in local neighborhoods can be difficult, and parking is limited. In an effort to increase compliance and awareness, the Moorpark Police Department will be conducting public outreach to inform residents of the new law.

Living in such a beautiful county affords us the opportunity to go for walks, hikes, and bike rides. The Moorpark Police Department wants to make sure everyone is safe while enjoying the outdoors. This law is one component of many that can help reduce pedestrian related traffic collisions. Here are some additional safety tips for pedestrians:

•     Cross streets only at crosswalks, where drivers expect pedestrians to cross.

•     Walk on sidewalks whenever possible, avoid walking in the street or bike lane.

•     Always look both ways before crossing a street.

•     Carry a flashlight when walking at night.

•     Wear bright reflective clothing when walking at night or in low light conditions.

•     When attempting to cross the street, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.

2024 Summer Beach Buses in Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark

The City of Agoura Hills Summer Beach Bus is back for 2024. Runs June 17 to August 16 (except July 4) Monday through Friday from three designated locations to/from Zuma Beach. Service is $2 each way. Exact change required. Open to anyone (not just Agoura Hills residents). www.agourahillscity.org/department/community-services-parks-recreation/beach-bus.

The City of Thousand Oaks is offering Summer Beach Bus Service in 2024 from June 17 to August 10 (except July 4) to Zuma Beach and Ventura Harbor Beach (new this year). Two round trips will be available daily Monday through Friday. to Zuma and Saturday to Ventura Cove Beach. The fare is $4.00 round trip ($1.00 for seniors ages 65+ and persons with disabilities) cash only and is collected in person at the time of boarding. Students from kindergarten through college can ride the Beach Bus for free.

The City of Moorpark is offering round trip bus service to/from Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura this year on Wednesdays through Fridays, June 19 to August 16. $5 round trip for adults/students. $2 for seniors. Must have exact change. Free for ages 5 and under (accompanied by fare paying passenger age 16+). See www.moorparkca.gov/821/Beach-Bus

2024 City of Thousand Oaks Summer Beach Bus Service June 17 to August 10

City of Thousand Oaks Summer Beach Bus Service Returns For 2024

The City of Thousand Oaks will once again offer the Summer Beach Bus: a regular scheduled public transit service traveling weekdays between Thousand Oaks and Zuma Beach in Malibu and, new this year, Saturday service to Ventura Harbor Beaches. This will be the 11th year the service is being offered by Thousand Oaks Transit (TOT). The service runs Monday through Saturday from June 17 through August 10, except for July 4.

Two round trips will be available daily, Monday through Friday, to Zuma Beach and on Saturdays to Ventura Harbor Beaches. The fare is $4.00 round trip ($1.00 for seniors ages 65+ and persons with disabilities) cash only and is collected in person at the time of boarding. Students from kindergarten through college can ride the Beach Bus for free. The Beach Bus departs from two locations -- Borchard Community Center Parking Lot and the Thousand Oaks Teen Center Bus Stop. The Beach Bus drops off and picks up at Zuma Beach parking lot #8 Monday through Friday and picks up and drops off at Harbor Village and Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura.   

For exact departure times please refer to the timetable posted at each stop or for more information about the Summer Beach Bus, visit the Thousand Oaks Transit website at toaks.co/beachbus. Seating is limited and riders will be boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival, at least 15 minutes in advance, is encouraged.

Parents and riders may track the bus location in real-time by visiting www.govcbus.com/map.

2024 City of Moorpark Summer Beach Bus Service June 19 to August 16

The City of Moorpark has announced limited beach bus service to Harbor Cove Beach in Ventura for summer 2024 on Wednesdays through Fridays, June 19 through August 16. Bus leaves from designated stops in Moorpark. Service is $5 round trip for adults; $2 for 65+ seniors and ADA certified individuals. Children ages 5 and younger ride free when accompanied by a paid passenger age 16+. www.moorparkca.gov/821/Beach-Bus

2024 City of Agoura Hills Beach Bus June 17 to August 16

The City of Agoura Hills Summer Beach Bus is back for 2024. The bus runs June 17 to August 16 (except July 4), Monday through Friday from three designated locations to/from Zuma Beach, Parking Lot #8 - Lindero Canyon Middle School, Agoura High School and Agoura Road at Liberty Canyon. Service is $2 each way. Exact change required. Open to anyone (not just Agoura Hills residents). www.agourahillscity.org/department/community-services-parks-recreation/beach-bus.