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.)

Sonic Drive-In Coming to Fillmore in the Spring of 2024

Lucas C was excited to share that the first Sonic Drive-Thru in Ventura County is finally coming next spring, to Fillmore. The Fillmore Gazette shared an image of a sign at the corner of Orange Grove and SR-26 in Fillmore. This is about a 20 mile drive, 35-40 minutes from Thousand Oaks via SR-23 via Grimes Canyon. The nearest Sonic locations to the Conejo Valley now are in Duarte and Palmdale. www.sonicdrivein.com

Santa Paula to Debut Friday Farmers' Market on August 27th

The City of Santa Paula, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Enriched Farms, is excited to announce the installation of a new and unique certified farmers market experience beginning Friday, August 27. The inaugural event will kick off at 3 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and opening remarks.

The new Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market, which will take place every Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. along East Santa Barbara St. between North 10th St. (Hwy 150) and North Mill St. in front of our historic Train Depot, will showcase locally certified fruits and produce from growers such as Prancers Farm and Espinoza Farm along with shops and food from over thirty vendors. Santa Paulans and visitors alike are encouraged to come out and enjoy all that beautiful Santa Paula has to offer.

Looking for a tasty quick bite or a fun Friday night dinner? Look no further than Santa Paula’s Certified Farmer Market, which is set to feature many restaurants and food businesses. Try something new, such as:

• Brothers Products - various hummus flavors, pita bread and pita chips, mediterranean salads and dips

• Davilas Pupuseria - featuring delicious pupusas

• Keto Sweets LA - baked keto brownies and breads (gluten free and diabetic friendly)

• MeGusta Gourmet Tamales and Thai Chicken - award winning tamales

• Salsa Acapulco - fresh salsa of various kinds, guacamole and various ceviches

Alongside the delicious local food stalls, attendees will find local businesses and merchants selling their popular and skillfully crafted products. From locally grown flowers from Pattys Farm to 100% locally produced honey from BlueRidge Honey, the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market is sure to have something for everyone.

To top it all off, the Santa Paula Certified Farmers Market is the only farmers market with a wine and beer tasting section in Ventura County for adults to enjoy! Visitors may shop around for their favorite local products, grab a meal or snack, and then end their Friday night with tastes from local wine, beer and cider makers. In addition, shoppers can enjoy local live musical entertainment from local musicians while winding down the week. The wine and beer tasting area, alongside the delicacies showcased at the market, ensures the Santa Paula Farmers Market will be the perfect place to spend Friday evenings and grab local produce for the weekend.

www.spcity.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=77

FARMERS’ MARKETS THROUGHOUT VENTURA COUNTY

Sears Ventura and Kmart Santa Paula to Close by February 2020

The end of an era in Ventura County. Sears at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura is on a list of 96 Sears and Kmart stores slated to close their doors. Additionally, the Kmart store in Santa Paula is on this list.

Going out of business sales will commence on December 2nd and the stores will close by February 2020.

There will be no more Sears retail stores in Ventura County after this closure,

The Camarillo Kmart is closing in December. That leave no more Kmart stores in Ventura County too.

www.sears.com

www.kmart.com

List of 96 closures at THIS LINK.

Ventura Ranch KOA is Open While Rebuilding But With Limited Services and Amenities

The Ventura Ranch KOA in Santa Paula was significantly affected by the December 2017 Thomas Fire and was closed for awhile as a result.  However, it is now open and taking reservations, but with limited services, amenities, and activities as they continue the process of rebuilding.

All electric and water RV sites are now open and many tent sites are available. New cabins are being built, and along with the safari tents, teepees and pool, are expected to be open by the end of June. 

Learn more at koa.com/campgrounds/ventura-ranch.

Every Picture Tells a Story Photo Exhibit at Ventura College Santa Paula Campus 8/3 to 12/18/15

Every Picture Tells a Story - From Presidents to Pop Stars
Personal Collection of Journalist Ivor Davis
August 3 - December 18, 2015
Monday- Thursday, 8 am to 8:30 pm
Ventura College Santa Paula Campus
957 Faulkner Road, Rm 106, Santa Paula, CA 93060

Reception with Ivor Davis and Book Signing
Thursday, September 24 - 6 to 8 pm

UC Cooperative Extension Response Regarding Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch

The following is from the University of California Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Ventura County issued last month in response to the Santa Paula Rotary announcement that the 2014 Faulker Farm Pumpkin Patch in Santa Paula has been cancelled. Learn more about UCCE Agriculture and Natural Resources Ventura County at ceventura.ucanr.edu.

10 Facts about UC Hansen Agricultural Research and Extension Center (UC HAREC) and the Pumpkin Patch at Faulkner Farm

What is UC Hansen Agriculture Research and Extension Center?

Established in 1997 through an endowment set up by Thelma Hansen, UC HAREC is one of the University of California’s nine Research and Extension Centers. UC HAREC performs agricultural research and has crop and tree demonstration areas. Crops are also grown for farm field trips through which students learn where their food comes from, and there are demonstration gardens for students and visitors.

What is UC’s relationship to the Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch?

Since purchasing the property in 1997, UC allowed the Ayers’ (original owners) pumpkin patch to continue operation during its first year and then worked with Litchfield Farms from 1998 through 2005 on a pumpkin patch that included educational programs during the week for school children. In 2006, Litchfield Farms did not renew their lease and in the winter of 2007 the Rotary Club of Santa Paula submitted a proposal to run the pumpkin patch.

Will there be a Rotary Club of Santa Paula pumpkin patch at HAREC this year?

We are still waiting to hear from the Rotary Club of Santa Paula on whether or not they want to use HAREC for their pumpkin patch. They have until May 30 to decide if our facility meets their requirements and let us know.

Have we limited the pumpkin patch to one acre?

No. We are currently expanding our agricultural research and educational offerings including new partnerships with the Ventura Unified School District/Food Corps program and additional countywide academic-year school field trips, which require more acreage. This expansion limits the amount of land available to the pumpkin patch. The UC HAREC is in the process of finalizing the long-term research project requests. Once projects are awarded we may be in a position to offer additional space.

Is this the first year a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) has been requested for the pumpkin patch?

No. The University of California made Santa Paula Rotary Club aware of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requirement when they assumed control of the pumpkin patch in 2007 as a fundraising event for their club. The University of California reiterated the need for the club to obtain a CUP for the Rotary Club’s pumpkin patch from the County in 2010 and in 2012. We simply cannot assume all liability for their event.

What is a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)?

A conditional use permit (CUP) allows a city or county to consider special uses that may be essential or desirable to a particular community, but which are not allowed as a matter of right within a zoning district. A conditional use permit can provide flexibility within a zoning ordinance.

Are there other pumpkin patches in the county?

Yes! While we understand that many community members have long memories of the Faulkner Farm pumpkin patch, over the years Ventura County has been fortunate to add a wide variety of pumpkin patches throughout the county. Here is a 2013 list from the Conejo Valley Guide of a variety of pumpkin patches offered by our local Ventura County farmers. 2013 Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County www.conejovalleyguide.com/welcome/pumpkin-patches-in-ventura-county-and-adjacent-areas.html

Agritourism can be a real boon to small farmers and can even help keep them in business during hard times, like the drought that we are currently experiencing.

My family/kids enjoyed visiting the Faulkner Farm, may we still do so?

Absolutely. In fact, on Thursday, May 8^th , HAREC opened to the public all day for the CE 100 Year Celebration - Day of Science and Service. ceventura.ucanr.edu/ANR_Centennial_/

What other events/activities are typically held at HAREC?

Check out our calendar of events for more information at ceventura.ucanr.edu/?calendar=yes&g=63579

A sampling of typical events, programs and/or activities at HAREC include 4-H Youth Field Trips every Tuesday and Thursday, FoodCorps Student Farm Project, Master Gardener Workshops, Sustainability Camp for Youth and many more.

More on UC HAREC at ucanr.edu/sites/hansenagcenter.

Santa Paula Rotary Announces Cancellation of 2014 Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch

The Santa Paula Rotary recently announced the cancellation of the 2014 Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch "due to actions taken by the University of California and the Hansen Trust Advisory Board" Approximately 20,000 people visit the patch each year.

Hay mazes at the Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch in a previous year.

According to the press release, the Santa Paula Pumpkin Patch Committee attempted to work with the Hansen Trust to permit the Pumpkin Patch to run for an additional transitional year while a new venue was sought. But "UC chose to discriminate against the Rotary Club by establishing new conditions and barriers which are not uniformly applied to other UC campuses and property throughout the state, or even at the Hansen Trust, making it impossible for the Rotary operated Faulkner Farm Pumpkin Patch to continue" according to the Rotary. More background on the situation at www.faulknerfarmpumpkinpatch.com/information.html.

To justify its actions, UC/Hansen Trust stated that the professional exhibits provided by the Resource Conservation District, United Water Conservation District, Limoneira, CoLab, Calavo, the Cattleman’s Association, Rincon-Vitova Insectaries, Associates Insectary, FFA petting area & Briggs 4-H seed exhibit were of poor quality and no educational value. The educational hayride script and school program, developed by Hansen Trust staff, were also deemed educationally meaningless.  Interestingly, 63% of the people visiting the Pumpkin Patch last year (a significantly higher number than the total visiting the farm for the entire remaining 11 months of the year) said they learned something new about agriculture during their visit.

To learn more, visit www.faulknerfarmpumpkinpatch.com. The Rotary Club of Santa Paula encourages the public to share your thoughts about the actions taken by UC and the Hansen Trust with Ms. Janet Napolitano, President, University of California, Office of the President, 1111 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607 or President@ucop.edu.