Did You Know...That the City of Westlake Village Has Leaf Blower Guidelines

/
iStock_LeafBlower.jpg

Yes indeed, the City of Westlake Village has detailed guidelines in place for the operation of leaf blowers. So don't blow it...or perhaps I should say, sure, blow it, but per these guidelines. If not, someone may call the Poleafs.

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR OPERATION OF LEAF BLOWERS

The Westlake Village City Council has approved the following guidelines for the operation of leaf blowers which are intended to reduce the noise, dust, fumes and lake pollution generated by the machines. FAILURE TO ABIDE by these guidelines could result in legal prohibitions against the use of leaf blowers.

1. Hours of Operation: Use leaf blowers only between the following hours --

a. 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday (during early morning hours use of power equipment should be deferred as long as possible).

b. Do not use gas powered leaf blowers on Sundays and legal holidays.

c. Check with property owners and/or Homeowners Associations for hours of operation in certain neighborhoods which may be different from the above-mentioned City hours

2. To Reduce Noise:

a. Operate at lowest speed possible. If it is absolutely necessary to operate at higher speeds, do so only for a maximum duration of two minutes.

b. Always use a muffler. Muffler should be serviced and cleaned periodically to remove carbon build up.

c. Always use an air filter. Service filter frequently to keep clean.

d. Use proper hose extensions and nozzles with swivels because less power is required when leaf blower hose is positioned close to debris.

e. Fan Impellers behind back pad should be serviced on a regular basis to insure removal of debris clogging smooth air flow.

f. As situations permit, update equipment to models which meet the ANSI B.175.2 noise standard of 65dB(A) or less. Newer model leaf blowers are much more quiet, and are much more fuel efficient, saving money on fuel costs and generating fewer pollutants from the engine.

g. Follow guidelines of the South Coast Air Quality Management District with regard to maintenance and operation of small internal combustion engines

3. Dust, Fumes, and Lake Pollution:

a. Form small piles of debris. Pick up debris and properly dispose by placing in bag or container.

b. Use mist attachments or lightly sprinkle area when possible to minimize dust created by blowing of debris.

c. Do not blow debris on to neighboring property or into City streets and gutters. All debris must be cleaned from City streets and gutters immediately.

d. Direct blower away from lake. Do not blow debris into lake under any circumstances.

e. Observe wind direction when operating blower. Blow in same direction of wind.

f. Operate blowers at manufacturer's recommended fuel mixture to reduce smoking and fumes.

4. DO NOT Use Leaf Blowers:

a. When other gasoline powered machines are being used on the property or in the adjoining area.

b. When there are excessive winds.

c. When any doors or windows are open.

d. When area to be cleaned is small; sweeping and raking is recommended.

Source: City of Westlake Village website: www.wlv.org

Chick-fil-A Has Application in the Works for 2nd Thousand Oaks Location

/

Back last February 2012 we first learned about the new Chick-fil-A that opened on August 30, 2012 in what used to be the Thousand Oaks Weinerschnitzel.

We also heard at that time of the possibility of Chick-fil-A opening a second Thousand Oaks location just 4 miles away at 449 N. Moorpark Road in the space previously occupied by El Torito (which served its last chimichanga on January 24, 2012).

Well, an application has been filed by Kerr Project Services to demolish the stand-alone ex-El-Torito (and more recently Halloween Store and Christmas Store) building and construct a new Chick-fil-A restaurant with drive-through service.

No other information at this point. The application must first be approved by the City of Thousand Oaks before the permitting, demolition and construction process commences. Stay tuned...

There are currently three Chick-fil-A restaurants in Ventura County, including the original one in Oxnard, the Thousand Oaks location and the Ventura location that opened on February 21, 2013.

Wendy Drive NB 101 Freeway On-Ramp Closure in Newbury Park for 6 Weeks

/

The northbound on-ramp along the 101 Freeway at Wendy Drive will be closed for up to six weeks beginning Thursday, March 28th to allow for the next phase of construction on the Wendy/101 Interchange Improvement Project. The onramp is expected to re-open in May.


Currently, the only bike and pedestrian access on the Wendy overpass is along the north side. To maintain a safe passage of travel for pedestrians, bicyclists, and the contractor, Caltrans and City staff agreed a six-week full on-ramp closure is needed. The closure will provide ample space for the contractor as well as pedestrians and bicyclists crossing.

During the six-week closure, motorists traveling south on Wendy Drive wishing to go northbound, will be directed southbound on the 101 Freeway to Borchard Road for the Borchard Road northbound 101 Freeway on-ramp. City staff has notified Caltrans, law enforcement, and emergency responders of the planned closure.

View of the Wendy overpass from down below (southbound 101 Wendy offramp).

Motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are requested to use caution when traveling though the construction zone for their own safety and the safety of construction workers, and allow extra time due to the temporary construction congestion.

The Wendy/101 Interchange Improvement Project is scheduled to be completed on-time in September 2013. To learn more about the project, view detour maps and road closures please visit www.toaks.org/wendy101.

Maddy's Market in Calabasas Closed Its Doors on Friday, March 1st

/

Maddy's Market at The Summit at Calabasas closed its doors on Friday, March 1st. Maddy's originally opened in November 2010. The store, at 26767 Agoura Road, Calabasas, featured local and organic produce and other healthful items. The store was named after the Maddy family, who lived on a little red house built by Leo Maddy on 5.3 acres in 1912. The land was given by the family to the City of Calabasas.

Thousand Oaks Police Department Reminder to Be Aware of Suspicious Persons

/

Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Senior Deputy Tim Lohman of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

The press release at the bottom of this post is an incident that occurred at The Oaks and Janss malls. This incident could have ended tragically for both women, but fortunately the suspect was apprehended, putting an end to his reign of terror.

This is a reminder to all residents be conscious of suspicious persons and to be aware of your surroundings. The following tips are provided to help keep you safe:

Be alert of your surroundings.

Look for vehicles that may have followed you into the parking lot. Make several turns in a parking lot to verify this.

If you believe you are being followed, do not get out of your vehicle. Doors should be locked.

Stay in a well-traveled and well-lit area. Call 9-1-1 from your cell phone or go to a convenience store, service station, etc., and call 9-1-1.

Look for strangers or suspicious persons sitting in vehicles, standing or walking in the parking lot that appear to be watching you.

Park as close to your destination as possible. Do not park near shrubbery, large vehicles, dumpsters, or anything that blocks your view or provides a place for someone to hide.

Remember where you parked so you do not spend a lot of time walking around the parking lot when you are ready to leave.

If the parking lot has area identifiers, take note of that area where you parked.

If it is night, park in a well-lit and well-traveled area. Do not park in an isolated area.

Look around your vehicle before you get out. Pay attention to the surroundings and any suspicious activity. 

Before leaving your vehicle, make sure ALL the doors are locked and that ALL the windows are rolled all the way up.

If possible, wait for other people to walk to your destination with you before you exit your vehicle.

Walking To Your Vehicle

If you are working after dark, try to move your vehicle closer to the building before it gets dark.

If you frequently work at night, consider a security system for your vehicle. Install one with a panic button which will sound either the horn or a siren. Also, consider carrying a whistle, mace or pepper spray.

If you have to work late, notify someone and give them a p

Read More