County property valuations still on the rise
      Despite the slumping real estate market, Assessor Rick Auerbach says the 2008 Los Angeles County tax roll showed a 6.9 percent increase over the previous year. The $1.1trillion tax roll benefitted from the "stabilizing" effects of Proposition 13, Auerbach said.
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Stark up for reelection on Triunfo water board
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com
      An incumbent on the fivemember Triunfo Sanitation District board of directors is up for reelection in November. Longtime director Ron Stark's fouryear term is up. He said he plans to run again. Registered voters within Triunfo's district, which includes Oak Park, North Ranch, Bell Canyon, Lake Sherwood and parts of Thousand Oaks, are eligible to run.
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Old Topanga homeowners oppose sewer installation
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com
      Homeowners in Old Topanga say they are worried that the city of Calabasas might be installing a sewer system in their neighborhood. They fear the sewers will spur unwanted development. "Sewers mean growth- quick growth," said Toby Keeler, Old Topanga spokesperson. "Then we are going to have contamination of another sort.
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Fire department quickly puts out small blaze on Canwood Street
      HELP ON THE WAY- Above, Courtney Boer holds her cat and observes, along with her mother, Sharon, the fire that broke out July 11 between homes on Canwood Street in Agoura Hills. Below, a firefighter cuts through some bushes. The blaze reportedly was caused by young males igniting fireworks.
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Winery art show involves community
      'HOW DO YOU DO'- Above, artist Douglas Tharalson, right, a Cornell resident, greets the Eroclono family- Conrad, Julie and baby Raven- as they arrive to view a recent art show at Cornell Winery by Tharalson and Robin Ray Branham. The historical, Santa Monica Mountains winery is at 29975 Mulholland Highway in Agoura Hills.
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Future Foundation director to retire
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
      For the last 13 years, Fran Brough has been at the helm of the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation think tank that has championed many conferences, events and study projects designed to help citizens of all ages.
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Adam Sterling nominated for 'Do Something' award
'Teen Choice' show to air on Fox, Aug. 4
      Adam Sterling, director of the Sudan Divestment Task Force, a project of the Genocide Intervention Network, has been nominated for the "Do Something" Teen Choice Award. The winner of the award, determined by online votes, will be announced live on Aug. 4 at the Teen Choice Awards, airing at 8 p.m.
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Funds donated to Semper Fi fund
      As part of their 38th annual Invitational Golf Tournament in June, the Westlake Village Men's Golf Club conducted a charity event for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, headquartered at Camp Pendleton. The fundraiser honored Lance Cpl. Anthony Melia, a Thousand Oaks resident who was killed Jan.
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