An Acorn article last week incorrectly stated that the current Los Angeles County sales tax rate is 9.25 per cent. The rate decreased from 9 to 8.75 percent with the Dec. 31 expiration of the statewide Proposition 30 schools and public safety tax, and it will not go back up to 9.25 percent until the countywide Measure M transportation tax […]
2017-01-19
County homeless census will seek out teens and adults
Counting starts next weekFor the first time since they started tracking numbers in 2007, Ventura County officials will perform two separate head counts of the region’s homeless adults and children this year, hoping for a better assessment of hidden groups that may have been missed by last year’s count. Teams of officials and volunteers will conduct the annual survey of people living unsheltered […]
It’s been one wet winter
Recent rainstorms have eased the statewide drought, at least for now, but Southern California still faces supply shortages for a number of reasons, say local water officials who remain cautiously optimistic about long-term water availability. “Conditions are better this year, but California’s water system is still broken,” said Mike Paule, a director for the Triunfo Sanitation District. Southern California still […]
Calabasas teen soars to new heights
Oaks Christian senior is a pilot, pianist, volunteerSeventeen- year- old Peer Marie Oppenheimer knows firsthand the thrill of piloting an aircraft. The Oaks Christian School senior, who earned her pilot’s license in October, has accumulated 100 flight hours at the helm of a Cessna 172 single-engine aircraft. She said one of the most memorable moments in her aviation career so far was her first solo flight in […]
No snickerdoodles or ice cream this year
Hot FlashesWe’re just weeks into 2017, and at my age, aiming to look like Christie Brinkley by Feb. 1 means I might need to consider other options. Seems my New Year’s resolution of losing between 10 and 3,000 pounds is somewhat trite. So to heck with outdoing Christie. You’re safe this year, Ms. Brinkley; I won’t be stealing your contracts. Instead, […]
Mysteries revealed
Author talk at Westlake LibraryWestlake Village Reads “Mystereads” program will present An Afternoon with Phoef Sutton at 2 p.m. Sun., Jan. 22 at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 Oak Crest Drive. Sutton is a New York Times bestselling author, winner of two Emmy Awards and a playwright. He will discuss mysteries, finding ideas and how to create a great mystery. This event for […]
Briefs
Docents wanted The Reagan Library is accepting docent applications for weekday and weekend shifts. The next training class will begin in February. This opportunity is a good fit for retirees, working professionals, college students and high school students who are at least 16. Members of the docent team enjoy history, and engage visitors from all over the world. For an […]
Senior ombudsman program keeps elder-care industry in check
Advocates make regular inspections of nursing homesSylvia Taylor-Stein was inspired by her own family’s experiences when she launched a crusade five years ago against what was the “go-to” practice in nursing homes of using drugs to calm agitated Alzheimer’s patients. Her uncle, aunt and paternal grandmother all suffered from dementia, said Taylor-Stein, executive director of Long Term Care Services of Ventura County Inc. “My uncle would […]
King and queen of the Mardi Gras Ball
Hugh and Keets Cassar will be honored for their years of public service during the 25th annual Community Conscience Mardi Gras Ball on Sat., March 4 at a new location, North Ranch Country Club, 4761 Valley Spring Drive, Westlake Village. The Cassars have been named king and queen of the ball, the annual fundraiser for Community Conscience Human Services Center […]
Inspirational message
CAN-DO SPIRIT—At top, Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs, receives a hug from 10-year-old fourth-grader Julia Cimino following an assembly Jan. 11 at White Oak Elementary School in Westlake Village. The Australian-born Vujicic is a Thousand Oaks resident and world-renowned motivational speaker. He leads the evangelical ministry, Life Without Limbs. Below, White Oak students react to the […]