CityScene Newsletter | May - June 2021 Issue

A newsletter for the Camarillo community

www.cityofcamarillo.org

May - June 2021

Volume 27 | Number 5

Reopening Safely Is Our Highest Priority

The City’s highest priority throughout the COVID pandemic has been the safety of our employees and community members. As the COVID pandemic worsened and the number of cases dramatically increased, the City increasingly ramped up efforts to make sure City employees remained safe and able to serve community members. This resulted in physically closing our doors and relying solely on virtual services to conduct routine City business.

The situation is changing rapidly once again. Now that more vaccinations are being administered and health equity metrics are trending in a positive direction, the City feels more comfortable opening up City Hall to walk-in traffic and opening up Council Chambers to in-person public meetings. Safety protocols are in place for City Council, employees and community members.

City Hall is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., excluding City observed holidays. Although in-person business is now available, the City strongly encourages the community to take advantage of the City’s online, phone, and email options, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A list of how to access City services is available in our Frequently Asked Questions at www.cityofcamarillo.org/covid19.

Camarillo Master Bicycle Plan

The City of Camarillo has a citywide system of bicycle paths, lanes, and routes that is consistent with California State law. It provides bicyclists with opportunities to exercise, recreate, and commute between destinations. Bicycle paths or shared bicycle and pedestrian paths are intended for pedestrians and bicyclists only. Bicycle lanes are striped on streets and are designed for bicycle use only. Bicycle routes are guides on streets where bicyclists share the lane with automobiles.

It is important to remember that generally bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as vehicle drivers unless there is a specific exception. Whenever possible, bicyclists should utilize the intended bicycle spaces; however, there are times when bicycle paths, lanes, or routes, get blocked and it becomes necessary to ride into the street to avoid hazards. Roadway construction may require the closure of the bicycle lane or there may be a broken-down vehicle or debris occupying the path or lane. During these unforeseen circumstances, the bicyclist should exercise extra caution and be aware of vehicles adjacent to them while riding in the roadway. The City is continuously trying to improve and add to the bicycle system in order to best serve the community. For more info, call: (805) 388-5340 and ask for the Traffic Engineering Division.

COMING SOON: Food Waste Recycling

Harrison Industries is gearing up to add food waste recycling to its residential and commercial collection services. In cooperation with partner companies Agromin and Gold Coast Recycling, as well as its partner cities and the County of Ventura, Harrison will soon implement a limited residential food recycling pilot program. Food waste collection will become standard for all customers in the next two years.

In California, several laws mandate food waste collection/recycling programs as part of the state’s effort to reduce by 75%, by 2025, the total amount of waste going into our landfills. A large percentage is thought to be food waste.

To comply with the mandates, Harrison and Agromin are making progress on two local recycling/composting facilities: MOUNTAIN VIEW in Oxnard is expected to be open later this year, to handle source-separated commercial food material; and AGROMIN LIMONEIRA in the Santa Clara Valley is in the permit process for a major expansion set for completion in mid-2022. The existing Limoneira commercial compost facility will expand to meet all the region’s organic waste recycling needs, making long-haul trips out of Ventura County unnecessary.

For additional information, please email Daniel Harrison at danh@ejharrison.com.

New Color-Coded Trash, Recycling Barrels

E.J. Harrison & Sons is getting an early start on delivering new trash and recycling barrels that will comply with California’s Senate Bill 1383, which creates a statewide uniform color barrel/cart system. The new barrels will roll out gradually across the state in the coming years.

Based on the SB 1383 rules:

1. New black barrels will replace the old green trash carts.

2. The blue recycle barrels will remain blue.

3. New green barrels will replace the old tan/brown carts currently used for yard/green waste.

There is signage on the barrel lids explaining the use for each barrel.

In Camarillo, new black trash barrels have already started going out to new developments and some existing neighborhoods, including at Flora at the Grove (Shea Homes) and in the Springville area. The new barrels will be phased in across the city over the next few years. The next generation of 32-, 64- and 96-gallon fully automated carts are slightly shorter than the ones they will replace, but they are wider and heavier, which are expected to make them more stable during wind events.

If there are any questions, please call E.J. Harrison & Sons at 805-647-1414, extension 4354 or 4321.

Did You Know?

E.J. Harrison Disposal & Diversion Tonnage

In January 2021, a total of 4,517 tons of waste was collected in the City of Camarillo, and 2,143 tons were recycled and thus diverted from the landfill. Track the stats in our Monthly Activity Reports from the City's website at City of Camarillo/Activity Reports. And please keep on recycling!

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Monthly Collection

A total of 294 residents participated in February's Household Hazardous Waste program and, together, diverted 9.1 tons of electronic waste, universal waste, batteries, and HHW from the landfill. If you have household hazardous waste to dispose of, you can make an appointment for the monthly collection by calling (805) 987-0717 or click here to schedule your drop-off appointment online.

For all other recycling opportunities, please see the City's

Odds-N-Ends Guide at www.cityofcamarillo.org.

You can RECYCLE household batteries!

Mixed household batteries can be dropped off during business hours at the Police Station, City Hall, Camarillo Library, and Senior Center for proper recycling to Gold Coast Recycling.

Your Yard, Your Watershed... Your Actions Matter

When it comes to landscaping and gardening, it is important to keep our environment in mind. Below are several practices that will help you do just that.

Plant Selection: It's important to select pest-resistant and drought-resistant native plants so the need for pesticides, fertilizers and water could be minimized. For a list of recommended plants to incorporate in your landscaping, visit City of Camarillo’s Water-Wise Gardening website, www.camarillogardening.com.

Fertilizers & Pesticides: Using pesticides or fertilizers correctly is essential to keeping the watershed free of pollutants. Apply only as needed and as directed on the label, and always store under cover – out of the rain! Avoid using pesticides or fertilizers around water, drains or bare ground. Also, if rain is in the forecast within 24 hours, hold off on using them.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM): As an eco-friendly approach to effective pest management, the goal of IPM is to use less-toxic methods that result in using less pesticides. For example, a pest problem can be handled by incorporating beneficial insects, such as lady bugs, into your garden. Get more info about IPM at ipm.ucdavis.edu.

Maintenance: Clear, remove, and recycle yard debris and place them in your yard waste bin or compost bin. If organic waste ends up in a storm drain, it can create flooding and pollute the watershed! For more info, call Camarillo’s Stormwater Program Manager at 805-388-5391 or visit cleanwatershed.org.

If It's On The Ground, It's In Our Watershed

The City of Camarillo requests your help in keeping Camarillo and its creeks beautiful. Not only is trash unsightly, but it can also clog our storm drain lines and contribute to flooding on public and private property. Most trash does not decompose for years in the environment, as is shown in this table.

Cigarettes constitute a large portion of trash found in our neighborhoods and surrounding ecosystems. Though small, they have a large impact on the health and beauty of the environment. Cigarette waste contains toxic chemicals that stay present in the environment for many years. Cigarette butts and other trash that are not properly disposed of will eventually travel by stormwater runoff through drains and will pollute our creeks and ocean, which may harm aquatic life.

To keep Camarillo beautiful, properly dispose of trash and cigarette butts in designated waste receptacles. A clean and healthy watershed is a beautiful watershed, which is why it is important to prevent litter from entering our storm drains and waterways. For more information on how you can help keep our waterways clean, call the City’s Stormwater Program Manager at 805-388-5391, or visit cleanwatershed.org.

City of Camarillo Outdoor Dining Map

Many of Camarillo’s restaurants have created or expanded their outdoor dining areas to accommodate guests with comfortable and safe outdoor dining experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help inform Camarillo residents and visitors, while also assisting our local restaurants, we have created an online outdoor dining map which displays restaurants with outdoor dining options. You can navigate this map through photos of restaurants’ outdoor eating areas or by clicking on points on the map at cityofcamarillo.org/outdoordining.

Help support local businesses and explore Camarillo’s restaurants.

Camarillo Public Library Has Reopened

Current State and County health and safety guidelines have allowed the Camarillo Public Library to reopen with modifications to building capacities, gatherings, physical distancing, cleaning, and disinfecting protocols. Details at www.camarillolibrary.org.

Patrons may contact the Library by any of the following methods:

Phone: (805) 388-5222

Email: askus@camarillolibrary.org

Facebook: facebook.com/camarillolibrary

Online chat service (Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) available directly from camarillolibrary.org

For days, times and FAQs asked questions, visit camarillolibrary.org

Digital services are offered at camarillolibrary.org/content/digital-resources

The literacy program and Russell Fischer Business Collection will continue to be offered as virtual services, and a virtual summer reading program will be added to encourage students in maintaining reading and comprehension skills during their summer break.

Curbside Pickup Still Going Strong!

Here’s how it works: Library patrons may place a hold on up to ten items, by phone (805) 388-5222 or online at www.camarillolibrary.org. Please allow one full business day to process requests. Once notified that the items are ready, patrons will park in a numbered parking space within the library parking lot, and call (805) 388-5222 to give library employees their name, library card number, and parking space number. Patrons are asked to remain in their vehicle and a library employee will deliver items to the vehicle. Library staff is incorporating social distancing and protective measures into this curbside pickup process to keep employees and patrons safe.

Hours of Operation & Curbside Services

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Library will be open to visitors.

Curbside service continues with modified hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m .to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Shop Friends of the Camarillo Library Online Storefront

Shop a great selection of gently used books and DVDs online, and support our Camarillo Public Library! Browse the used books and DVDs for adults and children from the comfort of your home.

Purchase your next great read directly from the NEW Friends Online Pop-Up Storefront at www.foclpopup.org.

The selection is frequently updated. All purchases will be available for weekly Sunday pickup only. This new endeavor is separate from the physical bookstore by the Camarillo Public Library.

You can find pickup details under the How It Works tab on the Friends of the Camarillo Library website: www.friendscamarillolibrary.org.

Stay Informed Through Ventura County Sheriff's Website

The Camarillo Police Department encourages you to always stay informed through the Ventura County Sheriff’s Website at www.venturasheriff.org.

On the site, you can view information and updates about Camarillo and the rest of Ventura County.

Easily navigate the site from the homepage, and scroll down to find several useful links including:

Public Resources: View Calls for Service, Civil Unit information and other valuable news.
Featured Links: Search Cold Cases; find a Directory of all essential phone numbers and contacts; and the Crime Mapping feature, an up-to-date resource which shows which crimes have occurred in your neighborhood. You can even sign up to receive alerts when specific crimes happen near your home.

For more information on how to navigate the site, Crime Mapping, or if you have any other questions, please call Camarillo Crime Prevention Officers at 805-388-5130.

For all EMERGENCIES dial: 911

For non-emergencies in the Camarillo area, dial: 805-654-9511

In May We Celebrate Public Works Week

May 16-22, 2021

Every year, in May, we recognize National Public Works Week, dedicating time to energize and educate the public on the importance of public works to their daily lives: planning, building, managing, and operating at the heart of the City of Camarillo to improve everyday quality of life.

Stay tuned for a video featuring highlights from Camarillo's Public Works Department to be shared on our Government Channel channel and online at the City's YouTube channel.

Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District (PVRPD) Updates

In-Person Services & Programming

PVRPD Admin Office is now open to walk-in traffic. Register for classes, sports, activities and more. Reserve picnic facilities for your next small event. Their staff is eager to see you and help you get signed up for what you need. Offices are open Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley Street, or call (805) 482-1996.

The Senior Center Office is now open to walk-in traffic. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Center is located at 1605 E. Burnley Street, Camarillo, at the Community Center on the corner of Carmen Dr. & Burnley Street, or call (805) 482-4881.

Aquatic Center has opened up more programs including lap swim, therapeutic swim, structured swim, water exercise and swim lessons. Reserve your appointment and dive in. Visit the center located at 1030 Temple Ave or call (805) 987-8198. See schedule and safety procedures at pvrpd.org/aquatics.