Category Archives: News and Notes

If you had the chance to circumnavigate the globe in a hand-built plane, would you?

Ryan Shields  meeting an employee of S7 Airlines when he stopped for fuel in Novosibirsk, Russia .

by Jenny Guy

With the start of 2016, Ventura resident Ryan Shields was faced with this question. And, while the business owner and father of four had reservations about departing from all that he knew to be part of a journey that covered two oceans, three continents, nine countries and 21 cities, his wife simply said, “You’d be stupid not to.”

Shields first began flying in his twenties in Mammoth Lakes, California. He studied at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and joined the Peace Corps after graduating, where he was stationed in El Salvador. During this time, he developed a love of travel –– venturing through much of Central and South America. Returning stateside, almost two decades ago, Shields married and founded a telecommunications company, placing its headquarters in Ventura, California.

When his business expanded, opening offices in Los Angeles and other locations in the Western United States, Shields decided an airplane was a logical solution to his frequent travel between corporate divisions. He chose the six-seater Epic LT, “a Tesla of the skies,” for its carbon-fiber technology and high-performance handling.

As an experienced pilot and dedicated customer, Shields was offered the opportunity to test the full capabilities of his state-of-the-art aircraft as a participant of the Epic Odyssey World Tour. This inaugural trip was hosted by Oregon-based aviation company Epic Aircraft, which specializes in the design and manufacture of all composite, single-engine turboprop airplanes, like Shields’ Epic LT.

With his family’s encouragement and all lights glowing green, Shields embarked on the first-of-its-kind Epic journey in July 2016. The trip consisted of six Epic aircraft and their owners, including Epic CEO Doug King –– accompanied by professional pilots, staff members and a documentary film crew. Epic and its team of international aviation partners scheduled the logistics of this world tour, and sponsors of the journey included Pratt & Whitney Canada, Garmin, Hartzell, Jeppesen, Spidertracks, Globalstar, and GoPro.

The itinerary spanned 21 days, beginning in Wisconsin and traveling to Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, England, Italy, the Czech Republic and Russia. Coordinating prior commitments to go on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Shields joined the 26-person travel party on the ninth day of the expedition in Prague. The trip ended with a finale in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where participants celebrated their victory at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) conference, AirVenture 2016.

“The longest flight leg spanned from Magadan, Siberia, to Nome, Alaska, totaling more than 1,200 nautical miles,” said Shields. “It really is a testament to Epic’s craftsmanship that all six aircrafts made the entire length of the trip without any major mechanical issues.”

The complete Epic Odyssey World Tour covered 16,405 nautical miles, lasting 51.5 flight hours and achieving an average ground speed of 318.5 knots. Shields, who houses his Epic at Oxnard Airport, explained that he came back from the trip with a new respect for the United States’ airspace and a better understanding of the broader world.

“I found myself in Moscow’s Red Square, and I couldn’t help but think of my time in Washington, D.C., with my family several months earlier at the Blossom Kite Festival,” said Shields. “There are significant similarities between all cultures, and this trip really helped to dispel a lot of geopolitical myths.”

With all 26 voices shouting “success” at the journey’s completion, Epic is currently planning its next world adventure. For more information, please visit www.epicaircraft.com.

Jenny Guy is the director of communications for Mustang Marketing and a resident of the City of Ventura.

Sandra Laby will never be forgotten

Laby (78), died on September 24, 2016 at 8:05pm. She was in the company of her husband Jordan and two sons Phillip and Todd. Her passing was peaceful and short. Being the fighter she has always been, she outlived all predictions, over and over again. The family is grateful that she is no longer suffering.”

Sandra  died at home from pancreatic cancer after a very short battle with illness.

Donna Granata, Executive Director of Focus on the Masters said, “The sad news has arrived. Our community has lost one of its brightest lights. Sandra Laby’s life was a beautiful life well spent. Her devotion to the arts will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Rest in peace dear friend. My love is with you Jordan, Todd, Phillip and your families.”

Sandra was born on October 10, 1937 in Brooklyn. In 1947 she moved to Los Angeles with her family and later attended Fairfax High School in West Los Angeles, Los Angeles City College and Cal State Los Angeles.

Sandra married Jordan Laby at Factors Hall in Los Angeles in 1960 and remained married for 56 years until her passing. In 1979, Jordan and Sandra Laby moved to Ventura after falling in love with Ventura’s beauty and arts. They made it their mission to unearth the artistic talents in Ventura which they did over and over again.

Sandra loved to dance and performed Flamenco, ballroom and other types of dancing in shows as a hobby.

The way Sandra saw it – art and life are intertwined.  A local visionary, Sandra Laby helped keep that gift alive in Ventura through many gifts, and her time to the arts.

When asked what she liked most about living in Ventura, Sandra said, “It is all about the people, the location and the weather.  It is such a relaxed place to live and raise a family.  People are kind and caring and it gives one the feeling of a very small town.  Every day I get to watch the ocean, the birds and the boats.  That is not a bad way to live. The weather is balmy and sometimes very moody and exciting. I like it all.”.

In 2015 Johanna Spinks painted the portrait of Sandra Laby for The Face of Ventura series appearing on the Ventura Breeze. In remembering Sandra, artist Johanna Spinks said “Sandra sat for The Face of Ventura and just had an effervescence to her spirit and personality that I enjoyed being around. When her gaze was on you, when she pulled you in for a photo op, with her arm protectively around you, you felt so blessed. When she talked directly to you, about art and life, how she met Jordan, you felt like the luckiest gal in the room.”
In 2015 Johanna Spinks painted the portrait of Sandra Laby for The Face of Ventura series appearing on the Ventura Breeze. In remembering Sandra, artist Johanna Spinks said “Sandra sat for The Face of Ventura and just had an effervescence to her spirit and personality that I enjoyed being around. When her gaze was on you, when she pulled you in for a photo op, with her arm protectively around you, you felt so blessed. When she talked directly to you, about art and life, how she met Jordan, you felt like the luckiest gal in the room.”

Here are just a very few of her – and Jordan’s – incredible accomplishments:

  • One of the ladies of the Rubicon’s “Hot Dames 2010 Calendar
  • President of the National Council of Jewish Women Ventura County
  • Honored for serving on the first foundation board of the California State University Channel Islands.
  • Jewish Federation “Woman of Valor”
  • Honored as the Mayors Arts Award,
  • Ventura Music Festivals First Founders Award,
  • Ventura Interfaith Ministerial Award as “Woman of Vision”
  • Ventura Chamber of Commerce “Shining Stars”
  • Ventura County Ballet Company “Partner in Dance Award”
  • Oxnard Salsa Dance Contest Winner where she raised the most money for “Music in the Schools with Nuvi Mehta” in association with the Ventura Music Festival.
  • Helped start the new “Harmony Project of Ventura County”
  • Supported key cultural venues like Rubicon Theatre Company, Ventura Music Festival, the bi-annual Arts Forum for City Council Candidates, and Focus on the Master Learning to See Series in the Ventura Schools, Working Artists Ventura WAV,  California International Theatre Festival, Bell Arts Factory and the New West Symphony
  • Was active as a board member and/or advisor of organizations such as the Ojai Music Festival, Ventura County Ballet, Ventura  College Orchestra, ART City and Camerata Pacifica. Also supported the Ventura Film Society, Jewish Federation of Ventura County, Jewish Family Services, and FOOD Share.
  • Founding member of the Ventura Botanical Gardens
  • The San Buenaventura Foundation for the Arts, which she and Jordan, founded in 1999.
  • Sandra and Jordan gave scholarships through the “Phoenix Program” at the Ventura College Foundation.
  • Museum of Ventura County an “Evening Of Note Celebrity Dinner” was held by the Ventura Music Festival honoring Sandra and Jordan Laby for their unending contributions to the arts in Ventura County and specifically in Ventura.
  • Harmony Project of Ventura County Celebration Lunch “For The Love of Children, Community and Music” was held at the Marriott Ventura Beach. The lunch was presented by the New West Symphony League to award Sandra and Jordan Laby the 2016 Humanitarian Award of the Harmony Project.
Sandra was a philanthropist, dancer, art collector, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Sandra was a philanthropist, dancer, art collector, wife, mother, and grandmother.

When presenting the Laby’s with the 2016 Humanitarian Award, Peter Goldenring, a funding sponsor of the Harmony Project, stated, “We are all here honoring Jordan and Sandy for being bright lights and leaders in philanthropy and for making a huge difference in people’s lives. Some would call what Jordan and Sandy do quiet acts of generosity. When done they never know whether or not it will change a life, be something big or be small. It doesn’t matter.”

Remembering Sandra Ventura City Councilmember Cheryl Heittman said “Sandra will be missed by our entire community but particularly the arts community. She contributed her time, talent and treasure to all the arts in Ventura.  My favorite memory is her winning the Oxnard Salsa Festival contest.  Dancing and the arts were her passion and she has left our community a better place.”

Karyl Lynn Burns, Rubicon Theatre first met Sandra Laby more than twenty years ago. “I spoke to her on the phone my first day in Ventura as Executive Director of the fledgling Ventura Chamber Music Festival. The next day we met for lunch. She was a beacon of light – a force of nature – a beautiful bundle of passion and energy and enthusiasm. We met at Café Zack for lunch and stayed until the dinner dishes were done and they were ready to turn out the lights. In that 10-hour span of time, we had a new administrative and fundraising plan for the Festival; and I had a best friend, mentor and second mother (later a second father, too, in Jordan). Four years later, when my husband returned from the National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and we were ready to start Rubicon Theatre Company, Sandra and Jordan Laby provided seed funding so we could secure rights for the first show.”

“I know there are so many other arts dreamers in Ventura County with similar stories. She was always there at the beginning of the movement – leading the charge for the best and biggest and boldest idea.”

“Sandra and Jordan Laby have forever transformed Ventura County and the City of Ventura. In addition to her beloved sons Phillip and Todd and their wives and children, Sandra’s legacy is a vibrant, unique and special arts community.”

“Sandra Laby has forever changed and enriched my life. I miss her already and am sad beyond measure and beyond words. But I take some comfort knowing that she will be a part of every act, though and decision I make for the rest of my life. And, in the words of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard?”

A funeral service was held at Temple Beth Torah, on Wednesday, September 28th at 10:30am. A private burial followed.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to New West Symphony Harmony Project. For more information, go to www.newwestsymphony.org.

 

Ventura City Fire personnel respond to trash truck on fire

On Sept.27, at 1:20pm Ventura City Fire personnel responded to a report of a trash truck on fire, parked in the street amidst a commercial district by County Square Dr & Thille St, The first arriving unit reported smoke and flames visible from the rear cargo area of the trash truck. It took two engines and one support company 60 minutes to completely extinguish and overhaul the fire, which required that the contents be dumped out of the truck and onto the street. The unloaded trash material was ultimately removed by the waste management company who owned the truck, and the street area was cleaned up.

 

 

Professor Scamp presidential pup rally at A Secret Garden Florist Café at 1pm Sunday, Sept. 18

On Sunday, September 18, there will be a pup rally at A Secret Garden Florist Café (981 E. Main, Ventura) at 1pm to officially announce the candidacy for president of Professor Scamp PhD (Pretty happy Dog).

The public is encouraged to attend to support Scamp’s run for the Oval Office. Attendees are welcome to bring their dogs, and can buy some pupcakes at the cafe. The barking lot is small so bark in the street. Scamp will be handing out pawtographs.

Back in session

CAPS Media students in the field.
CAPS Media students in the field.

by Elizabeth Rodeno

September seems like the beginning of the year for those of us in the educational world. Students from a variety of schools and adults of all ages are passing through our doors. Our monthly HD Camera classes fill up quickly. With his breadth of knowledge, Evan shares the simplicity and secrets of the Panasonic HMC 150 HD cameras. Gary enjoys showing the finer points of editing as well as giving a great introduction to Final Cut X on the latest macs. Studio classes are helmed by Phil who teaches students how to put together a studio show. The studio has been quite busy these days, often with bookings back to back throughout the week. The members are loving it and tell us what a great resource the community has at CAPS Media. Get certified to access our cameras, 6 edit stations and the full 3 camera production studio with green screen.

El Camino and Foothill High School students are volunteering on a variety of programs providing them with technical and artistic experience, community service hours and a whole lot of fun. You’ll be seeing them at various Candidate election forums throughout the city. They also work with us on studio productions and have become skilled at sharing their knowledge with newbies. The El Camino students continue to enjoy and add to the creative energy at CAPS Media as they begin Season 2 of the award winning ECTV. They have been developing ideas over the Summer and have more than enough to last beyond the school year. We all look forward to seeing the shows come together. You’ll be able to view them online, streaming and on the website, and on channel 15. Go to the video page on our website today to view last years’ shows.

Between the Election candidate forums, informational programs about the propositions on November’s ballot and our Video Voter 2016, you’ll get information to help you make decisions come November 8.  The shows begin airing in September on CAPS channel 6 and streaming on the web at CAPSMedia.org. Check the website for dates and times.

We are all over the web so check out social media pages including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube. View it all on our frequently updated website. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25, a best bargain for media fans, students and organizations to share your story.  Go to www.capsmedia.org or call 658-0500 for more information.

Baffa’s expedition explored the deep sea off the Southern California coast

Melissa was sure not to read the Breeze underwater while on the remotely operated vehicle Hercules.

Melissa Baffa served as a Lead Science Communication Fellow in August 2016 with the Ocean Exploration Trust. It was her second consecutive year sailing on Dr. Robert Ballard’s E/V Nautilus, helping to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) based research to the public.

As a part of Baffa’s expedition, members of the Corps of Exploration explored the deep sea off the coast of Southern California, including encounters with rare sea creatures and investigations of a series of seismic faults that pose a potential threat of earthquakes and tsunamis to Southern California.

Seventeen educators from around the world were selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET), founded by Dr. Robert Ballard, to serve as fellows during the 2016 Nautilus expedition.

Dr. Ballard is widely known for the discovery of the wreck of the RMS Titanic in 1985 and hydrothermal vents in 1977. He is also the visionary behind the concept of telepresence that makes Nautilus Live possible.

hile aboard the Nautilus, Baffa participated in live audio commentary and question-and-answer sessions through the Nautilus Live website (www.NautilusLive.org) and hosted live interactions with a variety of schools, museums, and aquariums around the world.

Back in her community, Baffa brought the excitement of deep sea exploration to the nearly 11,000 Girl Scouts belonging to Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and to the community at large. Baffa, who recently joined the development department at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, will continue to deliver programs and speak with the public through the fall and winter.

Melissa Baffa is a former science educator and has led a varied career, with experience in formal and informal education, nonprofit management, and scientific research.

The Ocean Exploration Trust was founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Ballard to explore the ocean, seeking out new discoveries in the fields of geology, biology, maritime history, and archaeology while pushing the boundaries of STEM education and technological innovation. Our international program is launched from aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, offering live exploration to participants on shore and the public via live video, audio, and data feeds. The major 2016 expedition and education sponsors are the NOAA Office of Exploration & Research, the Office of Naval Research, the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, the University of Rhode Island, CITGO, and additional private donors. Follow them online at www.nautiluslive.org, on Facebook and Instagram at NautilusLive, and on Twitter as @EVNautilus.

 

SOAR or SUSTAIN?

Measures on ballot designed to control land use. Photo by Michael Gordon

by Sheli Ellsworth

November voters will vote on several city and county measures designed to control land use. One of them is a City of Ventura ordinance supported by Save Our Agricultural Resources aka SOAR, and combines the existing ordinance approved in 1995 with the Hillsides Voter Participation ordinance approved in 2002 and extends them both past their 2030 expiration until 2050. Measure F, a countywide initiative, is formulated by local farmers and supported by SUSTAIN VC, is more specific in scope and promotes what its proponents label as “sustainable farming” encouraging agriculture to be economically viable in Ventura County and could be passed in place of the Ventura Countywide SOAR. The countywide SOAR that was originally passed in 1998 set to expire in 2020 unless Measure C passes (see below) extending the expiration to 20150. Measure F would be up for renewal in 2036. All three measures encourage voter approval on open space and agricultural lands considered for other uses like development. Measure F does not contain language that would compete or override any city SOAR measures.

 

A debate hosted by the Ventura County Bar’s Natural Resource Section was held on August 24. Former Mayor, longtime litigator and co-author of SOAR, Richard Francis discussed the County’s SOAR initiative and Lynn Jensen the executive director of the Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business Ventura County argued for Measure F.

 

“SOAR has largely worked,” according to Francis who took the floor first. “SOAR is not a land use initiative. It is a chance for voters to have their say.”

 

“Is SOAR really working?” Jensen countered. “Ventura is last in job growth. We have the highest average household size and the highest average rent. It’s about the ability to keep farming the land,” countered Jensen. “Our measure allows for the infrastructure and the facilities to make farming in Ventura County sustainable.” Jensen says that local farmers have so many obstacles that such a long-term initiative is largely impractical. Farmers are up against invasive species from other regions coupled with ever-tightening chemical control laws. The lack of adequate buffers around agricultural areas, international competition, a rising minimum wage, droughts, lack of labor and rising housing costs have made farming next to impossible. “We have had three farms close down lately.”

 

Measure F proposes that the County of Ventura “study the economic impacts of the initiative.” A task to be completed by January 2026. The measure also promotes zoning policies that encourage long-term farm investment, farm worker housing, limited local food processing, local agricultural research and agricultural infrastructure improvements. Jensen says other areas like Napa have “rich language that supports farming . . . It (Measure F) has much of the same language as SOAR with respect to requiring a vote of the people to change the county land use designations from Agricultural, Open-Space and Rural to other uses. But the important difference is that the Countywide SOAR re-adopts antiquated goals for agricultural lands from the 1988 County General Plan.”

 

The biggest difference between the two measures is the time-frame. Extending Ventura Counties SOAR until 2050 might seem like a good idea except that given the current problems, farming might not survive until 2050 whether farmers are raising berries or cattle.

 

Breeze: Are you confused, it’s just beginning?

 

This Labor Day, Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 

Ventura Police Department Shows Zero Tolerance In Its Goal To End Drunk Driving
This Labor Day weekend, families and friends will be celebrating the end of the summer. Sadly, this festive time has also become a dangerous time for America’s roads, as many drunk drivers get behind the wheel after celebrating. This could end in so many ways and all would involve a lawyer coming in. For this reason, the Ventura Police Department is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to stop drunk drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs through September 5, 2016. During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with sobriety checkpoints and increased officers working DUI Saturation Patrols on the road, aim to drastically reduce drunk driving on our nation’s roads. DUI’s can be seen as one of the many dangerous causes of truck accidents, along with driver fatigue, and distracted driving and this can lead to serious injuries that could have those involved in the hospital for a long period of time. This means you might be off work for a long time and have financial issues that require compensation to help you. If you or someone you know have experienced this situation you might want to seek out someone like this Georgia truck accident lawyer to help and get the help you need. If you are not in the Georgia area, you could also look into a local law firm that might be able to help.

Being charged with DWI or DUI is sure to cause effects you would rather avoid such as hefty fines or potentially having your licence revoked. To alleviate the consequences of such charges, drivers may wish to get the help of an attorney for legal defense and to protect their rights.

The Ventura Police Department will deploy a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint and special roving DUI Saturation Patrol to stop and arrest alcohol and drug impaired drivers during the end of summer 18 day DUI campaign. The DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint will be on 9/2/16, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Police, Sheriff and the California Highway Patrol will be out looking for the tale-tell signs of drunk driving in order to stop and arrest impaired drivers throughout the region.

According to NHSTA, on average, over 10,000 people died each year (2010 to 2014) in drunk-driving crashes nationwide while California recorded 882 deaths. During the 2014 Labor Day holiday weekend (6 p.m. August 29 – 5:59 a.m. September 2), 40 percent of the fatalities in traffic crashes involved drunk drivers, which was the highest percentage over the five years 2010 to 2014. And nighttime proves to be the most dangerous time to be out on the roads: During the 2014 Labor Day holiday period, 83 percent of drunk-driving crash fatalities occurred between 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. – as compared to half of all drunk-driving crash fatalities throughout the rest of that year.

Additionally, 40 percent of crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend in 2014 involved drunk drivers (with blood alcohol concentrations [BACs] of .08 or higher), amounting to 162 lives lost nationwide and 20 in California. And we’re not just talking about a little bit of alcohol, either. More than a quarter (28%) of the crash fatalities that occurred on Labor Day weekend involved drivers with BACs of .15 or higher—almost twice the illegal limit.

“People need to understand that drunk driving is not only deadly, but it is illegal,” said Sergeant Brunk. “Drunk driving is a massive problem in the United States, with more than 10,000 people dying annually. Drivers need to pay attention to their own driving, but also to others on the road who could be driving drunk,” he added. “It is your business. If you think you see a drunk driver, report them – call 911.”

The reality is that people aren’t invincible. Of the 9,967 people who were killed in impaired-driving crashes in 2014, 64 percent were the drunk drivers themselves. Those 6,391 drunk drivers thought they would make it to their destinations, but they didn’t.

“This is important to remember: do not trust yourself when you drink,” said Sergeant Brunk. “You may think you aren’t drunk, but law enforcement will know you are. Law enforcement officers’ skills in detecting and identifying drunk drivers have never been better. They will spot you and arrest you.”

Your PD reminders everyone:
Plan a safe way home before the fun begins.
Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

DRUGS, MEDICATION & ALCOHOL = CRASHES: Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take your friend’s keys and help your friend make other arrangements to get to where he or she is going safely. As the summer winds to an end, remember that there’s no excuse for drunk or impaired driving.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Funding for the extra DUI enforcement operations is a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Emergency personnel respond to vehicle rollover that collided with multiple vehichles

On 08/31/16 at about 0130 hours, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a rollover traffic collision on Victoria Avenue north of Woodland Street. Officers arrived and learned that the driver of the vehicle, Kelly Scott Griffith, was traveling southbound on Victoria Avenue north of Woodland Street when he lost control and collided with the fence line on the west side of the street. Griffith’s vehicle went through the fence and collided with three Ford Vans that belong to the Ventura Unified School District. The vans were parked in a parking lot inside of Buena High School and all three of them sustained significant damage.

Officers on scene determined that Griffith was driving while under the influence of drugs. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Ventura County Pretrial Detention Facility.

Griffith did not sustain any injuries from the collision.

Rey Fire has consumed 30,000 acres and is 30% contained as of Aug 23

ReyFire-Oakview-NorthPacificForestry-SalemORv2The North Pacific Forestry crew from Salem, Oregon stopped in Oak View for lunch Monday before heading back out to monitor and report on the progress of the fire as it travels east through the Los Padres National Forest toward Ventura County. The plume from the fire can be seen just above their heads in the center of the picture.

ReyFire-Oakview-Aug22-130p
View from Oak View

The Rey Fire, located just north of Santa Barbara, has consumed approximately 30,000 acres and is 30% contained as of August 23 per the incident report on InciWeb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4971/.

Currently there are 1,428 personnel assigned to the fire comprised of 42 hand crews, 14 helicopters, 51 engines, 21 dozers, 29 water tenders, 6 air tankers, and 2 VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers).

The fire started Thursday, August 18th, at approximately 3:15pm, near the White Rock Day Use Picnic Area in the Los Padres National Forest. The cause is currently under investigation.

The estimated containment date is Wednesday, August 31st, and Level Four Fire restrictions remain in effect for the Los Padres National Forest. 

ReyFire-Oakview-Aug22-12pFor more information about the Rey Fire:
Call (805) 364-2738
Large animal evacuation (805) 681-4332.
Email [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/lospadresnationalforest/
Twitter: @lospadresnf 
sbcfireinfo@eliasonmike