Ventura County Public Works Agency

In case you missed it: As of January 2021, discarded treated wood is now regarded as hazardous waste. This means that due to its toxicity, you may no longer place treated wood in your garbage can. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3nhOAq2

#ThisWeekinPublicWorks VCPWA-WP Director, Glenn Shephard gave Ventura County Supervisor LaVere a tour of the completed Fresno Canyon Diversion Project. Watch to learn more about the benefits of the project for not only the homes but the residents of Casitas Springs.

The completed Fresno Canyon Diversion project is one of many ways that Ventura County Public Works Agency-Watershed Protection has worked to protect our citizens from the dangers and damages of floods. This innovative project not only constructed infrastructure to store and divert flood flows but it was designed to allow traffic in and out of Ojai and the small towns in the area without interruption during construction which began in April 2019. The project consisted of a new storm drain facility and included the installation of a 9-foot in diameter, reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) from Fresno Canyon to the Ventura River at an elevation that allows sediment and water to flow freely into the river.

In order to prepare for a potential 100-year flood, the VCPWA Watershed Protection has begun a project to enlarge the tšumaš Creek wash between Hueneme Road & Jane Drive-in at the border of Port Hueneme & Oxnard. IN BRIEF | Jan. 7, 2021 via VCReporter

Another look at Deer Creek Road before and after photos because this transformation is so satisfying to witness!

Meet the new employees who joined our team of essential workers in 2020. Thanks for all of your hard work this year!

My favorite part of working with VCPWA is being able to solve some of the challenging situations we face such as saving trees, draining issues, and making the county safer for pedestrians, cyclists and commuters. - JoeAnn Heredia #PeopleOfPublicWorks

Starting Monday, Jan. 4, the Ventura County Public Works Agency Watershed Protection will begin to mobilize their efforts for the tšumaš Creek improvement projects from Hueneme Road to Jane Drive. The project, which is scheduled to be completed by mid-Nov. 2021, will enlarge 870 linear feet of the channel in preparation for the one percent annual chance, or 100-year flood. A portion of the enlarged channel (710 feet) will be converted to a buried reinforced concrete box culvert, which will help to prevent dumping or trash blowing into that segment of the channel. For plans and construction schedule updates, the community can visit https://www.vcpublicworks.org/wp/tsumas-creek/ or call 805-654-2007.

With the holidays coming up, many garbage cans will be overstuffed and overflowing from the excess trash created during gift-giving. Check out the latest Eco Tip for some eco-friendly gifts that don’t require all the excess packaging! https://bit.ly/3acswdp

Between differing rules, dates and deadlines in various parts of Ventura County, recycling your Christmas tree can be confusing process. Learn your options in the Eco-Tip article below! https://bit.ly/2KGO2Nl

We are here to help you understand the pending updates to FEMA Flood Hazard Maps. For more information about the flood maps, visit vcfloodinfo.com/resources, or contact a VCPWA Floodplain Specialists by telephone at 805-654-2423 or register at vcfloodinfo.com/contact for Q/A or in-person appointment.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently completed a multi-year project to evaluate current flood risk and update local flood maps within Ventura County. VCPWA Watershed Protection Director, Glenn Shephard invited FEMA experts Eric Simmons and Edith Lohmann to discuss the map changes. Watch their talk here: vimeo.com/480440055

A social distance bicycle parade will take place on Tuesday, November 3rd commemorating the unveiling of the Michael P. Nosco Memorial Bike Lane on Potrero Road in Hidden Valley. Please see the map below for the parade route and memorial sign locations.

While performing a right-of-way and boundary survey by Matilija Dam, north of Ojai, PWA Surveyor Luis Lechuga uncovered a brass cap monument set in 1937 with something guarding it... "Moments like this, which offer adventure and excitement, is what makes us fortunate to be surveyors of the land, like this scorpion, protectors of survey monuments. Read the full article in Point of Beginning Magazine: https://www.pobonline.com//102269-the-moment-a-scorpion-gu

In late November, VCPWA mailed over 1000 notices to property owners affected by FEMA’s Upcoming Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Check out the FEMA Flood Hazard Maps at vcwatershed.net/maps/flood-hazard-map to find out if you are one of the impacted property owners.

You are safest in your home if it is not affected by floodwater, debris, or mud. Go to higher ground or a designated evacuation center right away if instructed. Remember to stay up-to-date with local news and alerts and take emergency supplies with you, along with important documents and valuables in a waterproof container. #CAFloodPrepWeek

Flood risks can happen any time, even on perfectly sunny days. Here is a light-hearted reminder of how to prepare for flooding in Ventura County. Watch and visit these links to help make your family safer today. www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert/ www.ready.gov/plan www.ready.gov/kit

Flooding can happen anywhere, but certain areas are especially prone to severe flooding. Find out if your property is located within or near a special flood hazard area by checking at www.vcfloodinfo.com or call VCPWA at (805) 654-2059. #CAFloodPrepWeek

Join VCPWA's Watershed Protection at the Water Talks Community Input Event on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 7-9 p.m. Learn more about the various ways in which VCPWA keeps the El Rio community safe through the implementation of pervious gutters for groundwater recharge and flood protection along the Santa Clara River upstream of Highway 101. Click the link tomorrow at 7 p.m. to join! https://bit.ly/2Thw04F

I’ve got the best job in the world. I’m a party chief for a survey crew and a drone pilot for the Office of the County Surveyor. I get to interact with many people throughout the Public Works Agency during multiple phases of each project and I get to hike around the hills and beaches of Ventura County. - Larry Dibble #PeopleOfPublicWorks

When monitoring news media for updated weather conditions it's important to be aware of flood terminology. Pay attention to what is going on so that if conditions worsen you can take the necessary actions to protect your home and family. #CAFloodPrepWeek facts from @VCFD

#CAFloodPrepWeek tips you can do today! Register with VC Alert, a community notification system Please avoid dumping trash, furniture, appliances, or other items in creeks, and do not pour pollutants down storm drains Review your family emergency plan with kids and practice how to communicate for an emergency... Have an evacuation plan in place for you and your pets See more

It’s official The Ventura County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed October 17-24, 2020 Flood Preparedness Week. Follow along this week as we share tips to keep you, your family, and your property safe from flooding!

Are you READY? During #CAFloodPrepWeek, we encourage you to take some steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies. Get an emergency supply kit ready with these basic necessities. @ReadyVC #VCPublicWorks For more information, visit www.readyventuracounty.org.

Eco-Tip: Capturing rainwater and reusing barrels are great actions for both your garden and the environment, but combining the two ideas can be problematic if you are not careful. Learn more: https://www.vcstar.com//eco-tip-reuse-projects/5929118002/

Flood Preparedness Week (October 17-24) starts now! Subscribe to these resources for helpful safety information: Ventura County Emergency Information: vcemergency.com Ready Ventura County: readyventuracounty.org... Ventura County Public Works Agency: vcpublicworks.org VC Watershed: vcwatershed.net/fws Local County Road Closures: vcpublicworks.org/roadclosures National Weather Service: weather.gov Ventura County Flood Info: vcfloodinfo.com #CAFloodPrepWeek

Thank you Fillmore Gazette for featuring VCPWA Engineering Services projects on your front cover! This upcoming Winter, VCPWA-ES will begin work to help build a new, versatile computer lab space and conference room for the Fillmore Library and their patrons. Read the full story online, here: http://www.fillmoregazette.com//vc-public-works-agencyengi