Mission: The Camarillo Council on Aging (CCOA) is an advisory body formed by the Camarillo City Council. The mission of the CCOA, in collaboration with the Camarillo City Council, is to promote participation, independence and quality of life through advocacy, information and activities that support optimum senior health and quality aging. 

SENIOR NEWS

A newsletter for Camarillo Seniors

April 2024

The CCOA meetings are open to anyone interested in senior issues. The CCOA seeks and values your input. 

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. at Camarillo City Hall, except in August and December. Please check the City's website using the link below for details on the upcoming agenda. 



Upcoming Meeting Dates:

• April 16
• May 21
• June 18
• July 16

CityofCamarillo.org/meetinginfo



You may contact the CCOA by calling City Hall at (805) 388-5397 or

camarillocouncilonaging@gmail.com. 

Visit the City's webpage for Seniors to find more information on the CCOA and the Senior Resource Guide, which provides information regarding agencies, organizations, and businesses providing senior services.

Spring...the time of renewal

In this issue, you will find opportunities and resources to renew your mind and spirit through exercise, learning, and volunteering.

The CCOA continues to work toward the goal to work collaboratively with governmental and community-based organizations in order to provide seniors with information to increase knowledge and awareness of activities and available resources in Ventura County. Read on to learn more about the CCOA activities.

Do you want to make a difference? Apply now to join the CCOA board

Are you passionate about supporting the senior community and making a positive impact? The Camarillo Council on Aging (CCOA) is seeking dedicated volunteers to join the CCOA board.

What Is the CCOA?

The CCOA is a 7-member advisory board established by the Camarillo City Council to identify the needs of local seniors. The CCOA’s mission is to promote participation, independence, and quality of life through advocacy, information, and activities that support optimum senior health and quality aging. Board members dedicate approximately 4 hours a month to support programs and attend the monthly meeting on the 3rd Thursday from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. 

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Meaningful Impact
• Connecting with the Community
• Sense of Purpose

How Do I apply?

• Apply: Fill out our volunteer application form and submit by Friday, April 12, 2024
• Appointment: Applications are reviewed by the Council’s Local Appointment Committee for recommendation to the City Council for approval.

Join us in making a difference! Together, we can create a supportive and vibrant environment for the senior community.

Survey Results

The Camarillo Council on Aging has heard from the community and would like to share some of the needs that have been identified, as well as provide some helpful resources.

Loneliness

• Senior Support Line - (800) 235-9980
• Caregivers: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly - (805) 658-8530
• Catholic Charites OASIS - (805) 987-2083

Dental Program

• Camarillo Health Care District - (800) 322-6384
• Westminster Free Clinic in Thousand Oaks - (805) 241-8366
• Conejo Free Clinic - (805) 328-3100
• Clinicas del Camino Real in Camarillo - (805) 920-7022

Tax Preparation Help

• AARP Tax Assistance - (805) 482-4881 or 2-1-1

Help Paying Bills

• VCAAA Elder Help Program - (805) 477-7300
• Community Action of Ventura County - (805) 436-4000
• St. Vincent De Paul Society - (805) 487-1558
• Catholic Charities of Ventura County - (805) 643-4694
• Lutheran Social Services of Conejo Valley - (805) 497-6207

Need a Lawyer for Senior related Issues?

• Grey Law Legal Assistance - (805) 658-2266

The CCOA and the Library collaborated to bring presentations on various topics of interest to the senior community.

The April workshop will be:

Safety Issues for Seniors

April 17, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. 

Speaker: Senior Deputy John Meeker

Camarillo Library, 410 Las Posas Road, Community Room B

The presentation is limited to 30 attendees. To reserve your space, please send an email to camarillocouncilonaging@gmail.com

Fall CCOA Shred Event

The CCOA is planning a Fall Community Shred Event in October, at the PVRPD Community Center located at 1605 Burnley Street.

The proceeds will be used by the CCOA to fulfill the mission to provide information and activities that support optimum senior health and quality aging. More information will be available on the City's webpage for Seniors closer to the event date.

Slogan Trivia

Slogans are an essential part of branding. They are catchy, memorable, and often become synonymous with the brand itself. Ever heard of “Just Do It”? How about “Finger Lickin’ Good”? From fast food chains to tech companies, household brands to car manufacturers, every successful brand has a slogan that helps to define and promote their products or services.

Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI)

The DFPI works hard to help consumers navigate the financial world by offering resources and presentations (in-person and virtual) on various topics ranging from basic financial education, investor protection, and consumer safety.

Tips for Fraud and Scam Prevention

• Before sending money or sharing personal information, always verify that the contact is legitimate, whether it is regarding family, friends, official business, or government websites.

• Unknown caller? Don’t answer it and don’t return phone calls to unknown numbers.

• Don't call the numbers left on your voicemail and don't reply yes or no to a recorded call.

• Do not allow others to rush or force you into financial decisions. Do your own research first!

• Government agencies DO NOT CALL you.

• Do not click on unknown links. Consider using 2-Step Verification on your online accounts.

• Use a crosscut or micro-cut shredder for your mail and personal documents.

• Drop off important mail or payments directly inside the post office. Check your mailbox often.

• Use anti-fraud gel pens for checks and other signature documents.

• Do not just close your Internet browser – be sure to log out of websites.

• Limit personal information on social media!

MyShake Earthquake App

Did you know that an earthquake early warning app is publicly available that covers California, Oregon, and Washington?



The MyShake app is the citizen science project bringing users together to build a global earthquake early warning network. The app keeps you informed about earthquakes and monitors for them using data from your phone’s sensors. You can see damage and shaking reports submitted by other community members along with information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other global earthquake authorities.

To receive earthquake warnings, download the MyShake App and ensure phone settings are adjusted to receive emergency alerts: The free smartphone app is available in the Apple App and Google Play stores. Click below to learn more about how the app works.

The Unsung Hero of Exercise: Walking

As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Walking is a low-impact exercise that packs a punch when it comes to health benefits.

Benefits of Walking

• Calorie Burn: Walking might not have the intensity of a sprint, but it’s a reliable, slow-burn exercise that helps you chip away at those calories.
• Physical Health: Regular walks contribute to stronger legs, a healthier heart, and reduced risks of chronic diseases.
• Appetite Management: Walking can also keep those random hunger pangs in check, promoting a healthier eating pattern.
• Mental Well-being: It’s not just your body that benefits; walking can also be a great mood enhancer, thanks to the release of endorphins.

Adults aged 65 and older need

• At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running.
• At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.
• Activities to improve balance, such as standing on one foot.

Tools and Tips for Success

• Use a Pedometer or Fitness Tracker: Keeping track of your steps can motivate you to hit your daily goal.
• Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Start with small goals and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
• Find a Walking Buddy: Having a friend to walk with can make the activity more enjoyable and keep you accountable.
• Listen to Your Body: Increase your pace and distance gradually to avoid burnout or injury.
• Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle, especially on longer walks, to stay hydrated.
• Join a Walking Group: check out the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District Walking Group.

Affordable Housing Opportunities

The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) will be accepting applications beginning Tuesday, April 16, 2024, for:

• Initial occupancy and waiting list for future vacancies at Vista Campanario Apartments (studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom rental units) – family complex currently under construction in Camarillo, CA



• Waiting list for future vacancies (1- and 2-bedroom rental units) at Oak Creek Senior Villas (62+ years of age) in Thousand Oaks, CA

Both properties are assisted under the Project-Based Voucher Rental Assistance program. This is not Section 8 voucher assistance. Qualified households receive rental assistance under the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program. Income limits for the apartment complex and the PBV program will apply.

Beginning Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 8:00 a.m., applications will be accepted online and will remain open until further notice. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org.

If you require assistance or if you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation in order to complete an application, please contact our office at (805) 480-6010 or send an email to WL.info@ahacv.org. Individuals with hearing impairment, please contact the AHA using TTY

(805) 480-9119.

Volunteer Opportunity - Docents

The Camarillo Ranch House is a Queen Anne-style Victorian house that was built in 1892. The 6,000-square-foot house was designed by architects Herman Anlauf and Franklin Ward. Adolfo Camarillo operated the ranch for 78 years, changing the operations from mostly cattle to crops.

The house is operated by the Rancho Camarillo Foundation and is open to the public for docent-led tours on Saturdays and Sundays. The Camarillo Ranch docents are a dedicated group of men and women with a passion for Camarillo Ranch history and the legacy of Adolfo Camarillo.

These volunteers tirelessly donate their time and talent and lead guided tours in period outfits to educate the community on the life and times of the Camarillo family and the impact they had on the City, County, and even the State of California. Volunteers interested in becoming a docent have the opportunity to be trained in the history for one of two different types of tours.

House Tours are held on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and School Tours are held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. on Wednesdays during the school year. 

Interested in becoming a docent? No former knowledge of Camarillo history is required – just a passion to ensure the history lives on! Contact the Camarillo Ranch Foundation at (805) 389-8182 or email info@camarilloranch.org for more information.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was started in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Bernard Osher Foundation makes grants and endowment gifts to colleges and universities in four different program areas. One of those program areas is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI).

The OLLI program can be found on the campuses of 125 colleges and universities from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska. OLLI at California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) started offering its first classes in 2004. This program brings the excitement and stimulation of college learning to area adults, aged 50 or older, who wish to extend their learning experiences in a university atmosphere. OLLI members take university-level courses without the distraction of grading, preparing for a career, or meeting degree requirements.

Stay tuned ... the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District is exploring a collaboration with CSUCI to bring classes to the Senior Center.

The CalGrows program, initiated by the California Department of Aging, is specifically designed to support and provide resources for caregivers of older adults and individuals with disabilities. This program is open to both paid and unpaid caregivers who work in-home or in community-based settings.

One of the key offerings of the CalGrows program is access to a wide range of free training courses. These courses are tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by direct care workers. Caregivers can choose from hundreds of courses that cover various aspects of caregiver training, allowing them to enhance their skills and knowledge in areas such as dementia care, care coordination, personal assistance, and more.

In addition to the training courses, CalGrows provides free one-on-one career coaching to caregivers. This personalized coaching helps caregivers explore career advancement opportunities, set goals, and develop strategies to enhance their professional growth. The career coaching component of the program aims to support caregivers in their career progression and provide them with valuable guidance throughout their caregiving journey.

For eligible paid caregivers, the CalGrows program offers incentives of up to $6,000. These incentives serve as a recognition of their commitment to professional development and the quality care they provide. However, it's important to note that unpaid caregivers do not qualify for these incentives.

Camarillo Health Care District (CHCD) offers a variety of educational opportunities to meet the needs of the community. Some of the programs offered are:

• Fall Prevention Programming - Programs and classes to help reduce the risk of falling: SMARTfit, BALANCEfit, POWERfit, Walking Group, Bingocize, Matter of Balance, and Tai Chi for Arthritis
• Digital Literacy Classes - Looking to improve your digital literacy? Consider one of these classes being offered in May and June: Social Media Basics, Google Slides, and Digital Scrapbooking
• Dementia Live Simulation - High-impact, dementia simulation experience immerses participants into a life with dementia, allowing for a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory change.
• Virtual Reality Classes - Experience visiting many different places, without having to travel. VR has proven to help improve quality of life and a sense of well-being by reducing loneliness, addressing depression, and reducing barriers to socialization through common experiences.
• Fraud Prevention - Meet with victim advocate Debbie Deem, retired victim specialist with the FBI, for one-on-one coaching on how to avoid being scammed by fraudsters and what to do if you have been. One-on-one appointments are available at noon and 1:00 p.m., and walk-ins may be seen from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Call (805) 388-1952 for information.

The Senior Center at the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District is dedicated to providing a wide array of special events, recreation, and leisure programs, as well as social services for adults living in the Camarillo area. Here are some upcoming events/programs:

Senior Social - Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. The next Senior Social will be on April 11, 2024. The Senior Social is a social hour for seniors to get to know one another. Light snacks, refreshments, and live entertainment will be provided.

Walking Group - Consider joining the walking group for an opportunity for exercise and meet new friends. All walking is done on flat ground around the perimeter of the Community Center. Walk as long as you'd like. Fridays, 9:30-10:45 a.m. Free, no registration required, meet in courtyard at the Community Center after Morning Stretch. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Prescription Medication Disposal

Is your medicine cabinet full of expired drugs or medications you no longer use? The safest way to dispose of your expired, unwanted, or unused medicines is by taking them to a drop-off location. Medicine can be dropped off at the Camarillo Police Station Lobby (Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) in a secure drop box or by making an appointment for a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off (no controlled substances).

Las Personas Community Academy - Application Period Closing Soon

Don’t miss out! Applications for the City of Camarillo’s Las Personas Community Academy will be accepted through April 3 with the sessions beginning on April 22.

The Community Academy is an interactive program that has been designed to educate community members on the roles and responsibilities of the City of Camarillo and to encourage ongoing engagement by sharing and promoting opportunities for public participation.

Topics of discussion will range from the history of the City of Camarillo to City-led initiatives towards a more sustainable future.

The Academy will take place over six sessions on Monday evenings from 5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Camarillo Library, at no-cost to participants. Participants in the Academy should live, work, or attend school in Camarillo. Space is limited, apply at cityofcamarillo.org/communityacademy. 

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