Ventura County Campgrounds Open Back Up
Each year, when reservations open up for California campgrounds, spots fill up fast. If you don’t reserve a site early, you run the risk of not ever getting in during the season. When the governor announced the opening of Ventura beaches last month, many people thought campgrounds would soon follow. Alas, that didn’t happen. For those who made their reservations earlier this year, COVID-19 concerns and the statewide shutdown canceled their plans. However, Ventura County campgrounds opened back up last weekend. Again, campgrounds filled up right away.
Ventura County Campgrounds Now Open
Currently, 28 California State Park campsites are open for business. That includes a few Ventura County campgrounds. Some state parks currently operate at only 50% capacity. Most of the parks in operation right now also allow day use.
Even though the governor OK’d the California campgrounds to reopen, restrictions remain in place. Officials suggest you maintain social distancing rules for now. Also, only camp with the people living in your household. Guided tours, visitor centers, and museums stay closed for the moment. For more information, please visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation website here.
Limitations for Camping
We like to socialize. But visiting nearby campsites is a “no-no” for now. Likewise, gathering in groups for activities or contact sports is prohibited as well. Officials ask that you maintain a six-foot distance between you and any other group or individual not living with you. Even with restrooms made available to the public, officials strongly suggest you utilize the facilities in your own RV rather than the public facilities to limit COVID-19 exposure. When venturing outside your core group, they also suggest you wear a face mask or covering. Park officials reserve the right to kick out anyone failing to abide by the rules set in place.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists
Brush Clearance Required at Ventura County Homes
2020 started out rough for everybody around the world thanks to COVID-19 concerns. Non-essential businesses across the country shut down around mid-March. California’s lockdown could continue through July. One thing that won’t go on lockdown? Wildfire season. It’s here. Local government officials require all Ventura County homeowners to get rid of dead brush and other fire hazards on their properties to lower the chances of total devastation from a wildfire. The deadline to complete your brush clearance is today. Are you in compliance? If you brought your property into compliance with the county’s brush clearance policy, where do you take your trimmings?
Brush Clearance in Ventura County
How to Clear Your Brush
First, concentrate on any flammable or combustible materials in or around your Ventura home such as dead vegetation. Then, thin out your overgrown shrubs and trees. Remove any dead plants, mulch, firewood piles, dried leaves, etc. located near your house. Your goal should be to leave at least a three-foot radius (if not more) around your home that stays clear of anything flammable. This helps provide a natural barrier between flammable materials and your house in case a wildfire approaches.
Where to Dispose of Brush
Residential disposal only picks up so much in yard trimmings. Ojai’s recycling center is closed at this time. But, Gold Coast Recycling in Ventura and Oxnard’s Del Norte Recycling remain open. And the non-profit CREW (Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers) helps residents dispose of their yard waste by offering drop-offs at Honor Farms and curbside chipping for specific days. In fact, CREW hosts a “Curbside Chipper Day” on June 20th in Moorpark. But that’s just the first one. Other dates could be announced later. If you’re interested in utilizing their services, visit the CREW website to sign up. They also work with elderly and low-income residents to bring their wood chipper directly to your home. Visit CREW’s Wood Chipper Program for more information.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists