It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Rancho Simi (California Historical Landmark #979) gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Simi Valley, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Vista Del Arroyo Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Larsen's Grill or visit Ulmer's Castle, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Simi Valley, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Simi Valley, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Simi Valley, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
New facility offers outdoor parking, valet service, onsite washes, and premium amenities for RV and boat ownersSIMI VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Outrig, a leading provider of RV and boat storage, has expanded its footprint in California with the acquisition of ...
New facility offers outdoor parking, valet service, onsite washes, and premium amenities for RV and boat owners
SIMI VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Outrig, a leading provider of RV and boat storage, has expanded its footprint in California with the acquisition of a new facility in Simi Valley, CA. The new location, formerly All Valley's RV Storage, offers secure vehicle parking, valet service, onsite washes, and premium amenities designed to reinforce Outrig's mission to make RV ownership easy.
Outrig is proud of its customer-first approach, and this site's many amenities ensure a stress-free experience for RV owners including security cameras, wash station and service, dump station, tire air and vacuum station, and propane refill.
The facility is conveniently located to serve Simi Valley and the surrounding areas of Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Newbury Park, and Fillmore with easy access from Freeway 118. As part of its commitment to the local community, Outrig has made a donation to the American Red Cross to support wildfire relief efforts in the region.
"We're excited to bring Outrig's trusted storage solutions to the Simi Valley community," said Dennis King, President, Outrig Storage. "This location is a perfect example of what we strive to offer at Outrig—convenient, well-equipped storage with thoughtful services so customers can spend less time worrying about their RV and more time enjoying it."
For more details about the new Simi Valley facility and its services visit Outrig's website.
About Outrig
Outrig, formerly goHomePort, was launched in 2020 by a highly seasoned team of investors and operators with a mission to make RV ownership easy. Our storage locations offer everything you need in one place: amenities that make it easier to get out on the road, and on-site repairs you can rely on. As we've grown, we've also expanded into commercial & self-storage. Whether you're storing your rig, your business assets, or your personal belongings, our mission remains the same: to make your storage and maintenance experience seamless and stress-free. We are rapidly expanding our portfolio across the country and innovating new ways to deliver a best-in-class experience for our customers.
Contact:
Zach Johnson Vice President, Strategy & Integration [email protected]
SOURCE Outrig
Crafters in 49 states, including California, may want to consider stocking up on supplies as fabric and craft chain Joann prepares to close more than half of its U.S. locations.The retailer told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday that it would be closing "approximately 500" of its roughly 850 locations across the U.S. That list includes about 60 in Californ...
Crafters in 49 states, including California, may want to consider stocking up on supplies as fabric and craft chain Joann prepares to close more than half of its U.S. locations.
The retailer told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday that it would be closing "approximately 500" of its roughly 850 locations across the U.S. That list includes about 60 in California. The news comes after the company filed for bankruptcy a second time in less than a year in January after initially filing and then going private in March 2024.
In its statement, Joann said it is looking to "right-size its store footprint."
"This was a very difficult decision to make, given the major impact we know it will have on our Team Members, our customers, and all of the communities we serve," Joann's statement said. "A careful analysis of store performance and future strategic fit for the Company determined which stores should remain operating as usual at this time."
While the chain did not release an official list to the public, it did submit locations slated to close to the court as part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Court documents list 533 stores across 49 states on the chopping block.
Here's a list of Joann stores closing in California, according to Chapter 11 bankruptcy documents.
In addition to the California locations, Joann plans to close 36 in Florida, 33 in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, 26 in Illinois, 24 in New York, 21 in Washington, 20 in Indiana, and 19 in Massachusetts, according to court documents.
Earlier this month, Joann announced it would lay off hundreds of workers at its West Coast distribution in California. According to two Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) notices received by the California Employment Development Department, the company reported it would lay off 209 employees at its distribution center in Visalia. The layoffs are expected to begin on March 30.
Joann was founded in 1943 and sells various crafting supplies, including fabric by the yard, sewing machines, Cricut machines, yarn, home decor and more.
The company went private in 2011 when it was acquired by the equity firm Leonard Green & Partners for about $1.6 billion. In 2021, Joann, still majority-owned by Leonard Green & Partners, went public at an initial $12 a share.
Joann became a private company again in April following its initial bankruptcy filing, so its shares were no longer listed by the Nasdaq or any other national stock exchange.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a “reorganization” bankruptcy, typically allows the debtor to maintain possessions while a reorganization is proposed and enacted. This reorganization is intended to restructure a business, allowing greater flexibility in repaying debts.
During Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the debtor can continue operating its business and borrowing new money with court approval. When a reorganization is proposed, the affected creditors may vote on it.
(This story was updated with more information from fire officials and to finalize containment figures.)Fire crews responded to a brush fire Monday night near Auto Center Drive in Ventura.The blaze was reported around 6:50 p.m. in the Santa Clara River bottom, in an area between Ventura and Oxnard, as Santa Ana winds whipped through the region.Auto Fire was ultimately mapped at 61 acres and as of Friday afternoon it was 100% contained, according to Andrew Dowd, a firefighter and spokesperson for th...
(This story was updated with more information from fire officials and to finalize containment figures.)
Fire crews responded to a brush fire Monday night near Auto Center Drive in Ventura.
The blaze was reported around 6:50 p.m. in the Santa Clara River bottom, in an area between Ventura and Oxnard, as Santa Ana winds whipped through the region.
Auto Fire was ultimately mapped at 61 acres and as of Friday afternoon it was 100% contained, according to Andrew Dowd, a firefighter and spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department.
The cause remains under investigation, Dowd said Friday.
Forward progress on the fire had been stopped shortly before midnight Monday.
Because of the fire's location within the river bottom, it never threatened any structures, Dowd said.
An evacuation order was issued around 9:30 p.m. Monday, however, for the Santa Clara River between the 101 Freeway and Victoria Avenue. No residential structures were evacuated.
Homeless encampments dot the riverbed, and some commercial businesses surround the area where the fire erupted.
Firefighters remained on scene overnight to work on brush and thick and heavy grass called arundo.
"Because of the size, it will be a long night of hard work to get the heat out of certain portions of this fire," Dowd said Monday night.
Within an hour of the fire's start, the fire was pegged at 5 acres, according to initial fire reports. Ground crews and helicopters quickly rushed to the area, making water drops.
At one point early on, the fire had reached into River Ridge Golf Club across the river in Oxnard. Radio traffic indicated the course superintendent planned to put on the sprinklers.
More air support had been requested, and by 9 p.m. a helicopter from Los Angeles County appeared to be on its way, according to radio traffic.
Traffic along Victoria Avenue, which runs through both Ventura and Oxnard, was shut down between Gonzales Road and Olivas Park Drive as onlookers snarled traffic and made access more difficult.
By 9:30 p.m. Monday, an estimated 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, which had grown to about 10 acres.
A second fire in Simi Valley was reported at 7:48 p.m. Monday. The Royal Fire ignited in the central part of the city near Darrah Volunteer Park and the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center, according to initial fire reports. It was soon stopped at about an acre.
The fires broke out as much of Ventura County was on the eve of the most extreme fire weather conditions categorized by the National Weather Service: a "particularly dangerous situation," or PDS, red flag warning. The PDS red flag warning, which started at 4 a.m. Tuesday, was scheduled to last until noon Wednesday.
The designation, first used in 2020, has been issued only a few times prior, including when the Mountain Fire broke out in Somis and the hills above Camarillo on Nov. 6, when the Franklin Fire started near Malibu on Dec. 9 and on Jan. 7 and 8, when the Palisades and Eaton fires erupted in Los Angeles County.
(This story was updated to add video and more information from fire officials.)Fire crews responded to a brush fire Monday night near Auto Center Drive in Ventura.The blaze was first reported in the Santa Clara River bottom, in an area between Ventura and Oxnard, around 6:50 p.m. as Santa Ana winds whipped through the region.By 11:45 p.m., forward progress on the Auto Fire had been stopped, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. The blaze was measured at 55.7 acres with 0% containment.No cause w...
(This story was updated to add video and more information from fire officials.)
Fire crews responded to a brush fire Monday night near Auto Center Drive in Ventura.
The blaze was first reported in the Santa Clara River bottom, in an area between Ventura and Oxnard, around 6:50 p.m. as Santa Ana winds whipped through the region.
By 11:45 p.m., forward progress on the Auto Fire had been stopped, according to the Ventura County Fire Department. The blaze was measured at 55.7 acres with 0% containment.
No cause was available for the fire, said firefighter Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department.
Because of the fire's location within the river bottom, Dowd said he did not expect the fire to threaten any structures, which had been the case throughout the worst of fire fight.
Firefighters were expected to remain on scene overnight. They would be working in brush and thick and heavy grass called arundo.
"Because of the size, it will be a long night of hard work to get the heat out of certain portions of this fire," Dowd said.
An evacuation order had been issued around 9:30 p.m. for the Santa Clara River between the 101 Freeway and Victoria Avenue.
"No residential structures are under evacuation at this time," according to Ventura County's emergency services site https://www.vcemergency.com.
Homeless encampments dot the riverbed, and some commercial businesses surround the area where the fire first erupted.
Within an hour of the fire's start, the fire was pegged at 5 acres, according to initial fire reports. Ground crews and helicopters quickly rushed to the area, making water drops.
At one point early on, the fire had reached into RiverRidge Golf Club across the river in Oxnard. Radio traffic indicated the course superintendent planned to put on the sprinklers.
Shortly before 9 p.m. about 75 firefighters were working on the fire, which was described as being in medium fuel and moving at a moderate rate of speed, according to Ventura County Fire on social media.
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More air support had been requested, and by 9 p.m. a helicopter from Los Angeles County appeared to be on its way, according to radio traffic.
Traffic along Victoria Avenue, which runs through both Ventura and Oxnard, was being shut down between Gonzales Road and Olivas Park Drive. as onlookers snarled traffic and made access more difficult.
By 9:30 p.m., an estimated 100 firefighters were battling the blaze in 10-11 acres.
A second fire in Simi Valley was reported at 7:48 p.m. The fire, dubbed the Royal Fire, ignited in the central part of the city near Darrah Volunteer Park and the Arroyo Simi Equestrian Center, according to initial fire reports.
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