CERT class starts in January, 2010

I'm pleased to announce that CERT Training will be offered - sponsored by Ventura County District 1 Supervisor Steve Bennett - this coming January, 2010 in The Ojai Valley.

It is important to fully seize this opportunity by having residents (minimum 18 years old) register and attend classes. This is also a great opportunity for those that are needing make-up classes to complete the training.

The program is covered over 6 Tuesday evenings and 1 Saturday AM. Times and dates are: 6:30PM to 9PM on January 19th, 26th and February 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and concluding with a Graduation Exercise on Saturday 27th from 9AM to noon.

Location is the Oak View Park and Resource Center -- 555 Mahoney Ave, Oak View.

Please register by calling Cindy Cantle at (805) 654-2703.

Ojai OK! Drill 2009 Results

Here are the results of the Ojai OK! Drill (performed on October 14th, 2009).

This is a link to my post on the OK Drill Web-site.

Ojai Valley News - Best of Ojai 2009 Award

It was a nice surprise to see this year's Ojai Valley News "Best of Ojai" 2009 -- awarded "Best Volunteer".

While humbled, I would be remiss to accept the award solely, as my efforts are only realized through the great teamwork I enjoy within the Ojai Valley Emergency Response Team (Collaboration of Ojai Valley CERT, Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club and American Red Cross).

Ojai Valley CERT has made great strides in the last couple years in its participant growth, leadership and organization.

Ojai Valley Amateur Radio Club has had some impressive growth in the last year and the Ham Operators continue to show a level of professional concern and response within their duties.

The Ojai Team of the American Red Cross is a fun group to work with and are always there to assist (Ojai OK! Drill) and have participated together in events (July 4th Parade, Ojai Day, etc).

It's really awe inspiring to work hand-in-hand with three separate organizations that have strategically different and distinct skill-sets and roles, yet can all mutually work together in times of need.

Thank you to the Ojai Valley News and those citizens that voted -- I accept the award on behalf of OVERT (Ojai Valley Emergency Response Team).

20091016 OVN Article on OK Drill and Shakeout

Article about Ojai OK! Drill in Blog - In Case of Emergency Blog

My new friend in the Blogosphere (John Solomon), is the author of the popular Blog -- InCaseOfEmergencyBlog.com

He recently wrote an article that does a great job summarizing what the Ojai OK! Drill is all about.

Please go to: http://incaseofemergencyblog.com/2009/10/08/ojai-ok-youre-ok-so-communitys-ok-readiness-drill-involves-public-cert-responders/

Ojai Day - Saturday October 17th - requestng assistance

Ojai Day is on Saturday, Octboer 17th in Libbey Park.

We are looking for CERT Graduates to assist with managing the booth.

Please sign-up here:

http://ojaiday20091017.eventbrite.com

Registration reminder for Certainly CERT

Operation Certainly CERT (Ventura County CERT Refresher) is just around the corner -- Saturday, November 7th (all day).

Everyone needs to make sure you go to the following link to register. Print out the release forms for photo and liability and bring completed forms with you.

Operation Certainly CERT