VRFSC Newsletter October 2025

Limited availability, RSVP today!

NOV 6, 2025. Topa Topa Brewing on Colt St, Ventura


Join us on Thursday, November 6, 2025, exactly one year since the start of the Mountain Fire, for our End of Year Event. The event will celebrate our Fire Safe Council's work in 2025, honor the incredible bravery and tireless efforts of our first responders, and highlight the ongoing recovery and hard work of survivors. At the event, VRFSC will launch our Contractors Directory, a much-needed resource for residents interested in implementing home hardening and defensible space. The evening will inspire us all to rebuild and retrofit to a safer, more wildfire-resilient Ventura County.


Save this event in your Calendar below!

RSVP TODAY!

Topa Topa Brewing Co.

4880 Colt St, Ventura, CA 93003

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Nov 06, 2025 05:30pm - Nov 06, 2025 08:00pm

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Want to sponsor this event? It's not too late! Reply to this email asking about sponsorship opportunities to learn more.

CAN’T MAKE THE EVENT You can still support wildfire safety DONATE here

Video: The Power and Danger of Lithium-ion Batteries

Ever wonder what makes batteries so powerful and sometimes dangerous? Rechargeable batteries are in tablets, phones, scooters, and toys, but if they get too hot or damaged, they can cause a fire. In this video, students in grades 3–8 will discover the power of lithium-ion batteries, how thermal runaway happens, and simple tips to help keep their devices and themselves safe. It’s an easy way to understand battery science and learn how to “Charge into Fire Safety™” at home and at school.

this video shows the power of lithium ion batteries thermal runaway and ways to stay safe

Upcoming Events

Don't miss the next Firewise Workshop!

October 17th 1:00 on Zoom!

This month's Speaker:

Ian Prichard

Deputy General Manager,

Calleguas Municipal Water District

Topics:

  • Q&A on water practices during wildfire
  • Sharing details on Calleguas’ equipment and facilities
  • Water challenges during wildfire events

Catch VRFSC out in the community!

Be Prepared Safety Fair on Saturday October 18 10AM to 1PM at The Oaks Theatre Parking Lot at 166 W Hillcrest Dr Thousand Oaks CA 91360

Welcome our new VRFSC Staff member!

Learn about Damien

Damien Peña joined our team in September 2025 as the Grants and Contracts Specialist. With 28 years of equity-driven leadership, including 18 in executive roles, he is a seasoned higher education and student affairs professional. His expertise lies in building systems that expand access, empowering cross-functional teams, and leading initiatives that remove barriers for underserved communities.


Born and raised in Ventura County, Damien made a lifelong commitment to return to his community and give back to the programs and services that supported his family’s journey. That commitment has guided his career, whether writing and managing $8.1M in federal and private grants, overseeing 22 student-focused programs, or co-creating mental health and basic needs services. His work is rooted in service, strategy, and shared accountability.


Damien earned a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies, a master’s in Social Work, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from California Lutheran University. He has authored 19 successful grants, restructured student engagement at three local colleges, and founded CLU’s first Summer Bridge program for first-generation students. He brings depth, strategy, and heart to every endeavor—always with the purpose of giving back to the community that gave so much to him.

Have you had a Home Hardening Assessment done on your home?

The largest factor determining a building's ability to withstand a wildfire is how well a home's 5 foot of perimeter (called Zone 0) resists embers.* A fire-hardened home is a home that’s taken smart steps ahead of time to prepare for wildfires and ember storms. Simply sign up today and one of our Wildfire Safety Staff will visit your home to assess and provide recommendations for hardening your home through a personalized online interactive report. All report results are private, and the report is simply meant as an educational tool to help provide a starting point for residents on how to lower their risk.

Was your Home Assessment over 2 years ago?

Make a new appointment!

Plants grow, screens get rusty, gutters are filled, nests have yielded baby birds... So many things can happen in 2 years, let our assessors give you a fresh jump start on Home Hardening and Defensible Space!

*If you have had an assessment within the last 2 years, you are not yet eligible for a new appointment.

Thank you to our End of Year Celebration Sponsor

From Edison International Subsidiary, SCE:

This spooky season, make sure you're keeping fire-safe standards! Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Decorations: Many common decorations like fake spiderwebs, cornstalks, crepe paper, and dried flowers are very flammable. Keep these and similar decorations far away from any open flames or heat sources, like candles, heaters, and light bulbs.

Candles: Using candles as decoration can be risky if not done correctly. Keep them in a well- attended area out of the path of potential trick-or-treaters. Remind children of the dangers of open flames, and make sure they are always supervised when candles are lit. Always extinguish candles before leaving an area.

Exits: Exits are NOT an appropriate place for decorations. When decorating, ensure that nothing is blocking escape routes, including doors and windows.


[ESPAÑOL]

En esta época espeluznante, ¡asegúrate de cumplir con las normas de seguridad contra incendios! Aquí tienes algunos consejos para tener en cuenta:

Decoraciones: Muchas decoraciones comunes, como telarañas falsas, tallos de maíz, papel crepé y flores secas, son muy inflamables. Mantén estas y otras decoraciones similares lejos de llamas abiertas o fuentes de calor, como velas, calentadores y bombillas.

Velas: Usar velas como decoración puede ser arriesgado si no se hace correctamente. Mantenlas en un lugar bien vigilado, fuera del alcance de posibles niños que piden dulces. Recuerda a los niños los peligros de las llamas abiertas y asegúrate de que siempre estén supervisados ​​cuando haya velas encendidas. Apaga siempre las velas antes de abandonar una zona.

Salidas: Las salidas NO son un lugar apropiado para decoraciones. Al decorar, asegúrate de que nada bloquee las vías de escape, incluidas puertas y ventanas.

Support VRFSC Programs and make a direct impact in Ventura County!

VenturaFireSafe.org

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