Eviction NoticeThe National Park Service will no...

Eviction Notice

The National Park Service will no longer allow cattle grazing on the rolling hills of Santa Rosa Island after the year’s end under a settlement reached Friday with an environmental watchdog organization and the island’s former owners (B1). . . . The agreement will protect endangered species on the island, but it is a defeat for former owner Vail & Vickers, which continues to graze cattle under a lease with the park service.

Going With the Flow

Simi Valley Mayor Greg Stratton plans to ask the City Council next week to have the city attorney examine a proposed ballot measure that would limit growth in the city (B4). . . . Stratton said he believes the city should have the chance to comment on the initiative because it seems likely to qualify for the ballot--with or without city involvement.

Done Deal

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Executive Director Joseph Edmiston, above in 1993 photo, calls it “undoubtedly the single most important acquisition of open space in the history of the Santa Monica Mountains” (B1). . . . The conservancy will get nearly 5,000 acres from developers of a $1-billion mini-city on Ventura County’s eastern border. Developers formally announced a deal Friday to acquire the land from entertainer Bob Hope, meeting a final requirement for the project.

Worship in the Wild

Rancho del Rey Christian Camp in the Ojai Valley offers everything from weeklong Christian retreats to nature walks to a prayer gazebo for weddings (B9). . . . The nonprofit center is governed by a board of directors from various churches throughout Ventura County. “It’s definitely a ‘come as you are’ rustic setting,” said Tom Hatcher, chaplain and director of the 130-acre camp.

Weather

Scattered showers. Highs near 60. Lows in the mid-40s. B12