Several Agencies Plan Community Cleanup

After hearing from area residents, several Ventura County agencies will help clean up the El Rio and Nyeland Acres areas of the west county for the second annual Community Clean Up next week.

From Oct. 2 through Oct. 7, the Ventura County Sheriff’s, Animal Control, Code Enforcement, Solid Waste Management, and Parks departments will provide extra services that, police believe, will help decrease the potential for crime, said Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Ramirez II.

The efforts will aim to improve many conditions, from graffiti to unwanted furniture that is not disposed of properly, Ramirez said.

Animal control officers will distribute dog licenses to lessen concerns about stray dogs that threaten public safety. The Code Enforcement Department will address unsafe building and housing conditions.

Customers of E.J. Harrison & Sons Inc. in the area can dispose of large items, such as an appliance, scrap metal or mattress, that week.

On Oct. 7, the Solid Waste Department will host a free drop-off event for residents from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rio Plaza School, 600 Simon Way, El Rio.

Residents can drop off used oil, paint or filters from cars.

Last year’s cleanup program was not as successful as hoped because of a lack of follow-up efforts through the year, he said.

For more information, call 654-2668.