Important Notices
COMMUTER ALERT: NORTHERN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WILDFIRES
Posted October 13, 2008
Firefighters are battling two major wind-whipped wildfires that have killed at least two people, destroyed homes, forced evacuations and severely impacted traffic on some major freeways. If at all possible, you are advised to avoid traveling into the northern San Fernando Valley, where the 210 freeway was shut down earlier today due to the Marek Fire. Another fire to the west has forced evacuations in the Porter Ranch area, with the 118 freeway at a virtual standstill. Since the 210 and 118 are connected, and I-5 and I-405 are caught in the middle, you should expect longer-than-usual rush-hour delays if you decide to venture into the area.
Because this is a fluid, fast-changing situation, we have built a temporary Web site where you can obtain news and information, much of it updated in real time. The site contains live feeds of real-time CHP incident reports between individual patrol units and the dispatch center, a real-time updated map identifying traffic problems, an evacuation map from the L.A. Fire Department, and news reports and photos from various news media outlets -- all contained on a single page. Go there by clicking the "Emergency Updates" link below.
DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITORS NOT RAISING FUNDS FOR COLLEGE
Posted September 10, 2007
College of the Canyons officials have received notice from local residents that door-to-door solicitors, representing themselves as COC students, have been attempting to fraudulently solicit donations in support of a non-existent campus newspaper.
According to one resident’s report, last week two young men were seen and heard going door to door in the Valencia Northbridge neighborhood identifying themselves as “poor COC students,” before asking residents to subscribe to a “new COC Sunday newspaper.”
The solicitors claimed that the proceeds would go toward helping students purchase new books and school supplies.
COC officials want community members to know that College of the Canyons never raises funds through door-to-door sales or solicitation.
“Somebody is trying to take advantage of the good reputation the college has built, and that’s something we can’t accept,” said John McElwain, COC managing director of public relations and marketing. “These people are not agents of the college in any way. This is not the way the college raises funds on any level.”
"This is the second consecutive year that we have received reports of door-to-door solicitations,” said McElwain, “and residents need to know that these activities are not college sponsored.”
College of the Canyons does not raise funds for any program via door-to-door solicitation. To the best of our knowledge, the young people who are soliciting donations on the college's behalf are not College of the Canyons students. They are doing so without the college's authorization. Neither the college nor any College of the Canyons program is benefiting in any way from these activities, which appear to be a deceptive and fraudulent ploy to sell magazine subscriptions.
Residents who have, or may, come into contact with these solicitors are asked to contact the SCV Sheriff’s Station at (661) 255-1121 and file a report on the incident.
SNAKE ENCOUNTERS INCREASE ON CAMPUS; PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS
Posted August 22, 2006
We've had a number of snake encounters recently at College of the Canyons, which is home to a number of different kinds of snakes, most of them benign. Occasionally, these encounters involve rattlesnakes. This time of year is typically when snakes have offspring, and we frequently see both large and small snakes for a relatively short period of time. This year has been particularly hot, and with the construction on campus, it is expected that snakes are looking for other places to live. As always, we try to live harmoniously with the wildlife that calls the campus their home, but we must be cautious with the snake population. It is a good rule of thumb to consider all snakes we encounter as potentially dangerous, to leave the snakes alone, and to call the switchboard immediately if we encounter a snake on campus. We have people on staff who are very experienced in identifying and handling snakes. and we'll have them take care of any situations on campus.
TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID CONTRACTING WEST NILE VIRUS
Posted May 30, 2006
The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District has reported that mosquitos infected with West Nile Virus have been found in Santa Clarita, Northridge and Chatsworth. Last year, that didn't happen until July. To prevent human cases from occurring, the district urges residents to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites, especially between dusk and dawn. People should wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when they're outside from dusk to dawn. West Nile is spread to humans from the bites of infected mosquitoes, which catch the disease by biting birds that carry the virus. There is no specific treatment for West Nile, which can be fatal in extreme cases. If you run across a dead bird, call (877) 747-2243. Don't pick it up or touch it. Check to be sure there is no standing water where mosquitos can breed around your home or neighborhood. Make sure your window screens are in good repair.
Fewer than one out of 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito get severely ill. In most cases people who are infected never become sick or have only very mild symptoms that include fever, headache, nausea, body aches and a mild skin rash. The virus can, in rare cases, cause encephalitis and death. The elderly are most at risk for severe cases of the disease. There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. In a serious case, an individual may be hospitalized to ensure good supportive care.
Facts About the West Nile Virus
The West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that has been found in parts of Asia, eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The virus was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City. The majority of people and animals infected with the virus will experience no symptoms, or a mild to moderate illness. In rare cases, the virus can cause a more serious condition called encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, according to the California Department of Health Services.
The elderly are at a higher risk for disease caused by WNV. In 2003, a total of 45 states detected WNV activity and more than 9,300 human cases, including more than 240 deaths, were reported. In 2003, WNV was detected in mosquitoes, wild birds, sentinel chickens, and a horse in six Southern California counties. Three human WNV cases were also reported from Southern California.
Many people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms. Approximately 15 percent of individuals who are infected develop an illness with fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. In a smaller percent of individuals infected (<1%), a more severe illness (e.g. viral meningitis or encephalitis) may develop. These more severe illnesses often require hospitalization. The time between the mosquito bite and the onset of illness, known as the incubation period, ranges from 5 to 15 days in humans. Of the 9,300 confirmed human cases of WNV in the U.S. in 2003, 3 percent died. The elderly and immunocompromised are particularly susceptible to severe illness caused by WNV. There is no specific treatment for infection with WNV, although supportive care is important.
To decrease exposure to mosquitoes and the infections they may carry:
- Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.
- When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeve shirts and other protective clothing.
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET according to label instructions.
- Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property that can support mosquito breeding.
- Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem where you live or work.
SAFETY TIPS SHOULD YOU ENCOUNTER A COUGAR ON CAMPUS
Posted July 2005
For many years, our campus has been visited periodically by the real-life version of our campus mascot, the California cougar. Usually, this occurs in the late spring, but the heat, construction in the area, wildfires, changes in the natural food pattern, availability of water and other factors make predicting their arrival and length of stay difficult.
Recently, fresh tracks were found on the west side of campus near Interstate 5, and a runner spotted a "big cat" in a tree near the cross country trails.
While this may seem alarming to those who are new to this part of the country, over time we have learned to have a healthy respect for these magnificent creatures and try to get along with them as best we can by giving them their space.
Typically, cougars visit our campus late at night and in the early morning hours searching for food and water. When the campus springs to life with cars, machinery and noise, these visitors are usually well back into the hills. However, to be on the side of caution, we are passing along some safety and informational tips should you have an encounter with a cougar:
If you encounter a cougar (a real one) on campus, please notify the Security Department immediately.
Never approach a cougar, especially one that is feeding or with cubs.
If you come upon a cougar, stay calm. Talk firmly to it and move slowly. Most mountain lions will try to avoid a confrontation, so give it a way to escape.
Stop. If it is safe, back away slowly. Do not turn your back and do not run. Running will stimulate the cougar's instinct to chase and attack. Face the cougar and stand up straight.
Do all you can to appear larger. Raise your arms and open your jacket if you're wearing one. If small children are with you, pick them up so they will not panic and run.
If the cougar behaves aggressively, throw stones or anything you can reach without crouching down or turning your back. Wave your arms slowly and speak firmly.
Fight back if the cougar attacks. Unlike with bears, "playing dead" does not work. Cougars have been driven away by prey that fights back. People have successfully fought off lion attacks using such objects as rocks, sticks, clothing, garden tools and even their bare hands.
When you hike in mountain lion country, go in groups and make plenty of noise to avoid surprising a lion. Keep children close and within sight at all times. Talk with children about lions and teach them what to do if they encounter one.
|
