CVUSD implements new device policy in schools
Throughout a presentation during the Conejo Valley Unified School District [CVUSD] board meeting on May 6, Jayna Suter, assistant director of educational technology and student performance, introduced changes to technology policies. During the presentation, Suter explained the removed language around the Bring Your Own Device [BYOD] program for the 2026-2027 school year.
As of the current school year, the BYOD program allows students to bring personal devices such as laptops or tablets for academic use. However, the newly introduced change requires students to utilize school or district-issued devices during schooling hours. According to Suter, the district made the change to ensure a more engaged learning environment, where teachers can better monitor the activity on student devices.
Furthermore, Suter stated that an issue with BYOD is that students are able to access websites that are normally blocked which is designed to promote student safety and compliance. The update to the policy reflects discussions with the Technology Committee and Student District Advisory Committee [SDAC]. The district will implement the change starting next year.
Downtown TO seeks remodeling
A plan to redevelop parts of downtown Thousand Oaks is being considered for approval. The plan includes making changes to the Civic Arts Plaza as well as the area surrounding it, such as adding a new park plaza, outdoor amphitheater and several new buildings, including a 7-story hotel. Partial reconstruction of the City Hall will also take place if the plan is approved.
A purpose for the project is to facilitate Downtown Thousand Oaks’ transformation into a more pedestrian-oriented zone. The city is also planning to add a new vehicular and emergency access road network. Upon approval, construction will take place in five phases starting in 2027 and is expected to be completed in 2032. As part of the remaining process of earning approval, a public meeting will take place at the City Hall, where the plan and its specific changes will be presented. The plan will advance to the City Council for a review in June.
Brush fire invades Simi Valley
On May 18, a brush fire started in Simi Valley at approximately 10:50 a.m. The fire, dubbed the Sandy Fire, started on the southern edge of Simi Valley near the 600 block of Sandy avenue. It was allegedly caused by a resident of the area clearing bush with a tractor and striking a rock, igniting the fire. During the time of the fire, winds were gusting at a peak of 40 miles per hour.
As the fire spread to more nearly 1,700 acres, areas of Simi Valley, Santa Susana, Bell Canyon, and Chesebro were put under Evacuation Order. All schools in the Simi Valley Unified School District were closed during the entirety of the fire.
A total of 869 crew members across Ventura County and Los Angeles County worked to contain the fire before unpredictable winds hit the area. 15 fire engines were on site, as well as numerous air tankers. The fire eventually burned 2,183 acres, destroying at least one home.
After efforts throughout Memorial weekend, the wildfire reached 90% containment.
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