The 2009 Western States Police & Fire Games were held June 13th-19th in Santa Clarita, CA. Over 5,000 personnel from 417 public service agencies participated in this year's games. The "Ventura County Combo" soccer team, which was comprised of peace officers from Ventura County Sheriff's Department, Santa Barbara Sheriff's Department, Ventura County District Attorney's Office, and Simi Valley Police Department, won the bronze medal in the Third Place Open Division after winning 4 out of 6 games. Next year's games will be held in Reno, Nevada, where the Ventura County Combo team hopes to take the gold.

Even though we’re halfway through 2009, we’ve taken the time to look back to 2008 and note that VCDSA continued its proud tradition of charitable donations last year by giving over $56,000 to many worthy causes. Despite negative investment returns, especially at year-end, VCDSA was able to provide financial support to over 100 different groups that provide a broad-range of assistance, essential programs, activities and services, most of them for citizens right here in Ventura County.

The VCDSA Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 VCDSA Scholarship Awards.  As is customary, all winners were selected by the committee based upon a blind review of applications, meaning that the identities of the applicants were unknown to the committee members (all identifying information was stricken from the applications).  The selection criteria is based upon academic standing and performance, participation in school, athletic and outside activities, community service, overcoming of personal obstacles, and quality of application essay.   As in the past, the committee members had a difficult time reaching their final decisions due to the outstanding qualifications of all of the applicants.  We wish every applicant continued success in their endeavors. Click here for an overview of the five winners, who will each receive a $1,500 scholarship payable to the college they attend.

DISCOUNT TICKETS FOR VCDSA MEMBERS NOW AVAILABLE IN THOUSAND OAKS

In order to make it more convenient for VCDSA members who live and/or work in East County to purchase the discounted Theme Park and Movie tickets sold by VCDSA, with the agreement of East County Admin the tickets will now be available at EVSO through Management Assistant Janet Pentis, 805-494-8260. All of the same tickets and discount passes currently offered through VCDSA will be available at EVSO, including Disneyland, Sea World, Universal Studios, Lego Land, Golf and Stuff, Regal and Edwards Theaters, Mann Theaters, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Ticket prices are subject to change, and special offers may be available periodically.  If you have questions about specific prices, please contact VCDSA at 987-9785.