BRIEFLY : L.A. GANG FIGURES HELD IN T.O. JEWELRY HEIST.

THOUSAND OAKS - Two Los Angeles men with gang affiliations have been arrested and charged on suspicion of robbing a Thousand Oaks jewelry store March 26, sheriff's officials said.

Joseph Bush, 20, and Ivelle Jennings, 19, were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery of the Gold Store in the 2500 block of Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Sheriff's investigators made the arrests with assistance from Los Angeles Police Department gang units after several searches for gang member suspects possibly involved in the robbery, officials said.

Last week, sheriff's officials reported that a man entered the store about 10:15 a.m., showed the clerk a pistol and demanded jewelry. Two other men were reported to be involved in the robbery. Deputies responded after the clerk set off a silent alarm.

Sheriff's deputies detained Bush and Jennings for a short time after the robbery. No jewels were found, however, and sheriff's officials said they are still looking for additional suspects.

- Daily News

CHP cruiser collides with approaching car

OJAI - A California Highway Patrol officer on his way to assist another officer in a pursuit hit an oncoming car on Highway 33 on Wednesday night.

Officer Mark Choate, 25, of Ventura was traveling south on Highway 33 just south of Encino Drive with lights flashing and siren sounding when he hit a car driven by 61-year-old Gary Dowden of Ojai, said Officer Dave Cockrill, a CHP spokesman.

``The officer was responding to a backup call and going a little too fast when he crashed into the oncoming car,'' Cockrill said. ``He was riding with his red lights and sirens so the other cars were aware, but he was rounding a corner when he collided with the other car, and we don't know if that driver even had time to hear the sirens or see the police car.''

Cockrill said the officer was exceeding the 45-mph speed limit posted on the roadway. He was on his way to assist another officer in a foot pursuit.

Cockrill said Dowden suffered minor injuries and Choate, a CHP officer for about 18 months, suffered a head laceration. Both were taken to Ojai Valley Hospital.

Cockrill added that the CHP likely will cover any liability found.

- Daily News

City to mail out ballot on landscaping taxes

THOUSAND OAKS - More than one year after California voters approved Proposition 218 blocking municipalities from raising property-based taxes without voter approval, the city of Thousand Oaks will mail a ballot and information to residents on a vote to preserve its assessment district for public landscape maintenance and street lights.

The city has provided lighting and landscaping maintenance services through an assessment district since 1979. With the passage of Proposition 218 in November 1996, however, such districts require the approval of property owners. The city will mail the ballot and information to area residents on April 21.

Information sessions to discuss the implications of the proposition on the city will be held April 8 and April 30 at the Thousand Oaks Library. A public hearing is also scheduled for 7 p.m. on May 19 in the City Council/Chamber Forum.

- Daily News