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Vol. 12, No. 15 – Apr 24 – May 7, 2019 – The Pet Page

The Best Friends Animal Society 2020 calendar cover cuties are Fly, Swim, and Hike! You can get your own calendar by making a membership gift of $25 or more.
Your gift will bring it closer to the day when no cat or dog is killed simply because they don’t have a safe place to call home. And closer to creating a no-kill country by 2025. Working together with shelters, other animal welfare organizations and you, we will save them all.

A leader in the no-kill movement, Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as lifesaving programs in collaboration with its nationwide network of members and partners working to Save Them All. For more information and to buy a calendar go to https://support.bestfriends.org.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) seeks participants, visitors, and of course, dog lovers of all ages for its 22nd Annual Pooch Parade! This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 5 at Ventura Beach Promenade Park.

In addition to the parade, there will be races, pet-related vendors and displays, food, live music, beer and wine, demos, a silent auction and fun contests. And the Ventura Breeze booth where you can pick up a tennis ball for your pet.

As the benefit’s main fundraiser, the Pooch Parade is a scenic round-trip walk along the Ventura Beach Promenade, starting at 10 a.m. Entry fees are $40 with pre-registration for individuals (ends May 1); $45 the day of event (8:30-9 a.m.), or $50 for dog teams (more than one walker in the group).

Registration forms are available online at poochparade.org. T-shirts will be given to the first 250 entrants.

A Silent Auction featuring hundreds of special items will be held on-site from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Proceeds will help pay for supplies and medical care for dogs and puppies in C.A.R.L.’s Second Chance Program.

C.A.R.L is a non-profit, Ventura County-based organization almost entirely run by volunteers..

Rescued dogs awaiting adoption are boarded at their large Pet Care Center in Santa Paula.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit poochparade.org or carldogs.org.

Humane Society of Ventura County, Christina Sisk, DVM and her dog Chester Copperpot at the Shelter in Ojai, Calif., Wednesday afternoon, March 13, 2019. (Greg A. Cooper/ © HSVC 2019)

Christina Sisk, DVM, is the new director of veterinary services at the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC). Hired in March, Sisk joins the HSVC team to oversee its low-cost spay and neuter clinic and the general well-being of all the animals in the HSVC’s care, making sure every animal at its shelter in Ojai is properly vaccinated and receiving necessary treatment. Sisk also will provide leadership for the clinic staff, ensure that quality medicine is delivered, and make sure that regulatory compliance of veterinary medicine is practiced. A native of McHenry, Illinois, Sisk attended the University of Illinois, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences in 2000 and completed veterinary school in 2004.

The HSVC is focused this year on raising community awareness about its spay and neuter clinic as well as increasing capacity to perform low-cost surgeries. Research has continuously shown that areas with strong spay and neuter programs, along with community support, have dramatically reduced shelter populations.

SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends.

First two clinics in May are: Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard, 93036 on Thursday, May 9th, and  another one on Thursday, May 23rd at Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015. Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

May is National BARKE SALE Month! The Canines-N-Kids Foundation (CNK), a nonprofit working to put an end to the cancers kids and man’s best friend both develop, is encouraging youth across the nation to host a BARKE SALE and is providing a tool kit with step-by-step instructions. Using the traditional bake sale model, a BARKE SALE enables anyone to raise awareness and funds for cancer and the development of better medicines and a cure for both by offering tasty pet and people treats.

The Foundation offers a free BARKE SALE kit containing flyers, postcards and a step-by-step instruction guide. Or, for a small fee, there is a new “BARKE SALE in a Box,” a turnkey toolkit which includes everything from the online kit as well as cookie cutters, a poster, recipes, stickers and more. Groups interested in holding a BARKE SALE need to register on the Foundation’s web site—www.CaninesNKids.org—to receive their supplies.

Funds raised through a BARKE SALE will support the Foundation’s work to promote the promising science of comparative oncology – studying and treating spontaneously developing cancer in canine patients when they get sick.

The Canines-N-Kids Foundation is a recognized charitable nonprofit committed to finding a cure to the devastating cancers that canines and children face in common.

Price controls put Americans’ health at stake 

by Peter J. Pitts

Scientists searching for cures to cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and other deadly illnesses may soon lose their funding, due to a misguided proposal from Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar. 

The proposal would gradually reduce Medicare’s reimbursement rate for advanced drugs administered in hospitals and doctor’s offices by 30 percent.  Sec. Azar claims these price controls “will save $17 billion in Medicare drug spending over the next five years.”  

Price controls would save the government money, at least initially. But the cuts to research funding would make it much harder for scientists to discover the cures of tomorrow. 

Drug research is ludicrously expensive and fraught with pitfalls. Most research projects fail in the lab. And roughly nine in ten experimental drugs that emerge from the lab and enter human trials fail to gain FDA approval. This high failure rate explains why it takes almost $3 billion to develop just one drug.  

Unlike most European nations, which impose strict price controls on medicines, the United States has a relatively free market for drugs. The ability to earn a sizeable return on successful drugs explains why a majority of world’s new drugs are invented in America. America’s researchers are currently developing more than 3,000 new medicines. 

Price controls would halt this medical progress. They’d make it nearly impossible for research companies to earn a return on their initial investments. As a result, the investors who currently fund drug research would redirect their capital to other business opportunities that offer better returns. 

Consider how price controls have wrecked drug development in Europe. In the 1970s, more than 55 percent of all new drugs were developed in Europe. Just 31 percent were developed in America. 

Now, those statistics have reversed, largely due to Europe’s ever-stricter price controls, which have made America ever-more attractive for drug researchers. From 2001 to 2010, the United States generated more than half of all new medicines developed globally; Europe accounted for just one-third. 

Medical breakthroughs could save patients, and the government, billions of dollars by preventing or curing chronic disease. Approximately 1,500 innovative treatments targeting Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke are currently in development. If researchers produced one successful treatment that delayed the onset of Alzheimer’s by five years, the government could save over $200 billion annually by 2050.  

American patients have some of the best health outcomes in the world precisely because we’ve avoided the pitfalls of socialist price controls. 

Peter J. Pitts, a former FDA Associate Commissioner, is President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest and a Visiting Professor at the University of Paris Descartes Medical School.

What is the Ventura Council for Seniors?

The Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS), formerly the Ventura Council on Aging, formed in 1975, is designated by the Ventura City Council as the representative organization of all seniors (50 and over) in the City of Ventura. The VCS board is comprised of senior volunteers who reside in the city, along with a non-voting City liaison appointed by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Partnerships Department. This group meets quarterly to consider and gather input on local issues important to seniors. The VCS is responsible for making recommendations on these issues to the Ventura City Council.

Meetings

You are invited to participate in the Ventura Council for Seniors board meetings during the member/public communications segment of our agenda. Your concerns are our agenda!

Meetings are at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Ave.

Contact 805-648-3035 or www.cityofventura.ca.gov/vcs for more information.
Or write to:
Ventura Council for Seniors
c/o City of Ventura
501 Poli St.
Ventura, CA 93001

Ventura College Foundation announces recipients of First Allied Health Scholarships

The 2019 Allied Health scholarship recipients were all smiles.

Ventura College students interested in careers in the medical and health fields received the first annual Allied Health Scholarship awards from the Ventura College Foundation at an April 13 ceremony at the college.

A total of $93,300 in scholarships were awarded to 42 students who are currently taking or plan on taking courses in the college’s Holistic Health Studies, Kinesiology Program, Paramedic Studies, Nursing Science, Certified Nursing Assistant or Emergency Medical Technology programs.

Now part of the Allied Health Scholarship umbrella, this is the 20th year that Paramedic Studies has been offered at Ventura College. Scholarships have been awarded to students in the program since its inception. Students who complete their course work receive a paramedic certification that meets state and national licensing requirements.

“Scholarship funds mean students don’t have to work extra shifts to pay monthly bills while in the program. This allows them to focus on their studies,” says Thomas O’Connor, Paramedic Studies Department Chair. “Having scholarships that cover the costs of the program and assist with living expenses has an immense impact on student success.”

Clarissa Swallows from Oxnard is one of this year’s scholarship winners. In fact, she received scholarships from two different donors. “The experience made me want to jump right into school and become a nurse,” says Swallow, now 38, “but I knew that I had to focus on emotional healing and building a stable life before I could manage going back to school.”

Seventy percent of California nurses receive their education at a California community college. Students who complete their Ventura College Nursing courses and become licensed enjoy a 100 percent employment rate and 86 percent of students attain a regional living wage. In existence for 55 years, Ventura College’s nursing program is the largest in the county, graduating the majority of the county’s nursing students.

Headed for a career in nursing is scholarship recipient Edward Ramirez from Santa Paula. He is currently enrolled in the Ventura College Nursing program. “In high school, I had an epiphany that what I wanted to do with my life was to help people,” says Ramirez. “I had been trying to work and go to school. These scholarships are the difference between being able to sleep at night before an exam and needing to use those late hours to study. Words can’t convey how much this means to me and how much assistance it really is.”

Vol. 12, No. 15 – Apr 24 – May 7, 2019 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi, I’m Justin an Australian Shepherd / Spaniel X who is in need of a new home.

I’m a great dog, but I bond with people and can become protective of them. I need an experienced owner who can give me the structure and consistency that I need so I can relax and enjoy life. I didn’t react at all to the stray cats at C.A.R.L.’s Pet Care Center, so I might be ok with a cat.

I’ve been in playgroups at the kennel with dogs my size and I was tolerant of dogs who came up to me. I did not show any signs of aggression. I am more of an observer. I do not initiate play or join in playing. I seem to prefer women over men.

I’m ready for Easter and my new home. Could that home be yours? Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Adolfo is not just another handsome face; he is also 50 pounds of affection, energy and goofiness.  He is 5 years old, but most folks assume is much
younger because he is so puppy like. Adolfo loves, loves people and he wants one or more of them to call his own. He knows his commands of “sit”, “down”
and “roll over”, which he usually does all at once!  He is a very smart boy and anyone who adopts him will find it easy to train him. Come meet this silly dog in kennel # 40 at VCAS. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive

Arbor Day 2019

by City Council Member Christy Weir

I grew up in a house between two huge walnut trees. Those old trees fed, shaded and entertained us. Many evenings were spent cracking walnuts, our fingers turning black. Summer days we enjoyed climbing, creating rope swings and building forts in our tall, sturdy trees. Fortunately, the developer who built our neighborhood preserved some of the existing walnut orchard when he built the homes. I have vivid memories of the thick, rough trunks, the strong branches, the perfect perches and the smell of roasting walnuts.

As Arbor Day (April 26) approaches, we are reminded of the crucial role trees play in our city and in our world—they are nature’s remarkable gift to us.

Here are 12 ways that trees keep our environment beautiful and healthy:

Trees combat the greenhouse effect

Burning fossil fuels and destroying tropical rainforests have created excess greenhouse gases. Heat from the sun, reflected back from the earth, is trapped in this thickening layer of gases, causing global temperatures to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas. Trees absorb CO2 and release oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles and can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

Trees clean the air

Trees absorb odors and air pollution and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

Trees cool streets and cities

Average temperatures in Los Angeles have risen 6°F in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings has increased.

Trees can cool cities by up to 10°F, by shading homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Trees save water

Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty yards. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week.

Trees help prevent water pollution

Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall, allowing water to flow down the trunk into the earth below the tree, and absorbing water through leaves. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean and replenishes underground aquifers.

Trees help prevent soil erosion

On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.

Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds – where children spend hours outdoors.

Trees provide food

Fruit trees can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on most urban lots. Aside from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

Trees heal

Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature.

Trees provide screening

Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways. Trees absorb dust, block wind and reduce glare.

Trees increase property values

The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.

Trees increase business traffic

Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A tree-lined street will slow traffic, so drivers have time to look at the storefronts.

The City of Ventura has been designated a Tree City USA, and we continually strive to improve the health of our urban forest—35,000 city trees in parks and along public streets. Last year, we planted 106 new street trees, and trimmed 7630 trees. You may have noticed one of our most recent additions, slow-release watering bags on newly-planted street trees. This gives thirsty young trees the water they need and saves time for our busy urban forestry staff. We are using recycled water, trucked from the city’s wastewater treatment plant. We are also requiring that the landscaping in parking lots include plenty of canopy trees, for purposes of shade, aesthetics and water and air quality.

The City will be observing Arbor Day this year by planting six trees in Arroyo Verde Park, to replace trees destroyed in the Thomas Fire. You can help us celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in your yard. Recommended species for Ventura are listed on our website, www.cityofventura.net, under Urban Forestry.

Jim Friedman’s new perspective on serving the Ventura people

“I like seeing results and I like to make people happy whenever possible.“

by Maryssa Rillo

Jim Friedman served as a member of the Ventura City Council from 1995-2002. He also served as mayor in 1998 and 1999. Now, 15 years later, Friedman is back and was reelected in 2018 to represent District 5.

According to Friedman, money is a bigger issue today than it was the first time he served. The break he had from serving on the Ventura City Council gave him the opportunity to gain a new perspective of the city and see what was going on from the outside in. Friedman said that with this new perspective he has been given the “opportunity to hit the ground coming.” I spoke with Friedman about his reelection and how he plans to execute the goals he has in place to serve the Ventura people.

Q: What are your major goals while serving District 5?

A: I ran on enhancing our basic core services which is: public safety (police and fire), fixing our streets, sidewalks and trimming our trees and/or replacing them. I spoke to hundreds of people, so I feel like I have a pretty good pulse at what the community, at least in District 5 want and they want what I was running on: enhanced essential core services.

My other goal is to help streamline our economic development process. Whether that means new businesses coming into town or businesses wanting to expand. I think there are way too many bureaucracies in our city and the city is at times too involved. There are simpler ways of doing things that the council can initiate if there is a will of the council to do that.

Q: Why do you think it is an important issue to help businesses in Ventura?

A: My biggest concern is that Ventura is becoming a retirement community that ultimately will not be able to afford itself. There are many young people who are born and raised here that will not be able to live here because there aren’t houses in a price range for them to afford.

How do you solve this issue? It’s simple, more money. We won’t be able to tax and fee ourselves into prosperity. The way I see it, it’s only going to come from economic development. That’s why I hope we have at least four members of the city council that believe that way, so we can start doing things to make it easier for people who are trying to do business in our city. We will all ultimately benefit from this through the increased revenues that we will get from them.

Q: How do you plan on making it easier for new businesses and current businesses wanting to expand in Ventura?

A: Businesses don’t know what the city’s expectations are of them. It seems like a never ending cycle and I know for a fact Ventura has gained a reputation of a city you want to stay away from because they’ll drive you crazy with these additional requirements, opposed from having a system set up where you know what you need to do from the very beginning and that can be changed. That will be the will of the council saying ‘city manager we need this streamlined. We have to change our reputation in the regent. We need to be known as being business friendly opposed to at times being very difficult to deal with.’

Q: What are your plans on executing your goal of enhanced public safety?

A: As far as I am concerned the number one priority is public safety. If you don’t feel safe in your community then you don’t have quality of life in your community. The only way we can deal with that is prioritizing the budget so that there are resources available to keep the community safe. We won’t be able to generate any real income by raising fees. That’s why I think economic development is going to be the absolute key to getting just about anything done in our city that we want to get done.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving Ventura City?

A: To be in a position to really be able to make a difference to the community. Whether that be a resident in District 5 or a resident/business owner anywhere throughout the city.

My task is to help solve a problem for a constituent or a resident and I really enjoy doing that. I like seeing results and I like to make people happy whenever possible.

Note: The Breeze also asked new council members Sofia Rubalcava and Lorrie Brown to also have and article in the Breeze but have not heard back from them. Hopefully we will.

18th Annual Festival of Talent showcases Ventura students, teachers and staff

Madhu Bajaj and Dr. Rice enjoyed the talents of Serena Ropersmith, Kelsa Ropersmith and Kamille Kada.

by Amy Brown

Talent is one of the Ventura Unified School District’s natural resources, as evidenced by this year’s much anticipated Festival of Talent event, “We Got The Beat”, on March 23rd. The show featured a range of dynamic performances, from a big production opening act featuring Ventura Unified School District faculty and staff, along with singing, dancing and specialty acts, to daring aerial trapeze performances. The event held at the Ventura High School auditorium and directed by Beverly and Kirby Ward, is the largest fundraising event for the Ventura Education Partnership (VEP), with 100% of proceeds donated to grants for individual teachers to enhance their curricula.

The audience was large and enthusiastic, and included many friends and families, and members of the school board, as well as the new VUSD Superintendent, Dr. Roger Rice. Each of the 22 performances, some of which included combinations of performances from students, teachers, and school district staff, had to pass a rigorous audition process to be selected for the show. “This year’s Festival of Talent was my first and I was blown away. The talent on stage was incredible and the production flawless,” said Dr. Rice. “The best part of the evening though was how strongly the community supported a program run by the Ventura Education Partnership to fund innovative units developed by teachers that will make education a more compelling experience for stunts.  I can’t wait for next year!”

Ventura Education Partnership is an all-volunteer nonprofit with a mission of connecting community resources to support and sustain innovation in education to benefit VUSD students. It has been providing grants since its inception in 1988, and in the past 10 years alone has provided more than $1.3 million in small grants to VUSD teachers. “VEPGrants provide teachers with amazing ideas a bit of funding needed to bring innovation to their classrooms. These innovations deeply engage students in their learning, promote collaboration and facilitate forward thinking. By supporting VEP, the community is investing directly in enriching the classroom experience for teachers and students,” said Madhu Bajaj, President, Ventura Education Partnership.

Some recent examples of VEPGrants include math and music students collaborating, exploring the intersection of STEAM employing skills in Science (Scientific Method), Technology (CAD software), Engineering (Design Process), Art (Music), and Mathematics (data, scale, symmetry, and ratio) at Anacapa Middle School. At Ventura High, a grant project featured the establishment of a course offered as an introduction to a career pathway in health and patient care careers, teaching biology standards using an emphasis in healthcare. A grant awarded at Lincoln Elementary School provided students with an opportunity to receive sensory input and movement as needed to increase focus, concentration, balance and performance in elementary school.

“Through the innovative projects students learn in an environment that places them at the center of their own learning. The classroom becomes a place for exploring new ideas collaboratively with their peers that stresses authentic learning in real world situations.  This type of teaching allows students to not just find the right answers but to find a variety of solutions that are relevant to the curriculum being presented,” shared Kathy Asher, Co-Vice President of Grants.

 

 

 

 

 

VPD helping children battling cancer

Ventura Police officers and K-9’s brought smiles to the young children.

The Ventura Police Department partnered with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation and community members for an Easter Basket Drive for children battling cancer. More than 150 baskets were donated! 

Baskets were delivered to children and their siblings at the Ventura County Medical Center and also delivered to the homes of very sick children in Ventura. 

“This is the first year we have asked for community support of this effort. It was so incredible to have so much generosity from Ventura residents and businesses. Our goal was 40 baskets and we exceeded that number! The remaining baskets have been delivered to children at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles,” said Ventura Police Community Outreach Specialist Ashley Bautista. “These children are fighting for their lives and these baskets have brought them joy during such a trying time. I am so grateful that our community partnered with the police department to make these sweet kids feel so special.”

The Ventura Police Department collects toys throughout the year to keep the toy box filled for children being treated at the Ventura County Medical Center. Community members can call Ashley Bautista at 805-339-4317 or email [email protected] for more information. 

Local Venturan awarded third highest DOD Medal

Dennis Cam Kelsch received medal for gallantry against an armed enemy.

Ventura native, and 2008 graduate of Ventura High School was presented a Silver Star Medal during a ceremony at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, Pooler, Georgia on April 9.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dennis Cam Kelsch, a Special Tactics operator assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, Air Force Special Operations Command, was awarded the nation’s third highest medal for gallantry against an armed enemy of the U.S. in combat.

In addition to the SSM presentation, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Vincent Becklund, deputy commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, also awarded Kelsch with a Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Kelsch was honored for his role in securing the safety of his joint and partner force members during an operation against a high value target while serving as a joint terminal attack controller deployed with a U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment battalion during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in support of the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

While receiving accurate fires from the enemy and with no regard for his own personal safety, Kelsch exposed himself to danger in order to control airstrikes from an AC-130 gunship within 35 meters of his team’s position. He also coordinated an attack with precision guided 500lb bombs from two F-16’s and 105mm munitions from an AC-130.

Additionally, Kelsch willingly exposed himself to effective enemy fire to save the life of a wounded American teammate by dragging him to safety. While recovering his teammate, Kelsch was hit by hostile fire. Kelsch continued to control danger close strikes to neutralize all remaining threats to the assault force.

Special Tactics is the Air Force’s ground special operations force that leads personnel recovery, global access, precision strike missions and battlefield surgical operations.

Since 9/11, Special Tactics Airmen have received one Medal of Honor, nine Air Force Crosses and 44 Silver Star Medals. Tech. Sgt. Kelsch is the first Air Force TACP operator to be awarded the Silver Star for actions in combat during the last 10 years.