Category Archives: Featured News

Mental Health Technician paired up with Ventura Police Officers

Mental Health Technician Diana Gasmi, Officer Rebecca Kofman and Officer Derek Donswyk meet with a lady in need.

The Ventura Police Department now has a full-time mental health technician embedded within the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force. The technician will be responsible for case management and outreach for the homeless population suffering from mental health issues. The effort is a partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health and is funded through a Triage Grant.

“We are not going to arrest our way out of homelessness. Instead, we must find more innovative ways to identify and address the individual needs of our homeless residents. This new partnership between VPD and Ventura County Behavioral Health is exactly the type of innovative approach we need to address the mental health issues prevalent in our homeless population. Not only will it lead to more effective policing, it will also provide critical services and support to help our homeless get off the streets,” said Mayor Matt LaVere.

Diana Gasmi has been selected to fulfill the technician position. She is a bilingual Community Services Coordinator for Ventura County Behavioral Health, where she has been employed for the past 12 years in providing outreach and engagement to individuals with psychiatric disabilities in different regions throughout Ventura County. She has experience in psychiatric assessment, diagnostic and evaluation needs as well as the ability to provide advocacy, case management, and linkage to public benefits and appropriate community referrals.

“Partnering with Behavioral Health is a positive step in addressing the mental health of our homeless population,” said Ventura Police Commander Rick Murray.

The Patrol Task Force is engaged in what’s called restorative policing, or street outreach. This means that officers are working with chronic vagrancy offenders or displaced individuals, by uniting them with family or friends if they desire or getting them appropriate medical attention, they need to get off the streets. The mental health technician will come along side officers to assist in evaluating individuals and connecting them to resources for long term solutions.

The effort is part of the Safe and Clean Initiative which was adopted by Ventura City Council in 2011. The initiative redirects limited City resources and utilizes partnerships so that public places remain safe and clean for everyone to enjoy. The approach to Safe and Clean public places has five core elements that strive to align municipal, private philanthropy, business and non-profit resources. By mobilizing local entities, sharing data and involving key stakeholders across sectors the City of Ventura aims to retain secure public places.

Entry Into the 2019 County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade just got easier

Last year’s parade drew a record crowd in the thousands.

Parade entries are now being accepted for the 31st annual County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade, scheduled on Saturday, March 16, along Main Street in downtown Ventura.

It will please prospective entrants to know that the entry process has become much easier this year. Just open the parade website and follow the simple all-online procedure to submit your entry form and pay via PayPal. Entry deadline is Thursday, March 7; only the first 100 entries will be accepted.

The County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade is presented each year by the Ventura Elks Lodge No. 1430. Last year’s parade, honoring first responders in the wake of the devastating Thomas Fire, drew a record crowd in the thousands.

The 2019 parade promises to be another heartfelt event. With the theme “Memories of the Past,” it will feature a very special grand marshal contingent: an esteemed lineup of past grand marshals led by the one and only Jim Monahan. A longtime and much revered civic leader including on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Monahan stepped down this year after 41 years as a Ventura City Council member.

For more information on the parade and to enter, visit venturastpatricksdayparade.com.

If you have any entry questions, call Elks Club chair Lance Baird at 805-415-2053; parade committee member Dan McGrath at 805-231-2779; or parade committee member Aaron Gaston at 805-340-8217.

For other parade details, contact Faye McDonald at [email protected] or 805-340-7525; Tim O’Neil at [email protected] or 805-320-3181; or Jim Monahan at [email protected] or 805–643-4275.

Volunteers replace community dome cover at River Haven

The dome is a gathering place at River Haven.

by Jill Forman

Young adults swarmed over the skeleton of the large geodesic dome in the center of River Haven. A lift was lowering a giant canvas covering. Outside and inside the dome Turning Point staff, volunteers, reporters, residents (and dogs) gave advice, took pictures and helped pull on the new cover which was stiff and hard to unfurl and place. Overhead, a drone recorded the event. It was quite a scene.

Thanks to a grant from the Kenrose Kitchen Table Fund, River Haven is getting some much-needed upgrades: the new dome cover, solar panels for each residence with small individual refrigerators, and stoves for the Community Dome. Residents are grateful; the refurbished dome will be “…warmer, cleaner, and collect less dust.” And the future installation of solar panels will allow them to have better lights and their own refrigerators. At the moment they have solar-powered lanterns, and cold food can only be stored in four refrigerators in the large dome. The new stoves in the dome will replace a “camp stove” that has been shared by the 20-22 residents.

In addition to the food storage and preparation, the dome has multiple couches, chairs, desks and shelves. It is a gathering place with room for everyone, so making it more comfortable and efficient will be a welcome improvement. New windows make it much lighter and more cheerful, and the windows are easily replaceable.

“This is exciting,” said a resident.

Many of the volunteers have on t-shirts that say “Service Above Self.” This is Rotaract, a group associated with Rotary; they are young professionals – teachers, real estate agents, engineers, sales executives, bankers – who are a service arm of the organization. At one moment, they were indeed “Above,” many of them climbing all over the dome and adjusting the new exterior. First they had to spend a good hour talking out screws and other devices fastening the old cover to the foundation and door frames.

Students from Ventura College’s Human Services program helped out also, as did an intern from the Solar Tech Program at Moorpark College. The intern will be coordinating the installation of the mini solar systems for the individual residences.

River Haven is a transitional living facility operated by Turning Point Foundation, which offers 14 community-based mental health programs at 11 locations. 85-91% of the residents are able to obtain permanent housing. Jason Meek, Executive Director of Turning Point, states “We are a community resources, accessible to everybody.”

We made the mural to spread kindness

Third graders working on their mural “Spread Peace and Love.”

Third graders of Ventura Charter School of Global Arts and Education (VCS) have been taking part in a project created by their teachers called, “Moment of Peace.” Days start with a read-aloud story or hands-on activity in the theme of teaching peace. Sometimes students greet their day outside and take part in teambuilding games. Other mornings take a moment for students to relate to characters in books dealing with challenges in the life of a child. These books raise meaningful and relatable discussions. Writing and acting out peaceful solutions is lifelong learning for these students. The culminating event of this project is a collaborative mural created by the VCS third graders. The mural reading “Spread Peace and Love” was created with the intent to be a roving art piece around our city.

Quotes from VCS third-grade artists explaining their mural process and purpose:

“We made the mural to spread kindness and to make people realize that you can change someone’s whole entire day by being kind. We are doing this to spread peace and love. We also made this for ourselves as a reminder that you have to love yourself so that you can be kind, confident, and spread kindness and love to others. We made a mural to help and remind others that they are never alone.

“Our teachers coordinated fifty students and parent helpers to create this work of art. It took lots of communication and care to share the painting work so it didn’t turn into a mess. It’s a six-foot square peace mural that reads, “Spread Peace and Love”. We want to spread peace because we want to teach kindness.

“At VCS we practice NVC (Nonviolent Communication) to learn about listening, being honest, kind, and peaceful. This is the message of our mural. We worked on it as a family. We want to bring the community together so that the community can feel more like a family too.  Everyone has a kind heart inside. Everyone can be kind. We made some mistakes on our mural but we learned that mistakes are valuable and no one is perfect. This is a city-wide piece of hope for more love in the world. One smudge of paint can make an entire flower bloom.”

Community development director Jeff Lambert leaves Ventura for Oxnard

Lambert will start in Oxnard on February 4th.

by Richard Lieberman

Jeff Lambert , Community Development Manager for the past ten years is leaving Ventura to take a similar post with the City of Oxnard. As Community Development Director Lambert has managed current and future advanced planning for the city. His responsibilities for the City of Ventura included running Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, planning and economic development.

Ventura’s acting assistant city manager announced recently that Lambert was “on leave” from his city post. Later in press releases from both Ventura and Oxnard, it was announced that Lambert will be taking a new position with the City of Oxnard.

As community development director for Ventura Lambert has been instrumental in partnering with Community Memorial Hospital for its new in-patient facility and parking structure, homeless shelter policy, downtown development, and recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire.

In Oxnard Lambert will take over the duties of Ashley Golden, who was promoted to assistant city manager last month. “Lambert is action oriented and is committed to building a strong development team, continuing community engagement, and improving stakeholder partnerships to get things done,” said Oxnard city manager Alex Nguyen. He also added “Jeff’s experience and leadership will help Oxnard become a more business-friendly city. He will jumpstart our planning, building, and permitting processes to make projects easier for builders and homeowners.”

Lambert will take over for Ashley Golden February 4.

“I am so thrilled to join the city of Oxnard team and community stakeholders to continue the City’s forward movement,” Lambert said. “The city’s development and economic objectives can absolutely be achieved,” added Lambert.

Third year for March for Justice in Ventura

Ventura City Council members Cheryl Heitmann and Christy Weir and ex-council member Carl Morehouse were there showing support for the March for Justice. Photos by Bernie Goldstein

Even though the location changed because Plaza Park was saturated with rainfall an enthusiastic crowed celebrated the women’s march. The starting point for the women’s march through downtown was changed to the west of Plaza Park, at 133 S. California St. The event focused on empowering women but many men also attended.

It kicked off with speeches by local politicians and concerned citizens under sunny skies. Including State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson who addressed participants at the third annual March for Justice. Women elected to city councils to the U.S. Congress spoke, along with activists and concerned artists. Several nonprofit groups set up booths around the perimeter.

The march was held in tandem with the 2019 Women’s March in held Washington, D.C. The local march was calling “Women Leading the Wave”. In Washington is was called “The Women’s Wave is Coming.”

The local event, organized by the nonprofit group Justice for All Ventura County. Linda Livingston, one of the march organizers said, “The march provides an outlet for people wanting to get involved.”

Besides the general support for women’s rights and causes political protest was also evident during the march with many marchers carrying political signs.

City of Ventura has new interim Community Development Director

David Ward has replaced Jeff Lambert as the Interim Community Development Director

The City of Ventura has announced that David Ward will serve as the Interim Community Development Director effective immediately.  Ward recently served as the City’s Planning Manager and has worked for the City of Ventura for approximately 10 years. He replaces Jeff Lambert who is now in Oxnard (see article).

David told the Breeze “In assuming my interim role, I will continue the department’s current work plan efforts on the Thomas Fire Recovery, developing land use policy and ordinance projects such as the firearm ordinance and updated inclusionary housing ordinance, and expanded code enforcement efforts, as well as my oversight of the busy building permit office and planning permits processing through our 4 City Board/Committees. As Interim Director I am supported significantly by Yolanda Bundy, Chief Building Official and Jonathan Wood, Code Enforcement Manager, and the entire department staff as we work to accomplish our community rebuild and other endeavors for 2019.”

David Ward has been a planner at local public agencies throughout the California Coastal Region for more than 23 years, working for the Counties of Monterey and Santa Barbara, as well as the Cites of Morro Bay, Rancho Palos Verdes and Ventura. Ward holds a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge and is a member of the American Planning Institute of Certified Planners.

From rural issues and resource protection to form-based codes, redevelopment and community plans, David has actively engaged with community stakeholders, project applicants and decision-makers to implement a local vision and create great places in our neighborhoods and community.

The Community Development Department has four divisions run by the Building & Safety, Planning, Code Enforcement, and Economic Development, with a staff of more than 50 employees run by the Community Development Director.

Ventura Unified School District appoints new superintendent

Dr Roger Rice has a distinguished career of more than 20 years of service to Ventura County youth.

The Board of Education is pleased to announce their unanimous vote to appoint Dr Roger Rice as the new Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District (VUSD). Dr Rice, who currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of Student Services for the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), comes to the district with a wealth of knowledge and skills he will use to further VUSD’s commitment “For the Future of Every Student.”

The community was very clear in their request that the new Superintendent be someone who will advocate for all students, who has experience working with at-risk and marginalized youth, and who will effectively communicate with our students, staff and community. When considering whether to spend several months and thousands of dollars conducting its third search in four years, the Board agreed to look first at local candidates with a proven track record of working with and for all students. Dr Rice immediately came to mind — having been a highly regarded finalist in the previous Superintendent search.

Dr Roger Rice, who has a distinguished career of more than 20 years of service to Ventura County youth, has worked to develop and support innovative programs for Alternative Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE), Special Education, and other programs to meet the needs of At-Risk Youth. Dr Rice served as the Chair of the State of California’s Student Services Group. In addition, he was selected as the County Education Leader of the Year for 2018 by the Ventura County Leadership Academy. Dr Rice has worked as a Classroom Teacher, Dean, Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Oxnard Union High School District and Deputy Superintendent of VCOE. He holds a BA in English from Colorado State University, Masters in Education from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California.

Dr Rice brings experience and a passion for helping students with both their academic and social/emo- tional needs. He has demonstrated himself to be a conscientious, collaborative leader who has invested in his own professional training on issues that directly impact students — cultural proficiency, equity and access, IDEA training, creating professional learning communities, restorative practices and more.

Dr Rice’s first day with Ventura Unified will be Friday, March 1st. Dr Jeff Baarstad, retired Superintendent of Conejo Valley Unified School District, has agreed to serve as Interim Superintendent until that time. Dr Baarstad will work closely with Executive Cabinet, the District Leadership Team, Dr Rice and the Board to ensure that all students and staff have the support they need to be successful during the transition. Our sincere goal is to regain the stability of our District and to remain focused on supporting our students and staff moving forward.

The Board would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Human Re- sources, who has admirably served as Interim Superintendent since December 22nd, and will remain in that role until Monday, January 14th. Dr Davis is a highly valued member of our Executive Cabinet. He worked with staff during the Winter Break to ensure consistent services to our schools and reassured the community that Ventura Unified remains committed to the needs of all our students.

Dr Rice looks forward to working with staff, students and the community to build a bright future for every student in Ventura Unified.

Temple spray painted with swastika. Incident being investigated as a hate crime.

On Jan.3, at approximately 10:30pm, a Nazi swastika was painted on both sides of the exterior sign at Temple Beth Torah located at 7620 Foothill Rd. The Ventura synagogue is the most recent local target of anti-Semitic vandalism.

Temple Rabbi Lisa Hochberg told the Breeze, “Over the front door of Temple Beth Torah is a banner, created in the wake of the Pittsburgh massacre, that reads “stronger than hate”. A swastika painted on our Temple sign was met with so much anger, sadness, and outcry from our non-Jewish Community as well as the Jewish community, that I know that “love over hate” prevails. Anti-Semitism is not new, but it is also not inevitable. Being quiet and complacent cannot educate others to the scourge of racism, intolerance and violent behavior that we are witnessing locally and nationally. Thank you to the many community members, local ministers, pastors and rabbis in Ventura who have reached out with love and support to Temple Beth Torah. We are not deterred from living in the world as Jews and continuing the work of *Tikkun Olam, making this world a place where people live with mutual respect. Sadly, racism may be at the top of the list of things we must fight, together with good people of all faiths, backgrounds and sensibilities.”

She continued, “Someone driving by Temple saw the swastika and called 911. Thank you for doing what we all must be reminded to do, to take action when we see unacceptable behavior. The graffiti has been removed and Temple continues to be an active vibrant place with doors open to all people of good heart. We are grateful to the Ventura Police Department for their support and assistance in this vandalism.”

Ventura resident Esther Cole stated, “That’s all it takes. One swastika led to the death of millions of people,

and World War II. Any one, and everyone, who is against any kind of discrimination, should be aware of this episode, and alert to any kind of behavior that discriminates against any religion or any ethnicity.”

Anybody with information or is a witness to this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488 or 339-4416.

*Tikkun Olam is a concept in Judaism, interpreted in Orthodox Judaism as the prospect of overcoming all forms of idolatry, and by other Jewish denominations as an aspiration to behave and act constructively and beneficially. Documented use of the term dates back to the Mishnaic period.