Category Archives: News and Notes

Dignity Health California named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity

Dignity Health (California) announced that it has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system committed to advancing health for all people and is dedicated to serving the common good. Newsweek and market data research firm Plant-A Insights looked at 1,000 companies and based their scores on publicly available data, interviews with HR professionals and an anonymous online survey of a diverse pool of employees at companies with 1,000 or more employees in the U.S. Respondents were asked questions about corporate culture, working environment and other subjects at both their own companies and others they were familiar with. The survey yielded more than 350,000 company reviews.

“We are honored that Newsweek has recognized our efforts to create a healthcare system that fosters belonging, respect and value for everyone who enters our doors,” said Julie J. Sprengel, President and CEO, CommonSpirit Health Southern California Division, parent company of Dignity Health. “It’s important that our physicians and staff members reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, as we believe it builds trust among our patients which leads to improved outcomes.”

In total, the two CommonSpirit Health California divisions represented in this ranking employ nearly 43,000 individuals that work across different healthcare settings from community hospitals, urgent care clinics to surgery and imaging centers. The communities represented cover highly populated metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles to smaller, suburban communities such as the cities of Woodland and Camarillo.

“California consistently ranks as one of the most diverse states in the country and we’re proud to have made concerted efforts to mirror that diversity within our workforce,” said Shelly Schorer, Interim President and CEO, CommonSpirit Health Northern California Division, parent company of Dignity Health. “It’s motivating to hear of this distinction as it comes on the heels of years of important work – from our launch of medical residency initiatives that expand opportunities for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) to being recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index – we are encouraged now more than ever to continue these ongoing advancements.”

In the development of this list, Newsweek aimed to better inform the public of employers who are truly dedicated to Diversity.

“With the word “diversity” attracting so much attention from companies, however, it can be tough for job applicants, customers and potential business partners to tell who is serious about supporting a diverse workforce,” shared Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief, Newsweek.

Newsweek grouped the winning companies by six main economic sectors and 34 industries. The top scoring companies are themselves a diverse list spanning different kinds of businesses.

 

How the recent heavy rains have affected Ventura’s drought situation

Foto: City of Ventura was unable to utilize water from Foster Park.

How the recent heavy rains have affected Ventura’s drought situation

By Carol Leish, MA

“Although the rainfall has been beneficial,” according to Gina Dorrington, Ventura Water General Manager, “the recent rainstorms do not immediately relieve the years of persistent drought that the City of Ventura has faced. Per the Governor’s orders from last summer, the City of Ventura and its customers are still subject to demand reduction actions of Stage 2 of the Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan in addition to the irrigation ban of non-functional turf at Commercial, Industrial and Institutional properties. The emergency regulations will remain in effect until December 20, 2023.”

Water sources have been affected since, according to Dorrington, “The City of Ventura is entirely dependent upon 100% local resources. The water supply portfolio includes Lake Casitas, Ventura River, and three groundwater basins. The recent rains have increased surface flows in the Ventura River, have begun to fill up reservoirs, and have been recharging groundwater basin.

“The City of Ventura was unable to utilize water from its Foster Park facilities due to sewage spills on the Ventura River and San Antonio Creek. Communications to the wells currently operating in the park were lost during the storm in addition to other minor equipment damage. As of January 18, 2023, operations at one of the wells has been restored.”

“Yes, the City of Ventura is grateful for the recent rainstorms that have helped to alleviate drought conditions,” according to Dorrington. “Per the California Drought Monitor, released January 12, 2023, the County of Ventura is currently experiencing Moderate Drought conditions. (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/data/pdf/current/current ca trd.pdf) Prior to the recent rainstorms, the County of Ventura, along with most of California, was experiencing severe drought to exceptional drought conditions. The California Drought Monitor notes that it focuses on broad-scale conditions and that local conditions may vary.

“At this time, single family residential properties in the City of Ventura are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use by 20 %. Stricter measures, including implementing water shortage rates and mandatory outdoor watering restrictions, could go into effect if demand reductions are not achieved through voluntary efforts.

“As a reminder, the City of Ventura will continue to enforce water waste prohibitions, offer water efficiency programs/incentives, and pursue multi-benefit water supply projects, such as the ‘State Water Interconnection Project’ and the ‘Ventura Water Pure Program.’ Ventura Water extends its sincere appreciation to Ventura residents for their continued commitment to improved water efficiency as the State of California shifts towards ‘making water conservation a California way of life.’”

“Climate is changing,” according to Dorrington. “We’ve experienced a reminder of that change through the increased intensity of storm events that we’ve been having. Conservative water use will continue to be valuable when we see another period of no rainfall. Thus, it’s important that we continue to use water wisely.”

Community Memorial Health System welcomes new CEO, Mick Zdeblick

Zdeblick takes the reins from Gary K. Wilde, who retired after serving as President and CEO.

Community Memorial Health System’s new President & Chief Executive Officer, Mick Zdeblick, officially stepped into his new role Monday, January 9. Zdeblick takes the reins from Gary K. Wilde, who retired after serving as President and CEO of the organization since 2004.

“I look forward to building on Community Memorial’s reputation for advancing both the quality and delivery of healthcare in Ventura County,” said Zdeblick. “My first few months will involve a lot of listening, learning, and cultivating relationships internally and externally. Then we’ll create a strategic plan that addresses the needs of our organization and our community.”

Prior to his arrival in Ventura, Zdeblick served as Chief Executive Officer of Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Oregon since 2017. In addition to overseeing the hospital’s performance and protecting the system’s profitability amidst COVID-19 financial challenges, Zdeblick led Asante’s $500 million facility renovation and expansion master plan. He also has served as Chief Operating Officer at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California, Vice President of Campus Transformation, and Vice President of Hospital Operations at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.

“Mick comes to Community Memorial with a fantastic track record of success, he has the experience and vision to lead us into a successful future,” said outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Richard R. Rush. “His leadership style, proven experience and innovative ideas will be assets as he takes on this role.”

After spending much of his career working in healthcare in the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast, Zdeblick is looking forward to the Southern California experience. “My wife and I love this part of California,” said Zdeblick, who enjoys running on the beach and experiencing the local restaurant scene. “We are excited to immerse ourselves in this beautiful community and explore everything the area has to offer.”

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two hospitals (Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and Ojai Valley Community Hospital in Ojai), a skilled nursing facility, and a network of primary and specialty care clinics that serve communities throughout Ventura County, California. Visit https://www.cmhshealth.org.

St. John’s Regional Medical Center delivers superior patient outcomes

Dignity Health—St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) in Oxnard ranks #1 in California for Coronary Intervention and #2 for Cardiac Care and Cardiology according to a new analysis released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients. Additionally, SJRMC is one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention for nine years in a row (2015-2023) and America’s 100 Best for Cardiac Care for four years in a row (2020-2023).

For the State Ranking analysis, Healthgrades evaluated clinical performance for nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide focusing on 18 key specialties across a mix of chronic, urgent, and surgical specialty areas. SJRMC is the only hospital in Ventura County to be named one of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention and Cardiac Care in 2023.

“Ranking #1 in California for Coronary Intervention is a direct result of our people recognizing the need for excellence and working together while always having our patients’ best interest at heart,” said Barry Wolfman, President & CEO of St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Hospital Camarillo. “I am incredibly proud of our excellent physicians, the entire cardiac team and everyone at St. John’s.”

Hospitals recognized as top-ranked in their state by Healthgrades are providing patients with consistently better-than-expected clinical outcomes. For example, patients treated at hospitals receiving a state ranking for Coronary Intervention have, on average, a 45.5% lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that were not state ranked for Coronary Intervention.*

“Being ranked #1 in California for Coronary Intervention is a testament to St. John’s Regional Medical Center’s continued commitment to top-quality care. Hospitals receiving a #1 ranking in their state have a proven track record of delivering superior outcomes for the patients in their community,” said Brad Bowman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Data Science, Healthgrades. “For almost 25 years, our mission has been to provide consumers with clear and accessible information to make more informed healthcare decisions. Patients can feel confident knowing that they have access to #1 ranked care for

Coronary Intervention at St. John’s Regional Medical Center.”

Health helps more than 100 million unique visitors live their strongest and healthiest lives.

Learn more at DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional.

VUSD ratifies contracts

“The future is bright for Ventura Unified.”

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education voted unanimously on January 3, 2023, in a special board meeting to ratify the Ventura Education Support Professionals Association (VESPA) and Ventura Unified Education Association (VUEA) contracts. This occurred after an intensive months-long negotiations cycle. 

The board sated “We want to acknowledge that this was a very challenging and trying negotiations cycle that had varying impacts across the school community. However, despite the intense process, the agreement we reached has positioned Ventura Unified to be able to recruit and retain the best and brightest staff and educators for the foreseeable future.”

The new contract provides VUSD employees with the following:

1) 10.0% salary schedule increase in 2022-23 retroactive to July 1, 2022.

2) 2.0% off-schedule bonus based on the new 2022-23 salary schedules.

3) Move to a new Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) for health and welfare benefits in 2023-24. The new GPO will offer the same or equitable PPO and HMO products as currently offered.

 “The move to a new GPO will provide our employees with similar and even more options to health care than they have had in the past while allowing the District to control its health and welfare costs. This is essential for the District to plan for the future in an environment of declining enrollment. But, more importantly, our employees will be able to choose from additional choices that were not available to them in the past, including the opportunity for cash in lieu of insurance for those already insured under another plan,” stated Ms. Gina Wolowicz, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

“The future is bright for Ventura Unified. The District and the associations left the negotiations table with a renewed commitment to working together to provide a quality educational experience for all students,” stated Superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro. 

“As a school community, we have been through several very difficult events in the last five years. Therefore, it is important to spend time to connect, reengage, and rebuild relationships that have suffered during the pandemic. We show people we appreciate them by honoring their work, recognizing their commitment to our community’s children, and providing competitive compensation. I know I speak for my colleagues when I say that we recognize that our great schools are a direct result of having an incredibly dedicated and talented staff. They go above and beyond to serve our students and their families daily. We are deeply grateful for their commitment and the love and support they show our students,” stated VUSD Board President Sabrena Rodriguez. 

Ventura Harbor Village recognized with Jewel Key Award

Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager, and Chris Stephens, Ventura Port District Board Chairman, accepted the award presented by Victor Dollar, Brighton Management Senior Vice President, and Stephanie Caldwell, Ventura Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.

The Ventura Port District has been honored with the prestigious Jewel Key Award by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce at the 2022 Poinsettia Awards for beautification of the Ventura Harbor Village. The Chamber selects the recipient of this significant annual award based on overall improvements over the past year.

Ventura Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stephanie Caldwell shared that the Poinsettia Award Selection Committee was eager to spotlight the great work that has been taking place in Ventura Harbor Village, from the hardscaping and way-finding signage, to paint colors and awnings.

“The reinvestment by the Ventura Port District in Ventura Harbor Village has created an even more vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district for visitors and locals alike,” stated Caldwell. “Ventura Harbor Village is not only a great place to spend an afternoon, but also a beautiful display of all that Ventura has to offer.”

Ventura Harbor Village’s line up of ongoing enhancements include a coastal-inspired paint refresh, new sustainable landscaping, new nautical inspired wayfinding signage program, tenant improvements, roofing improvements, new tenant signage guidelines, the addition of colorful murals by local artisans, expansion of the sea-themed holiday décor and lighting program, new trash enclosures, and new Village offerings.

“We are honored to accept the Jewel Key Award and thank the Chamber for recognizing the Ventura Port District’s efforts to revitalize Ventura Harbor Village as a first-class visitor destination,” says Brian Pendleton, Ventura Port District General Manager. “The Port District continues to allocate funds to elevate this popular seaside attraction and we thank our business partners whose entrepreneurial spirit is thriving throughout the Harbor Village.”

Ventura County’s Channel Islands Gulls announce year of successful fundraising

The Channel Islands Gulls is pleased to announce another successful year of fundraising for 11 Ventura County nonprofit organizations, raising more than $50,000 for the following nonprofits:

California Coastal Horse Rescue; Caregivers, Volunteers Assisting the Elderly; The City Center; Forever Found; The Lighthouse for Women and Children; Many Meals of Camarillo; National Alliance on Mental Illness; Project Understanding; Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation; St. Vincent de Paul; and Safe Passage.

“I am very proud of the continuing and unwavering dedication of the Gulls membership in support of so many Ventura County charities,” said Channel Islands Gulls President, Dina Schwalbach.

In addition to the money raised, the Gulls held drives for household items and toys for some of the charities they support, and many of the Channel Islands Gulls volunteer their time to the charities. Schwalbach explained that the non-profit organizations the Gulls donate to do not receive federal funding. “Through our financial contributions, volunteer hours, and donations of goods we support a variety of grassroots organizations that make a difference for literally thousands of individuals living in Ventura County.”

For more information: www.channelislandsgulls.org.

Established in 1976, the Channel Islands Gulls is a Ventura County 501 (c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to raise money for Ventura County non-profit organizations while providing social and emotional support to its members.

Aera Energy and the Gene Haas Foundation help Ventura teens explore STEAM

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura makes positive and lasting impacts on the lives of Ventura teens.

Aera Energy and the Gene Haas Foundation are helping get middle and high school teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura (BGCGV) excited about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). STEAM weaves in critical thinking with experimental and dynamic learning at its core. Each organization donated $25,000 — for a total of $50,000 — to elevate STEAM programming at each of the club’s four locations in Ventura, Saticoy and Oak View.

The expanded programming will begin in 2023 and continue thereafter. The club will be adding a STEAM programs manager, who will focus on middle and high school STEAM programs at all four club sites: Harrison, LeFevre, West End Teen Center and Oak View Teen Center.

“Our clubs offer a nurturing environment where youth can thrive,” said Patti Birmingham, chief executive officer, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura. “Aera Energy and the Gene Haas Foundation are making it possible for our teens to explore careers in STEAM and have hands on practical experience, which can translate to great paying jobs for them. Most of our youth do not realize how many local careers are within their reach.”

This gift from Aera Energy and the Gene Haas Foundation will also provide BGCGV with funding to purchase 3D printing and robotic supplies, tinkering and circuit-building kits. The club will also be able to enhance its existing coding and engineering programs and start a cybertechnology program, enabling the club to connect with and inspire more teens to reach their fullest potential.

BGCGV is also providing career exploration programming to its teens, with both virtual and inperson tours of local businesses — recognizing that there are many paths to STEAM careers. It’s also providing teens access to a variety of careers that can be attained right after high school, through technical training or through institutions of higher learning.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura makes positive and lasting impacts on the lives of Ventura teens,” said Erin Larner, manager of operations for Aera-Ventura. “We’re excited to help amplify their work to help teens learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math fields, explore potential careers, and help them realize their full potential. This is one of the ways we at Aera are working to improve the lives of residents in the communities where our employees live and work!”

“The Gene Haas Foundation is proud to support all of the clubs of Greater Ventura,” said Joanne Haas, Director of Community Grants California and Nevada. “We appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that goes into providing a nurturing environment and educating the kids of our community.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The California Highway Patrol provided each child with a toy

There were approximately 70 volunteers throughout the day.

On December 17, over 500 people attended the holiday event for west end families, including 347 children. The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Ventura, Coats for Kids (which distributed over 347 coats), Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura, Chick-fil-A (which gave away breakfast entree gift cards), Arise Ventura, and Food Share (which gave away food boxes).

The California Highway Patrol provided each child with a toy.  Kids selected earrings to give to their moms which were made and donated by Rotary member Mary Saputo.  Participants enjoyed taking photos with Santa and his Elf.  Some teens will receive Vans shoes in January if the donated sizes fit them.

There were approximately 70 volunteers throughout the day made up of Arise Ventura, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura staff & teens, Rotary Club of Ventura, Interact volunteers from Foothill Technology & Pacific High Schools, and the CHP.

The event was sponsored by a generous donation from SoCalGas. “SoCalGas is proud to support the Rotary Club of Ventura’s “Coats for Kids” program which distributed over 347 coats this weekend to children and their families.  The work the Rotary does to serve our neighbors in need is truly inspiring and we are proud to support their efforts.  “SoCalGas is committed to supporting local organizations that are working to bring holiday cheer,” said Maria Ventura, SoCalGas Senior Public Affairs Manager.

Crisis Now Program of Ventura County

Before coming to work in Ventura, Gilman was the
Behavioral Health Director for San Mateo County.

by Carol Leish, MA

“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains”—Anne Frank

Scott Gilman, who became the new director of Ventura County Behavioral Health Department in August, 2022, said, “We have an incredible opportunity to improve Ventura County mental health crisis services using the ‘Crisis Now’ Community Planning framework. Sevet Johnson, Ph.D., identified improving mental health crisis services as one of the county’s top priorities.”

Before coming to work in Ventura, Gilman was the Behavioral Health Director for San Mateo County. Gilman also served as CEO of a community mental health and substance use-health center in Michigan.

“The Crisis Now Planning Project,” according to Gilman, “would be funded by the Mental Health Services Act ([email protected]). We’ll be able to focus on coordinating current resources into four core elements. This will include: 1) A High-tech Crisis Call Center; 2) A 24/7 Mobile Crisis Team; 3) Commitment to evidenced-based safe care practices, such as Trauma-Informed Care and Zero Suicide principles; and, 4) A multidisciplinary approach to crisis resolutions.

“The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention in 2016 produced, ‘Crisis Now: Transforming Services is Within Our Reach,’ which has been documented to be a proven strategy to crisis response with the four core elements listed above.

“The Crisis Now model enables counties to assess community crisis care needs, enhance access to care, and realizes the overall cost savings.” (Crisis Now Multi-County Innovation Plan Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission.)”

Those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call: ‘988’ (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

Or, locally, call the Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis Team: ‘866-998-2343.’

“It’s important to get the help that you need in order to deal with a crisis in order to realize that you are not alone, and that your situation will improve. For further resources, visit: www.WellnessEveryDay.Org. “(‘Preventing Suicide: Connections & Community 7th Annual Forum’-‘Ventura Breeze’-September 21-October 4, 2022.)

According to Gilman, “The four phases of the Crisis Now Innovation Project are/have been: 1) (October-December, 2022) Identifying County data gathering for current crisis responses; 2) (January-February,2023) Stakeholder Engagements; 3) (February-March, 2023) Innovation Plan Project Design & Budget plan; and, 4) (April-May, 2023) Crisis Now Innovation Plan & Presentation to the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for ongoing funding.

“The county also has plans to expand upon crisis stabilization units, along with more crisis beds. Because no two individuals in crisis are the same, we need multiple levels of care that can respond to a variety of unique situations and are not necessarily dependent on law enforcement. Our system of mental health care must also address substance abuse challenges. We know that many individuals experiencing a mental health crisis also have substance use issues. Resolving the immediate crisis is only the beginning of the journey. To ensure individuals are successful, we must continue to build our community-based treatment system so that supports are in place when needed. I believe our community is ready to come together to make this happen.”

Follow-up articles will be done in order to show the progress and changes that have been made.