Category Archives: News and Notes

Ventura Education Partnership awards 35 grants

Ventura Education Partnership connects community resources to support and sustain excellence in education for VUSD students. VEP is excited to announce the fall 2022 grant cycle is now complete. 35 teachers were awarded grants for their special classroom projects The grants were from all subject areas. VEP had donors who dedicated their funding for STEM, Science and Technology, Science and Health and Art & Social Justice.

Thank you to our major donors that made these grants possible; Aera Energy, Community Memorial Health System, and Harald & Birgit Wulff. Marlene McMullen and Patty Kingsley, Co-Vice Presidents of Grants said, “We are extremely grateful to all our donors for stepping up during these challenging times to support student learning.” Over the past 10 years, Ventura Education Partnership has provided more than $1 million in small grants to VUSD teachers that make a BIG impact on learning. VEPGrants have touched every child in VUSD and have a lasting impact on learning by incentivizing innovation in the classroom and incubating new programs district-wide.

VEP fall 2022 grant recipients:

Ryana Aguilera-Loma Vista,Lupe Alpuche-Sheridan Way,Mark Asher- Lincoln,Christa Bandringa- Cabrillo Middle School ,Mary Barnhizer- Lincoln,Erin Beerer-Balboa Middle School,Steena Bischof- Citrus Glen,Beth Borer- Pacific High School,,Lynn Bova- JuanamariaKeeley Chambers- Balboa Middle School,Darcy Duffy- Lemon Grove,Mary Elsenbaumer- Loma Vista,Tracie Fickenscher- Mound,Erin Fraser- Lemon GroveAdriana Guerra- E P Foster,Liz Gutierrez- Loma Vista,Lindsay Guzik- Cabrillo Middle School,Ellen Harrison- Poinsettia,Liz Heiberger- Will Rogers,Debbie Herz-Sherman- Citrus Glen,Suzanne Hudspeth- Sunset,Jill Johnson- Loma Vista,Karen Kirschenbaum-Reynosa- Ventura High School,Scott Lancet- Pierpont,Scott Lehman- Cabrillo Middle School,Shannon Lopez- Anacapa Middle School,Linda Miller- EIC Pacific,Hilary Morefield- Anacapa Middle School,Laura Nicholls- Lincoln,Danvi Nguyen- Lemon Grove,Kati Padgett- Lemon Grove,Amy Perez- EIC, ATLAS,Becky Torres- Sunset,Rebecca Van Mannekes- Sheridan Way,Megan Vasquez- EIC, ATLAS

Congratulations Fall 2022 Recipients!

The Ventura Climate Coalition interviewed the city council candidates

The Ventura Climate Coalition (VCC) is a local group of citizens that are deeply concerned about our environment and particularly the advancing challenge of Climate Change that threatens our way of life and the livability of the planet. We believe individual and local actions can help mitigate the looming threat, and position the Community to best adapt to the problems that are already baked into our future. We surveyed all Council candidates for their positions on the following measures and strategies that we believe should be pursued.

Survey Questions

1. Adoption of ordinances or amendments to the State Building Code (a “Reach” Code) that, with few exceptions, prohibit new buildings to be hooked-up to natural gas pipelines.

2. Seek and support programs that promote retrofitting gas powered equipment and appliances with electrically powered ones in existing buildings.

3. Re-locate the Southern California Gas Co. compressor plant on North Olive St. in West Ventura to a remote location away from its present location across the street from a school.

4. Commit the City to using 100% renewable electrical energy supplied by the Clean Power Alliance (CPA).

5. Set a goal to have 20% of the city staff work from home each week to help reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) that create about 40% of the Climate Changing gases generated in the community.

We believe individual and local actions can help mitigate the looming threat, and position the Community to best adapt to the problems that are already baked into our future.

Each of the council candidates in the four districts where elections are being held (for a total of 12 candidates) was sent a survey on October 5th and asked to respond by October 14th. They were told their responses would be published in the local press to share with voters.

The candidates were asked to rate their level of support for each action on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest level of support equating to voting for the action.

Seven candidates responded, including at least one from each of the four districts in question (1, 4, 5, and 6). The responding candidates’ level of support for the actions were largely “4s and 5s”. The fact that a majority of the candidates responded (7 of 12) and that their level of support for specific climate action was high, is encouraging.

Candidates By District Level of support for five climate action measures

District 1 1 2 3 4 5

Alyona Brody NR NR NR NR NR

Liz Campos 5 5 5 5 5

Marco Cuevas 3 5 5 4 5

 

Helen Eloyan 5 5 5* 5 5

District 4

Jim Rundle NR NR NR NR NR

Jeanette Sanchez Palacios 5 5 5 5 5

District 5

Bill McReynolds NR NR NR NR NR

Marie Lakin 5 5 5 5 5

District 6

Jim Duran NR NR NR NR NR

Lorrie Brown NR NR NR NR NR

Danny Carrillo 4 5 5 4 5!

Steph Karba 4 5 5 3-4 4-5

 

Teacher wins Chris Prewitt Eternal Optimist Award

Superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro, Ms. Julie Blevins and Mound Principal Ms. Bobbi Powers celebrating the award.

Julie Blevins, a kindergarten teacher at Mound Elementary School in the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD), has received the “Chris Prewitt Eternal Optimist Award.”. The “Chris Prewitt Eternal Optimist Award” was created after Chris Prewitt, beloved VUSD Assistant Principal, who passed away in 2014 after a woman under the influence hit and killed Prewitt while he was out jogging. 

Chris was an incredible teacher, water polo coach, administrator, and friend to all lucky enough to spend time with him. Chris’ unrelenting passion for life inspired the staff and students of his schools and the community.

Each year a recipient is honored with this award. The honorees of this award show the same spirit and passion that Chris carried with him daily and have positively impacted their school sites in the same way that Chris affected his.

This year’s winner, Ms. Julie Blevins, is the epitome of an eternal optimist. She teaches kindergarten at Mound Elementary School and wears a constant smile on her face. In addition, she volunteers for School Site Council and the Parent Teacher Organization in her free time. Others describe her as always proactive and positive. She always has a kind word for those she meets. 

“Julie remained positive and a bright light through the complications of COVID-19 for Mound and its students. She is loved by students, colleagues, and parents alike. Anyone who meets her would agree that she deserves this recognition,” stated Principal Bobbi Powers. 

“I am humbled and honored by this award. Chris Prewitt was an amazing man,” stated Ms. Blevins.

Superintendent, Dr. Antonio Castro, presented Ms. Blevins with the award in front of her kindergarten class, who gave her a standing ovation.

Only 11 of California’s 116 community colleges offer housing

In Ventura County, the median gross rent is $1,854, according to Census.gov (2016-2020). For college students, this can be a crushing obstacle to fulfilling their educational goals. When Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 183 in June, approving more than $542 million for the construction of affordable student housing, Ventura College was honored to be among the 11 recipients.

The college will receive over $62 million, which will fund apartment-type student housing to provide over 300 beds in 95 units with rental costs ranging from $400-$900 per month.

“Access to affordable housing continues to be an issue that California must address,” said State Assemblymember Steve Bennett (District 37). “Students are particularly impacted, and in this year’s state budget, we were able to direct funding to colleges and universities across the state to help address that impact. I know Ventura College’s new housing will enable hardworking students access to a safe and affordable place to live.”

The funding comes at a critical time, as 18% of Ventura College students experience housing insecurity, defined as having issues with affordability, safety, quality or housing loss. A student housing marketing and demand analysis created for Ventura College determined that students have experienced increased costs and challenges in finding housing.

All three colleges in the Ventura County Community College District — Moorpark College, Oxnard College and Ventura College — received funding through AB 183. Moorpark College and Oxnard College were awarded $250,000 and $249,000, respectively, for proposals to research the feasibility and planning of future affordable student housing on their campuses.

The Ventura College housing project will be located on campus property and is expected to break ground in 2023.

“California has made incredible strides in passing AB 183. This funding will provide affordable student housing opportunities and is a game changer in helping students meet their academic goals,” said Kim Hoffmans, president of Ventura College.

Workforce Development Board launches new workforce navigation hub

Ventura County Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) is excited to announce the launch of the new Ventura County Works Hub, a virtual call center and online resource hub where job seekers will be navigated to the appropriate services offered by the Workforce Development Programs and Partners across Ventura County.

“WDBVC believes our new Ventura County Works Hub will help job seekers easily connect with our resources and our partner’s resources,” explained Norman Albances, Assistant Director WDBVC. “We recognized that we needed job seekers to have easier access to our services. Therefore, job seekers can call, fill out a form, or chat with our Navigators who will then provide an individualized assessment so they can connect them to real-time programs and services, all at no cost.”

August reporting by CNBC (https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/02/august-2022-jobs-report-.html) showed the unemployment rate climbed to 3.7%, two-tenths of a percentage point higher than expectations.  Wages rose 5.2% from a year ago, slightly lower than estimated, and the biggest sector gains were in professional and business services, health care, and retail.

Just in time to meet the increased job placement demands, the new Ventura County Works Hub will aid job seekers with the individualized services and resources needed. Jobseekers can call 805-648-WORK (648-9675), or visit https://workforceventuracounty.org

“It’s an exciting time in the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County’s 40-year history,” said Rebecca Evans, Executive Director. “This new resource allows us to easily help those in need of a career change, job training and certification by bringing the service to them, all at no cost to our community.”

Staff are on standby M-F 8-12 noon and 1-5 pm, with services available in both English and Spanish.  Individuals can also access the live chat function on the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County’s website to connect with services and support.

In other Workforce news Stephen Yeoh has been elected as chair and Sandy Smith as vice-char. Yeoh and Smith will serve one-year terms. 

Stephen Yeoh, who joined the board in 2016, is the Chief Peace of Mind Officer at Un1teee, an IT service provider located in Thousand Oaks with clients in the healthcare, finance, and legal industries.  He served on the board of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and was a volunteer instructor for the Central Coast Chapter of the Project Management Institute.  

Smith was appointed to WDB in 2020. He is a project manager at Sespe Consulting, Inc., an engineering, land use and environmental company based in Ventura.  Smith, a former Ventura city council member, is currently a Senior Adjunct Instructor at Cal Lutheran University. He is a long-time participant in non-profits that focus on sustaining this county’s quality of life. “I’m looking forward to working with staff and our board in our continued efforts to promote innovative workforce programs and institutions that offer all our residents an opportunity for a higher quality of life,” says Smith. 

Members of the WDB include leaders from business, economic development, education, labor, government, and community-based organizations.

 

 

Aera Energy celebrates its 25th anniversary by helping others

NAMI received a $10,000 grant.

Two organizations that empower, educate, support wellness, and change lives in Ventura County are getting a boost from Aera Energy as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary. 

Aera employees are sharing their excitement by providing much needed resources to the communities where they live and work. Aera’s employee-resource groups (ERGs) selected ten nonprofit organizations to receive a total of $100,000 in grants to support programs aligned with Aera’s values and those of the ERG. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Ventura County and the STEMbassadors, Inc. IDEA Center on Ventura Avenue each received a $10,000 grant to help amplify the work they do for Ventura families. 

Dozens of teens will use the new IDEA Center with the help of the grant from Aera’s Interfaith ERG. Local middle and high school students exploring STEM can use the latest lasers, computer-controlled cutting machines, and 3D printers – to bring their own creations to life at this student-run center. They can manufacture and sell the products they create at local stores, which is something they can’t do through school programs. Some teens have gone on to start their own for-profit businesses. 

The grant covers monthly membership fees for teens from middle and high schools including De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts, Ventra and El Camino high schools. It’s about giving teens options that can make lasting impacts on their futures, said Alex Wulff, president of STEMbassadors, Inc., who oversees the IDEA Center. 

Aera’s Diverse Ability and Wellbeing Network (DAWN) selected the NAMI Ventura County’s Family-to-Family Program, designed to foster learning, healing and empowerment among individuals supporting loved ones with serious mental illness. 

“The DAWN ERG is focused on normalizing discussions around mental and physical disabilities so that we can help each other navigate resources, build trust, and exercise compassion,” said John Bohan, Aera production engineer, and chair of DAWN. “We feel passionate about supporting NAMI Ventura’s Family-to-Family program because it supports people who care for a loved one with a mental illness and empowers caregivers to make meaningful differences in the lives of those they love.” 

NAMI Ventura County has been providing its services at no cost to families for 41 years. “Our mission is to educate, support and advocate for families and individuals who often can’t speak for themselves,” said Roberta Griego, executive director of NAMI Ventura County. “Thank you Aera, for your support in helping make our work possible.”

Community Memorial Hospital Earns “Blue Distinction® Center+” recognition for expertise and quality in spine surgery

The national Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has selected Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Spine Surgery, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers® are nationally designated healthcare facilities that show a commitment to delivering high-quality patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community and leading accreditation and quality organizations.

 “We are excited to announce that we have received the Blue Distinction Center+ recognition for our exceptional spine surgery program at Community Memorial Hospital,” said Community Memorial Health System Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Adam Thunell. “Meeting the rigorous criteria for this designation is a true collaboration amongst our surgeons, clinical leaders, and staff, and we are proud to offer such a high level of spine care right here in our community.”

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, spinal surgeries are among the most common and expensive elective surgeries in the United States. Facilities like Community Memorial Hospital that are designated as Blue Distinction Centers® for Spine Surgery demonstrate expertise in cervical and lumbar fusion, cervical laminectomy and lumbar laminectomy/discectomy procedures, resulting in fewer patient complications and readmissions compared to other facilities. Designated facilities include hospitals and surgery centers and they must maintain national accreditation. In addition to meeting these quality thresholds, facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers+ are, on average, 20% more cost-efficient for an episode of care compared to other facilities. 

The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality care in the areas of bariatric surgery, cancer care, cardiac care, cellular immunotherapy, fertility care, gene therapy, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery, substance use treatment and recovery, and transplants. Research for many of these programs shows that those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate higher quality and improved outcomes for patients. Community Memorial Hospital is also a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care.

For more information about the program, visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction.

At Ventura’s Board of Education meeting passion and intensity took center stage

The voices were loud and at times raucous throughout the passion filled meeting.

Part 2 of 2 .Continued from September 21 issue
by Ross Williams

The beauty of small learning communities such as DTech and Bioscience Academies is that we can truly connect with students, bond with them, guide them, provide them with sustained and deep memorable experiences over three years (not just a one-time speaker or a one-time field trip). Our small cohorts are intimate. We know our kids. We know when they need to be pushed, when we need to hold back… we know what to say when they are hurt, when they are struggling. We know how to build them up and know when they need tough love. We guide them with precision. Bioscience Academy is my legacy, MY gift to this community. All I ask is for the time needed to make the magic happen for my students.” Mika Anderson

VESPA (Ventura Education Support Professionals Association) and VUEA (Ventura Unified Education Association) were there to show their frustration and anger over the compensation plan that had been proposed by VUSD. VUSD had proposed a 1% increase in total salary compensation with a 4% one-time bonus. While the district had received an ongoing raise in funding of approximately 12.84%. Meetings were in no way final, but the offer felt like a slap in the face of teachers who one after the other went up to the podium to declare that they could not live off of current wages due to inflation, health care cost increases and other costs of living increases.

Over and over again each speaker reiterated that they are committed, love the community, the students and that they don’t want to go anywhere. But other districts in neighboring cities offer more compensation and at some point tough decisions will need to be made.

“The students and families of Ventura deserve the best we can give them. A 1% on going salary increase isn’t enough. It doesn’t keep up with inflation, it doesn’t close our gap with neighboring districts, and it is demoralizing for our educators. Ventura Unified received much more than 1% in new funds this year but they choose to not to compensate the employees fairly. Other districts in our area, Santa Paula and Las Virgenes, have settled for 7.9% and 8% respectively. VUSD can do better because the families of Ventura deserve better. We can’t keep excellent teachers with bottom-barrel salaries.” stated VUEA President Dan Nelson. With sentiments repeated by VESPA President Carol Peak.

The voices were loud and at times raucous throughout the passion filled meeting with the occasional clang of a tambourine, toot of the jug and cheering heard throughout the room and parking lot.

What is understood is that this meeting was all about the voice of community. Teachers, students and parents alike all standing together to make sure that they were heard and supported. On the backs of many of those present read a quote by Nelson Madela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And everyone there was ready to fight for what was best for our students and their education.

Ventura Unified opens organic farm

A one-of-a-kind facility in Ventura County.

Mayor Sofia Rubalcava and the VUSD Board of Education joined VUSD staff for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, August 29, 2022, to officially mark the opening of Sa’aliyas Ranch to Ventura Unified School District students. This certified organic farm facility will prepare high school students for agricultural science, business, and technology career opportunities and engage Kindergarten through 8th-grade students in STEM-related projects and activities as they learn about Ventura County’s agriculture industry.

Dr. Rebecca Chandler, VUSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, shared, “Sa’aliyas Ranch (Chumash for “on the path”) has five acres of avocados, lemons, row crops, a state-of-the-art greenhouse with an aquaponics system, and indoor and outdoor learning spaces developed for K-12 students. Designed to be self-sustaining and teach students about agriculture, science, business, and technology in one of the largest industries in Ventura County, the ranch allows students to see science in action. We are thrilled to offer this exciting opportunity.”

Local industry and community partners were invited to the ceremony to recognize their time and input throughout the planning and development process. Students will be involved in the marketing and selling of produce to local businesses, and their partnership is essential.

Mike Etchart, Sa’aliyas Ranch Farm Manager and CTE Agriculture & Natural Resources teacher, explained, “The agriculture industry is one of the biggest employers in our county, with many different career opportunities that pay living wages in our region. This facility will not only provide students with an opportunity to learn about the science of agriculture but also gain valuable job skills in high school that would lead to careers with any number of local employers in the sector.”

We look forward to introducing the community to this immersive learning space; watch for public farm visit opportunities coming later this fall! For more information, visit our website at www.saaliyasranch.com.

$2,500,000 predevelopment loan approved

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announces a $2,500,000 predevelopment loan approved for funding to AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. (AMCAL) for the Terra Campagna Apartments set to begin construction in November in Somis.

The need for affordable housing is felt throughout Ventura County, especially among our most essential workers. The Terra Campagna Apartments will serve the county’s large community of farmworkers and their families with 160 affordable housing units in Somis. This represents the second phase of the Somis Ranch Farmworkers Community development. Phase one consists of 200 units and is currently under construction with an anticipated completion date in the spring of 2024. Both developments will include community centers, social services, outdoor community spaces and play areas for all ages.

The Terra Campagna Apartments will provide high-quality affordable housing utilizing state-of-the-art design, providing modern amenities and on-site services to farmworker households with incomes at 30, 50, and 60 percent of AMI (Area Median Income). The site will include social gathering spaces designed to foster community including a resident garden and computer room. Tenants will coordinate with an on-site Social Service provider to determine programs which best serve the community. With a mind toward sustainability, the development will include energy efficient construction, solar PV generation, sustainable irrigation, and a non-smoking policy. “These apartments will not only provide affordable housing to one of our County’s hardest-working communities, it will also provide important resources families need to build their future,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund VC and Housing Land Trust VC. “Affordable housing is about more than building structures, it’s about creating a strong and stable foundation for our residents, which in turn helps our community to thrive as a more inclusive environment in which we all work, raise our children, and live.”

This development is funded in part by Housing Trust Fund VC’s Everyone Deserves a Home Revolving Loan Fund, which provides below-market interest rate loans for the development of affordable housing in Ventura County. This spring, Housing Trust Fund VC received a Community Impact Note (at below market interest rate) from CBC Federal Credit Union for $250,000. This Note is combined with funds from other public and private investors and donors to provide lending capital in support of Housing Trust Fund VC’s promise of building safe and equitable homes in Ventura County.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County – Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2011, Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. As of June 2022, Housing Trust Fund VC has committed to investing $26 million through its Revolving Loan Fund, creating 1,166 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.