Category Archives: News and Notes

Mound Elementary STEM Project Benefits Food Share of Ventura County

Students had to brainstorm ways to determine the number of boxes they wanted to use. Photo by Michael Gordon

Mound’s fifth-grade class traditionally leads an outreach project, in which they learn something about themselves while giving back to the community. The students are responsible for planning and following through with various tasks, including cost analysis, publicity, and coordination with larger organizations. Last year, students and staff were inspired by a video of an elementary school that created a “domino run” with cereal boxes. They decided to do their own version of a domino run, as it would allow students to have a STEM project, practice their leadership skills, and, most importantly, do something meaningful for their community–a perfect fit for their Science and Global Citizenship magnet.

Students had to brainstorm ways to determine the number of boxes they wanted to use and then decide what to do with all the boxes when the domino run was completed. They immediately thought of donating the boxes to Food Share of Ventura County. They reached out to a dietician to ask about the nutritional value of cereal, and subsequently decided their “dominos” should be more satiating and nutrient dense. They also thought a whole family could eat Mac ‘N’ Cheese. That is how the Mac ‘N’ Cheese domino run began.

This year’s students loved what last year’s students did and wanted to build on it, hoping they could reach even more families in need. Last year’s class raised 4,250 boxes, so the students set a goal of 5,000 this year. They surpassed the goal, ultimately raising over six thousand boxes. Groups of students presented their ideas to the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and asked for matching donations to help them reach their box goal. They then presented to other classes throughout the school, explaining what they were doing and why. They asked students in those other classes if they could bring in boxes that could be used for their project and then donated to Food Share. Students also created fliers and posters. The focus this year was learning how to publicize. This culminated in their second annual “Stuff the Trailer with Mac ‘N’ Cheese” drive. Students collected 3,521 boxes. PTO matched many of those boxes, helping students get to over 5,000. With even more boxes arriving daily, they reached over 6,000 boxes.

“Throughout this STEM and outreach project, 93 students will have worked together on math concepts such as volume, area, estimation, multiplication strategies, and grouping,” explained Tracie Fickenscher, fifth grade teacher at Mound Elementary. “Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills have all been used and refined. They’ve learned perseverance and grit, how to keep Mac ‘N’ Cheese from falling over, and how to regroup and revise strategies when it does. Most importantly, the kids are excited to take care of others in our community by providing satiating meals that kids enjoy eating.”

VenturaWaterPure Project Update

Currently, significant progress is being made on the milestones of the project.

by Patricia Schallert

The main outfall pipe from Marina Park is now installed underneath the Ventura Harbor and also installed out to sea (about 4,500 feet offshore), though there is still a lot more to do from now until Memorial Day. Trenching has already begun on Anchors Way from the Water’s Edge restaurant area.

However, there is still work to be done to finalize connections at Marina Park, which is expected to be completed by Memorial Day. Trenching has commenced on Anchors Way, starting from the Water’s Edge restaurant area. The trenching process is led by Blois Construction, who are responsible for installing the outfall pipe on Anchors Way, Schooner Drive, then on Harbor Blvd.

The pipe segments will be fused/welded together in 500-ft long sections along the street. Construction progresses in 500-feet increments, with each 500-foot segment taking several days to dig and shore up.  Once the pipe is pulled into place, it is welded at the far end, connecting it to the already installed pipeline. Then, the trench is backfilled and paved. This process will be repeated several times on Anchors Way, and again on Schooner, with each 500-foot section taking approximately two to three weeks for completion.

According to Steve Mimiaga, the City’s construction manager, two 500-foot sections will be  worked on along the eastbound (outbound) side of Schooner Dr., with an expected completion date of late  April to early May. Then, trenching will begin on the southbound side of Harbor Blvd, close to the median, continuing under Spinnaker  Dr. then turning into the City’s water reclamation facility (VWRF) about 800 ft south of the Spinnaker intersection. Throughout this process, traffic will  remain open, although occasional and temporary lane closures may occur with the guidance of flagmen.

Construction is currently progressing according to the planned timeline, and it is anticipated that work in Marina Park will be completed before the Memorial Day weekend. The 24-foot tall soundwall  within Marina Park is anticipated to be dismantled in March and replaced by contractor fencing.   The area will be restored to its original appearance, with new mounds, grass, and an underground irrigation system completed, all scheduled to hopefully wrap up by Memorial Day weekend.

Learn more at the project website at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/OceanOutfall

Hotline for questions 805-500-8103

First Ventura homicide of 2024

The Ventura Police Department received reports of shots fired around 2 a.m. Sunday, February 11, near Oak and Main streets.

Officers arrived to find a man with gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he later died. He was Anthony Castanon, 20, of Santa Paula.

Two other males a 24-year-old from Oxnard and a 17-year-old from Santa Paula went on their own to Community Memorial Hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds, investigation stated the incidents were related.

Officers were notified there were additional parties with gunshot wounds that were dropped off at the Community Memorial Hospital Emergency Room (CMH). Officers contacted Jordan Lee and an additional male juvenile with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Both parties were later transported to VCMC and remain in critical but stable condition. At this time, this investigation is ongoing, and investigators believe this incident may be gang related.

A juvenile, Santa Paula Resident Male Juvenile (17 ), has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Castanon.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Alberto Tovar at 805- 339-4462.

Turning Point Foundation receives HUD awards

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced nearly $3.16 billion in Continuum of Care program awards for over 7,000 projects that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people experiencing homelessness, as well as costs related to planning and data collection. HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge made the announcement today with the Chatham-Savannah Interagency Council on Homelessness in Savannah, Georgia. The Chatham-Savannah Continuum of Care was awarded $4,104,782.

“Now, more than ever, we are doing all we can to get people off the street and into permanent homes with access to services. That is why we are making sure the service providers on the frontlines of this crisis have the resources they need,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “At HUD, we have served or permanently housed 1.2 million people experiencing homelessness in the last three years alone, building on President Biden’s efforts to keep Americans housed. The historic awards we are announcing today will expand community capacity to assist more people in obtaining the safety and stability of a home, along with the supports they need to achieve their life goals.”

When HUD announced the availability of these grants, the agency encouraged communities to use proven solutions to address homelessness, such as approaches that first connect people to housing, often with supportive services, rather than requiring people experiencing homelessness to first complete a treatment program or achieve sobriety as a condition to accessing housing. HUD also expanded the Continuum of Care program’s eligible activities to support protections available through the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 and to address the unique challenges Continuums of Care face when serving people experiencing homelessness in rural areas. The new eligible activities will allow for greater support for underserved populations.

HUD remains committed to policy priorities of ending homelessness for all persons, placing emphasis on racial equity and anti-discrimination policies for LGTBQ+ individuals, engaging persons with lived experiences of homelessness in decision-making, and increasing the supply of affordable housing.

Turning Point Foundation Our Place Safe Haven 2023 $168,977
Turning Point Foundation Rapid Re-Housing 2023 $172,132
Turning Point Foundation Stephenson Place Permanent Housing 2023 $37,905
Turning Point Foundation Wooley House I Permanent Housing 2023 $46,726
Turning Point Foundation Wooley House II Permanent Housing 2023 $39,857

SBA offering disaster assistance to Ventura businesses and residents affected by Dec. 2023 storm and flooding

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced it is offering disaster assistance to Ventura businesses and residents affected by the Dec. 2023 storm and flooding.

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California businesses and residents affected by the December 2023 Storm and Flooding that occurred Dec. 21 – 23, 2023, announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services, on Jan. 9, 2024.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Kern, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help California’s small businesses and residents impacted by the storm and flooding,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said Associate Administrator Francisco Sánchez of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience. “Beginning Saturday, Jan. 13, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application,” Sánchez continued. The center will be open on the days and times indicated below until further notice. No appointment is necessary.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center
South Oxnard Branch Library
4300 Saviers Rd.
Oxnard,

Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for property damage is March 11, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Oct. 10, 2024.

It’s the question we get asked almost daily: “Is the X Games coming back?”

X Games returning to Ventura.

Visit Ventura

Since X Games California 2023, we’ve been working tirelessly to have an answer to this question. We’ve had discussions with city, county, and state stakeholders, received feedback from partners and business owners, and imagined what 2024 could look like.

Needless to say, we’ve been asking ourselves “Is the X Games coming back” as much as you have.

After months of discussions, we’re excited to officially announce that the X Games is returning to Ventura this summer. X Games Ventura 2024 is coming this June.

Yep, you read that right. X Games Ventura 2024!

Looking back at last year’s X Games with over $58 million in media value, there’s a lot to be excited about. Namely, our city’s name next to an international brand. You don’t see that every day.

And there’s also a lot to learn from. We heard community members’ and local business owners’ feedback and valued each email and conversation. We are working with the X Games team to make X Games Ventura 2024 even better this year. As partners, we are excited to work closely with you to build on what we accomplished last year.

While we don’t have all the details yet (including fun partner activations that you can get involved in), we all get to roll up our sleeves with the XG team after the Winter Games.

We’re ready to make this year epic and we look forward to our continued collaboration and driving the economy of our Ventura together.

Stay tuned for a partner kick-off and more communication coming from our team!

We appreciate you — let’s do this!

With excitement,

The national blood supply remains at critically low levels

The American Red Cross continues to experience an emergency blood shortage as severe winter weather has further impacted the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Blood donors are urged to give now to help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed.

The national blood supply remains at critically low levels. Blood drives have been canceled in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood. As a result, nearly 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected this month alone. In addition to dangerous road conditions, many Americans have dealt with flight and shipping delays, and the Red Cross is no different. Snow, ice and extreme temperatures have made it tougher to move vital blood products across the Red Cross network, affecting deliveries to hospitals in some locations.

As much of the country warms up this week, individuals are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all those who come to give Feb. 1-29, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

The nation is currently facing the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. When fewer people donate blood, any disruption to blood donations – like recent weather systems – can have a huge effect on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Generous blood donors are vital to ensuring those in need of transfusions have access to lifesaving care.

New Blood Donor Rewards program

Since announcing an emergency blood shortage earlier this month, thousands of donors across the country have answered the call to help. In appreciation for all those who take the time to help save lives, the Red Cross is pleased to launch an all-new Blood Donor Rewards program. This program offers a new way for the Red Cross to say thank-you for the generous donations that are critical to patients counting on lifesaving care. All donors will now earn points for their donations that accumulate each time they roll up a sleeve to give. Donors automatically started earning points on Jan. 1, 2024, and they can redeem points any time of year to receive e-gift cards or save them to redeem and claim an exclusive Red Cross merchandise item in the next calendar year. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Rewards.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Ventura 2/13/2024: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Pallet is committed to working on ending unsheltered homelessness

Elizabeth Rugg Pallet Community Development Manager and Ted Sweeny representative for Pallet in front of a Pallet shelter.

by Patricia Schallert

On January 25th, The City of Ventura hosted a tour of two pallet shelters. Demonstrating an innovative model with proven results, Elizabeth Rugg stated that “Pallet shelters are cost-effective, rapid to install and  have the capacity to serve people  displaced by global conflict, disasters or chronic homelessness.”

Stated Patrick Diller “While finding suitable land for shelter villages can seem like a complex and challenging process, it is not impossible. By making a commitment to ending unsheltered homelessness, it is possible to find solutions that benefit unhoused individuals and the community as a whole.”

Pallet living shelters represent more than just a practical solution for housing the unhoused; it embodies a larger vision of community, sustainability, and social responsibility. According to Ted Sweeney, a Pallet representative, “by working together to build and maintain shelters, individuals form supportive networks based on mutual respect and shared experiences.The importance of collaborative efforts within the Ventura community cannot be overstated. It  includes  volunteers, organizations, and the unhoused themselves. This fosters a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment, where individuals actively participate in creating solutions to address homelessness.”

The Pallet organization recognizes the inherent dignity and rights of unhoused individuals. By providing safe and secure shelter, it affirms their right to adequate housing and challenges social stigmas associated with homelessness.

Social networks and support systems can easily be created through Pallet living shelters and can  offer encouragement, and mutual aid to unhoused individuals. Coordinating efforts with law-enforcement, mental health services, medical services, code enforcement, social workers and sanitation while  providing emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of belonging.

In addition to the basic shelter provided by Pallet living shelters supplementary services can enhance the well-being and sustainability of unhoused communities along with access to healthcare services, including medical clinics, mental health support, and substance abuse treatment.

The Sleeper (70sq ft) and the EnSuite 120sq ft. showed two fully-built shelters with industry-leading design features such as a mono-pitch roof, and a smooth exterior and interior panel. The Sleeper houses one or two, and the EnSuite includes in-unit hygiene facilities. Pallet shelters were designed by people who had lived experience in homelessness .

Residential energy efficient windows, locking doors and peepholes, smooth interior walls, easily accessed interior lighting, and climate control offer comfort and privacy. Interior storage and space allows residents to keep possessions and pets, while the customizable shelving system and freestanding bed and desk are designed for simple modification – making each shelter a personalized space to recharge.

These pallet shelters  can be manufactured inexpensively, deployed and assembled with urgency, and act as a short-term solution for cities like Ventura to aid their unhoused communities—all while providing comfort for residents. Units can be easily moved by forklift or disassembled and stored, preventing the possibility of becoming costly, long-term housing that isn’t dignified.

There is no one solution to end homelessness. Ventura, like many   communities have their own specific needs. While Pallet villages coupled with supportive services are a successful model,  there are many other  strategies to address the homelessness crisis. Working closely with cities across the country, Pallet realize communities want to find the right solutions and “know our expertise and learnings from deploying over 100 shelter villages could help them drive change.” By connecting village residents to housing navigation, job assistance, and a stable food source right where they live, unhoused individuals can start on the path to permanent housing.

Assemblymember Steve Bennett presents World Wetlands Day resolution with Coastal Keepers

The California State Assembly unanimously passed Assemblymember Steve Bennett’s resolution, HR 64 (2023-24), proclaiming February 2nd as World Wetlands Day. The idea was presented to Bennett by Oxnard-based Coastal Keepers, a grassroots organization dedicated to the clean-up and stewardship of Ormond Beach.

“Our partnership with Coastal Keepers has been fruitful and inspiring. These young leaders have demonstrated initiative and passion for keeping our public beaches and waterways clean for all. I’m grateful to have collaborated with them on this resolution that is important to our coastal district,” said Assemblymember Steve Bennett.

“We have witnessed firsthand the environmental injustices affecting South Oxnard and Port Hueneme. We believe the Ormond Beach wetlands to be the hidden hero of our coast! Coastal Keepers commends Assemblymember Bennett’s leadership for proclaiming February 2nd as World Wetlands Day. This is a crucial step towards raising awareness, bridging the gap between policymakers and coastal communities, and ensuring the protection of our wetlands for generations to come. We look forward to collaborating with his office to bring much-needed focus and action to this vital ecosystem.”

Coastal Keepers and Assemblymember Bennett have previously co-hosted a cleanup site for 2023 Coastal Cleanup Day. The event brought hundreds of volunteers to the Ormond Beach & Lagoon area and prevented thousands of pounds of trash from entering the ocean.