Category Archives: News and Notes

Paper bags OK’d for food waste recycling

Harrison Industries will now accept residential food waste in paper bags as well as in plastic bags. All bags of food waste must still be closed and placed in residents’ yard waste carts for weekly curbside pickup.

Harrison and its partners at Agromin have approved the use of folded-shut paper bags in addition to the tied plastic bags that have been accepted since residential food waste recycling began on Jan. 3.

The move to include paper bags is a response to customers’ concerns about the use of non-Earth-friendly plastic bags in the area’s new food waste recycling program; the decision was buoyed by the early success of the program.

“The bagged food waste has traveled really well,” said Harrison spokeswoman Nan Drake. “We’re living and learning. Once we got the program going, we could see that paper bags would work fine, as long as people carefully fold them shut and don’t recycle liquids.”

Whether it’s in paper or plastic, all food waste must be bagged. Food waste should NOT be placed directly into yard waste carts, where it would contaminate the loose yard waste in there.

Residential food waste recycling began this year in compliance with California Senate Bill 1383. In effect since Jan. 1, SB 1383 requires communities statewide to begin residential food waste recycling, on the road to reducing all organic waste landfill disposal by 75% of 2014 levels, by 2025. Organic waste in landfills emits toxic methane gases that destroy our environment and create climate change.

Council member Johnson started the clean-up

Johnson to the rescue.

The Westside Community Council wants the citizens of Ventura to recognize the important work Council Member Mike Johnson does on behalf of all Ventura residents.

Months ago a Westside resident complained to the city code enforcement about trash being piled up behind a home. However, nothing was done.

WCC complained to the council about the lack of attention but still to no avail.

When Council Member Johnson was nearby for an event WCC members brought him to see the trash heap.

Johnson took action, arranged for a dumpster, and started the clean-up task himself.

Red Cross T-shirt for those who come to give April 1-18

It’s officially spring! As the weather warms up and the latest COVID-19 surge continues to slow, many people are looking forward to meeting up with family and friends. At the start of this new season, the American Red Cross encourages the community to play an important role in helping save lives by making blood donation part of their spring plans.

The Red Cross is grateful to the hundreds of thousands of individuals who have rolled up a sleeve to give in early 2022. It’s important to remember donated blood has a limited shelf life, so supplies must be constantly replenished. In the days and weeks ahead, it’s critically important to maintain a readily available blood supply. Donors can make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Ventura 4/12/2022: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program

The mission of The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program is to “preserve, protect and enhance surface water resources within Ventura County. Photos by Patricia Schallert

by Patricia Schallert

The Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program is a collaborative effort by ten cities, the County of Ventura and the Watershed Protection District. The “Every Litter Bit Matters Campaign” kickoff presentation on Feb.22, 2022, at Marina Park in Ventura emphasized the Ventura cities and county’s efforts to protect Ventura County’s Watersheds and to reinforce the importance of putting trash and recyclable items in proper bins to prevent litter of waterways. This program encourages all County residents to be involved in local community clean up programs which will reduce pollutants in the storm drains and watershed.

Ventura County’s Community for clean watersheds “Every Littler Bit Matters” campaign was developed to educate area residents on the harm caused when trash and other contaminants are left in our environment, which are eventually washed or blown through storm drains to the Ventura and Santa Clara Rivers, Malibu and Calleguas Creeks and the streams and estuaries making the way eventually to the Pacific Ocean.

Representatives from each of the ten cities pledged to continue to work cooperatively to improve stormwater quality throughout Ventura County. This joint effort assures consistency and efficiency in stormwater programs county wide and is guided by formal implementation agreements.

The speakers were:

  • City of Ventura: Sofia Rubalcava, Mayor
  • County of Ventura: Matt LaVere, Supervisor of District 1
  • City of Thousand Oaks: Claudia Bill-de la Pena, Councilmember
  • City of Ojai: Betsy Stix, Mayor
  • City of Port Hueneme: Laura Hernandez, Councilmember
  • Ventura Land Trust: Leslie Velez, Development Director

Watershed encompasses all lands that drain to a common waterbody such as a lake, river, estuary, lagoon or ocean when rain falls or snow melts. As runoff flows downhill, it picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, pesticides, oils, pet or animal waste and dirt sediment that travels into the storm drain systems and eventually to the ocean.

Pollutants are a primary concern to the environment and are preventable. Litter needs to be put into proper bins. Chemicals can end up in rivers, creeks and the ocean through wind, sprinkler runoff or rain. Pet poop has harmful bacteria that can also end up in rivers creeks and the ocean.

The City of Ventura prides itself in presenting its five miles of beautiful coastline though measures aimed at reducing litter and pollution.

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Ban was adopted in 2020 to eliminate the used of stylophone food and beverage containers which are a prevalent form of litter. See www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/EPSban.

The Safe and Clean initiative was developed to maintain clean public spaces and ensures that illegal dumping and waste in streets are removed promptly and properly. See www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/SafeAndClean

Sofia Rubalcava stated “The Countywide Community for a Clean Watershed program was established to help residents understand how to respect and protect our watersheds and provides information on how simple changes in our daily lives can bring water quality benefits countywide.”

“The “Every Litter Bit Matters” Campaign aims at controlling the preventable pollutants that accumulate throughout our communities that can damage our waterways and impact public and watershed health. Simple changes, such picking up litter in and around our homes and businesses, can make a big difference in keeping our watersheds vibrant and healthy for generations to come.”

Matt LaVere, District 1 Supervisor, Ventura County (and former Ventura city council member)

stated “Being a second generation in Ventura County one of the primary reasons I became Supervisor was the preservation of the environment.”

“ Collaborative partnerships are so important to accomplish the task at hand.”

Leslie Velez went on to say “Since 2003, Ventura Land Trust has conserved and stewarded open spaces in Ventura County. Ventura Land Trust protects over 3,800 acres of land in the Ventura hillsides, Ventura River, and coastal estuary. We recognize the importance of the Ventura County Community for a Clean Watershed and look forward to a continued partnership with the organization.”

For more information and resources on how to be involved, please visit wwwcleanwatershed.org or www.vcstormwater.org

Ventura Unified School District in the news

Dr. Roger Rice, Superintendent of the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) has been awarded the 2022 Superintendent of the Year Award by Region 13 of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).

In addition, Dr. Soledad Molinar, VUSD’s Director of Multilingual & Multicultural Education is being honored with the 2022 Valuing Diversity Award and Dr. Lorelle Dawes, Principal of Cabrillo Middle School is being awarded the 2022 Middle Grades Principal of the Year both by ACSA’s Region 13. Last but certainly not least, VUSD’s Director of Risk Management, Mr. Eric Reynolds is being recognized by ACSA’s North Ventura Charter as the Charter’s 2022 Central Office Administrator of the Year. 

Superintendent Rice, is being honored for his unwavering passion and dedication to ensuring that all students receive the very best education and graduate college and career ready. Dr. Rice models a personal code of ethics in everything he says and does; he is known across the state for his integrity and for making difficult decisions for the benefit of students. He is known throughout the county for challenging assumptions and helping change paradigms. He holds himself and those around him to high expectations in support of a vision focused on student success and wellbeing.

Dr. Soledad Molinaris being recognized for her tireless efforts in ensuring that students with the greatest needs receive the most services and that schools are places where students feel safe, valued, and nurtured to thrive. Dr. Molinar is an exemplary educator who has tremendous integrity. Her deep dedication to all stakeholders is evident in her positive communications and interactions. 

Dr. Lorelle Dawes is being recognized for leading her school community through a lens of equity and nurturing her middle school students emotionally, socially, and academically. She is a champion of restorative practices and promotes family-school partnerships that aim to increase the voices of historically underserved families. Dr. Dawes is an exceptional school site leader who brings innovative ideas and programs to her site and our District. 

Mr. Eric Reynolds has been an exemplary leader since he started in VUSD in 2007. He has always been proactive about providing safe and healthy learning environments for our students and staff as well as overseeing everything relating to insurance, accidents, and other aspects of Risk Management. Since the pandemic started, he has been responsible for coordinating with public health, communicating with sites and every employee who showed symptoms of COVID-19, and being at the forefront of leadership through the pandemic. 

“The VUSD team has worked harder than ever since the pandemic began. We want to congratulate our colleagues on their well-deserved recognition. We could not think of a more appropriate way to honor the dedication they put into their work every single day,” stated Communications Director, Marieanne Quiroz.

ACSA Region 13 includes Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Dr. Molinar, Dr. Dawes and Dr. Rice will receive their awards at an event to be held in Solvang in May and all three are now in the running to receive the award at the state level.

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education, in their January 25 regularly scheduled Board meeting, voted to hire Ms. Gina Wolowicz as the new Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Ms. Wolowicz will be replacing Mr. Brett Taylor, who recently resigned from his position to move to educational site-based leadership.   

Ms. Wolowicz brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will serve her well in this position. She has worked in the field of education for more than 20 years, most recently as the Director of Curriculum & Instruction for TK-5. She began her career at VUSD in 1997. She has held several key positions in the District, including interim Co-Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Principal at Juanamaria Elementary, Assistant Principal at DATA Middle School, and as a bilingual teacher. 

Museum announces Bonita C. McFarland Scholarship

The Museum of Ventura County announces the return of the Bonita C. McFarland Visual Arts Scholarship. Named after a generous benefactor to the arts in Ventura County, the total amount awarded will be $17,500, with individual awards of $500 or more dependent on need and number of scholarships awarded. Awards will be based on artistic merit and commitment as demonstrated by the requirements.

The scholarship is available to any high school senior or college level student of the visual arts, who is also a Ventura County resident. Applicants must complete the application online, along with a 400-word essay about their art and education/career goals, letter of recommendation from a teacher or instructor, 10 images of artwork and/or projects (8MB maximum size per image) by the February 28, 2022 deadline.

Applications are open online at venturamuseum.org/bonita-c-mcfarland.

After a 2-year hiatus, beloved community event returns on March 12

Parade entries are now being accepted for the Ventura Elks Club’s 2022 County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will commence at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, along Main Street in midtown Ventura. Among the county’s most popular annual community events, the parade was dark in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, but it returns in full force this year, along a new and improved Main Street route, running downhill from Lincoln Drive to Fir Street.

Entry to join in the parade is easy: Prospective entrants can simply go to the parade website and follow the basic steps to submit their forms and pay via PayPal. Entry deadline is Thursday, March 3; only the first 100 entries will be accepted.

Leading the parade as its grand marshal will be Nan Drake.

Leading the parade as its grand marshal will be Nan Drake, longtime co-chair of the parade committee (along with Jim Monahan and Brian Brennan). Drake is the governmental affairs and public relations director for E.J. Harrison & Sons, a sponsor of the annual parade since its first year, in 1987. She’s proud of her work, she said, “because every day at Harrison, we improve the environment by recycling with the help of all of the residents and businesses in their service areas.” The parade theme is “One World, One Air, We All Share”

The 2020 Irish Belle will once again take part in the parade lineup and don’t forget our famous giant dirigible pig. Many entries that were on board in 2020 have confirmed for this year — so please join us for the fun and celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, when everyone is Irish.

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

If you have any entry questions, call parade committee member Aaron Gaston at 805-340-8217 or committee member Dan McGrath at 805-231-2779. For other parade information, contact Faye McDonald at [email protected] or 805-650-0825; or Jim Monahan at 805-340-1356.

Dredging the Harbor

Harbor Patrol is available 24 hours a day for questions regarding the dredging operations. Photo by Patricia Schallert

Ventura Harbor maintenance is dredging the Ventura Harbor entrance. Dredging is a 24-hour operation. Floating pipes and buoys by work boats are set up prior to the actual start of the dredging. The dredge HR Morris and workboats “Pup”, “Cub” and “Renegade” will be working on the Marine channels. The dredge displays both day shapes and colored lights in the evening, instructing the boaters which side is safe for passing. 

Only the mouth of the harbor is being dredge this year. The barge was moved in on Feb. 4th and is expected to stay until around the beginning of March. The sand will mostly be moved down towards Surfer Knolls to protect further sand erosion.

Harbormaster, John Higgins, said the Harbor Patrol is available 24 hours a day for questions and or concerns regarding the dredging operations and are available should any significant problems arise. 

John Higgins can be reached at Ventura Port District – Harbor Patrol

805-914-0058

An unforgettable and deeply moving immersive event shining light on housing insecurity

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) will host their 2022 Compassion Campaign on May 12, 2022, from 5PM-9PM, in-person at Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo. Sponsored in part by City National Bank, this unique evening invites guests into an immersive experience highlighting that all lives are connected through one common need – safe and secure housing. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit:
www.housingtrustfundvc.org/compassioncampaign2022.

Housing Trust Fund VC’s Compassion Campaign invites guests on an unforgettable and deeply moving immersive journey, amplifying its message that, “Everyone deserves a home.” Inspired by immersive experiences offered by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles and the Titanic Artifact Exhibition in Las Vegas, Compassion Campaign guests will assume the role of individual characters as they are immersed within connected lives on a journey through housing insecurity. From the opening reception through dinner and during the insightful program, participants will meet and become — Jeff and his family, struggling college student and barista Javier, high school teacher Ms. Jasmine and her students Daniella and Cassie, foster youth Carla, veteran Ted, recently widowed Rosa, and cognitively impaired Jason.

“We’re pleased to be gathering once again, safely outdoors and in person for our annual fundraiser,” stated Housing Trust Fund VC CEO, Linda Braunschweiger. “This new, one-of-a-kind immersive experience centered on housing equity will be both engaging and memorable as we illustrate how it truly feels to experience housing insecurity, and how the need for affordable housing touches our daily lives, sometimes when and where we least expect it.”

Housing Trust Fund VC’s annual Compassion Campaign draws a diverse crowd of decision makers, community leaders, change makers and advocates for housing, mental health, homelessness, farm workers, foster youth, the disabled community, seniors, and more. This year’s unique immersive experience is certain to sell-out and sponsorship provides businesses and companies an opportunity to be seen as active leaders in strengthening our community, by positively impacting lives through supporting the development of safe and equitable homes in Ventura County. Sponsors like City National Bank, and CIT Bank, play an integral role in supporting our community promise of funding affordable housing solutions. For more information on how to become a Compassion Campaign sponsor visit, www.housingtrustfundvc.org/compassioncampaign2022.

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 November 2021, Housing Trust Fund VC has invested over $18.7 million through its revolving loan fund, creating 847 affordable apartments and homes for verylow, low- and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers, and the homeless.