Category Archives: News and Notes

Snapdragon Place Apartments, Phase II

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere addressed the attendees with Chief Executive Margarita de Escontrias at his side. Photos by Michael Gordon and Bernie Goldstein

On Nov. 15 a ribbon cutting, and grand opening was held for the Snapdragon Place Apartments, Phase II, Cabrillo’s newest affordable housing complex in Ventura.

Cabrillo is developing the project in partnership with the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura, which will serve as the property management company.

“This development offers new homes for working families, homeless individuals and Veterans to live comfortably and not have to worry about paying extreme rents beyond the families’ earned income,” Cabrillo’s Director of Real Estate Development Eduardo Espinosa said.

Snapdragon Place Apartments, Phase II, is a newly constructed development of 22 units with four one-bedroom homes, 10 two-bedroom homes, and eight three-bedroom homes. The development will share a community room with Phase I of Snapdragon Place Apartments, which was completed in 2015.

The grand opening began with a Presentation of Colors by the Ronald Reagan Det. 597, Marine Corps. League, Ventura County. Speaking at the event was Cabrillo Executive Director Margarita H. de Escontrias, Cabrillo Board President Dave Sabedra, Espinosa, Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere, Housing Authority of San Buenaventura CEO Denise Wise, and Ventura County Behavioral Health’ Director Dr. Sevet Johnson.

Ventura County Chamber of Commerce CEO, Stephanie Caldwell performed the ribbon cutting ceremony, and a luncheon, catered by Main Course California followed.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation has received a $150,000 unrestricted operating support grant over two years to be used for overall operational expenses.

Currently, Cabrillo provides ESL classes, Homework Clubs, food pantries, community gardens, summer programs for kids, scholarships, and health and nutritional services to its residents.

The funding also will give Cabrillo an opportunity to increase staffing in the Real Estate Development Department and retain real estate expertise to enlarge Cabrillo’s development pipeline and manage more projects in varying stages of development, Bickerstaff said.

At this time Cabrillo is in predevelopment on two projects, a 42-unity farmworker development on Etting Road in Oxnard and a 50-unit development for seniors in Buellton. Snapdragon Place Apartments, Phase II will have its grand opening celebration on Nov. 15 as that property in collaboration with the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura finishes leasing.

“We are excited to be looking to the future with a focus on developing much-needed affordable housing in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, and chipping away at the immense need for affordable housing here,” Cabrillo CEO Margarita H. de Escontrias said.

De Escontrias said, funds also will be used for board development training on best practices pertaining to board effectiveness and in the recruitment of board members with specific skills and expertise.

Cabrillo’s mission is to provide comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities that facilitate self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity. Incorporated in 1981, Cabrillo’s early roots were in response to a farmworker community’s demand for secure housing. Although this continues to be important, today there is a more widespread need for affordable housing in this region. As such, Cabrillo now provides housing for low- to moderate-income residents and families, including farmworkers, seniors, veterans and individuals with special needs.

Got a complaint about local government? Tell the Grand Jury!

Did you know there is a body of volunteers in the county of Ventura dedicated to investigating public complaints about county agencies, city governments and special districts such as water, schools and harbors?

The Ventura County Civil Grand Jury is an investigatory panel of 19 citizens from all backgrounds that operates as a public watchdog over the city and county governments.

The Grand Jury is authorized to investigate complaints about government mismanagement, verify that pubic funds are properly accounted for and legally spent and investigate the policies, practices and processes of county or city departments in order to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of our

government.

Each year the Grand Jury reports the findings and recommendations that result from these investigations. These reports are made public by posting on the Grand Jury website at http://grandjury.countyofventura.org.Elected officials and board members whose departments are the focus of an investigation must respond within 90 days. Their responses are also posted to the website.

Complaint forms in English and Spanish may be downloaded from the Grand Jury website ( http://grandjury.countyofventura.org) and submitted by fax or mail to the address on the form. All complaints are kept confidential.

Do you belong to a group that invites speakers to it’s meetings? The Ventura County Grand Jury conducts an ongoing speakers bureau and outreach program. Service organizations, community groups, non-profits and other groups are invited to request a presentation by current grand jurors.

The civil Grand Jury does not pursue criminal cases or hear evidence in courtrooms. This all volunteer “public watchdog” group serves as an independent agent for the citizens of Ventura County. It is their responsibility to investigate complaints from the public, write reports, and make recommendations about all components of local government such as city councils, school districts, jails, hospitals, harbors and water districts. The Grand Jury can investigate issues ranging from alleged government violations of city and county codes to disaster preparedness, contracting procedures, health and safety issues and most processes, policies and practices of all departments or agencies within the cities and county of Ventura.

The Grand Jury issues an annual report on it’s findings and recommendations. Reports of Grand Jury investigations and responses from investigated agencies and departments can be found on the Grand Jury website at http://grandjury.countyofventura.org. Public complaint forms can be found on the site as well.

To learn more or schedule a date for a presentation please call the Grand Jury at (805) 477-1600 or complete a speaker’s bureau request form that can be found on the website.

Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura receives Award of Merit

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) recently honored the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) with the 2019 Award of Merit in the Resident and Client Services category for the Housing Plus program partnership with the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA).

Housing Plus provides case management services to older adults, veterans and individuals with disabilities who reside in properties owned or managed by HACSB, comprising about 60 percent of HACSB residents. “We serve a vulnerable population. This program helps to ensure that these residents receive assistance to mitigate issues that may lead to eviction. It also helps residents connect to vital services that support well-being and success in maintaining housing,” said Denise Wise, CEO of HACSB.

“This initiative connects multiple agencies to address a variety of needs in one place with one coordinated approach that benefits all involved. We are proud to connect our residents with providers who can be a safety net of resources for people in need,” Wise said.

The VCAAA, under contract with HACSB, provides short-term case management and referrals to other services and consults with HACSB staff to ensure residents can access the services they need, such as mental health, nutrition, healthcare and crisis intervention.

NAHRO President Carl S. Richie, Jr. said, “Congratulations to our 2019 Awards of Merit recipients. I am so proud of the great work they’re doing for their clients and their communities.”

The NAHRO Awards of Merit program was created 20 years ago to recognize agencies who found innovative ways of making a difference in their communities and in the lives of the people they serve by creating affordable housing, revitalizing their neighborhoods and developing initiatives such as job readiness programs, public-private partnerships, disaster prevention projects and more.

HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura, currently managing 295 public housing units, 705 nonprofit affordable rental units, and more than 1,500 Section 8 vouchers. The agency is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing and to improve the quality of life for hundreds more of the low-income residents of the City of Ventura. http://www.hacityventura.org/.

NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.

HTF receives $1,480,000 to facilitate the organization’s core values

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (HTF Ventura County) announced that it has recently received funding support from The McCune Foundation, The Lluella Morey Murphy Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank, Montecito Bank & Trust, and Pacific Western Bank. The combined $1,480,000 helps to facilitate the organization’s core values to provide early funding through its revolving loan fund for the development of affordable housing options that create stable homes for underserved residents of Ventura County. Specifically, HTF Ventura County is focused on providing affordable housing for very-low to low-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers and the homeless.

The McCune Foundation invested $250,000 with HTF Ventura County stating in a press release, “By investing a portion of our endowment to help address the housing crisis, we can expand our impact beyond the $800,000 in annual grants we award for projects involving community improvements and empowerment.” The Lluella Morey Murphy Foundation donated $50,000 to the nonprofit.

Many banks have risen to the challenge as well with Pacific Western Bank lending $1 million to HTF Ventura County. “At Pacific Western Bank we believe in partnerships, and in the power that comes from a community joining forces to solve a local need. HTF Ventura County has the vision, knowledge, and the right connections to make affordable housing a reality in our county,” said Sean Morreale, Pacific Western Bank EVP/Regional Manager, Central Coast Region-South. Additional bank support has been received through a $150,000 line of credit by Montecito Bank & Trust, and a $30,000 operational grant from Wells Fargo Bank as part of their “$1 billion in philanthropy by 2025” initiative to specifically address the U.S. housing affordability crisis.

This new round of funding combined with a recent $125,000 U.S. Department of the Treasury grant along with other support brings HTF Ventura County’s 2018/19 funding to date to $3 million. Included in this total is $100,000 raised during the organization’s “Your Business Depends on Housing” event held in May, which successfully raised

$10,000 each from Sage Publications, Inc., Legado Companies, Union Seniors Association, and City National Bank, among other supporters.

“We are now within 40% of achieving our five-million-dollar challenge by the end of this year,” said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County. “Everyone deserves a home and I am confident that our community will help us get there.” Earlier this year, HTF Ventura County set a goal of raising $5 million by the end of 2019 and an additional $5 million in 2020, which is anticipated to generate $10 million from the state’s Prop 1 fund matching program, for a combined estimated $20 million in support of affordable housing in Ventura County.

Probation Agency and Superior Court expand Pretrial Assessment and Monitoring Services

The Board of Supervisors has authorized an agreement between the Ventura County Superior Court and the Ventura County Probation Agency to continue the Pretrial Risk Assessment and Monitoring Services program.

The Superior Court was awarded more than $3 million in state funding as part of a pretrial pilot program between superior courts and their probation agencies. It will provide the Probation Agency $3.3 million to expand and enhance the current Pretrial Risk Assessment and Monitoring Services (PRAMS) program.

The PRAMS program provides the Court with additional alternatives to incarceration including electronic monitoring, GPS tracking, alcohol monitoring and other pretrial monitoring options. The program uses an evidence-based assessment tool to evaluate a defendant’s likelihood of appearing in court or reoffending.

By giving the Court reliable and objective information at a defendant’s arraignment hearing, the judicial officer can consider appropriate release options for felony non-prison eligible offenders. This reduces the local jail population by freeing beds for higher risk defendants while upholding public safety.

“This funding will allow us to significantly expand our program and services,” said Chief Probation Officer Mark Varela. “Currently the program operates five days a week from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Now we will be able to operate seven days a week for 12 hours a day. We’ll have Deputy Probation Officers stationed in the booking area of the jail and they will have more time to conduct assessments and other pretrial investigative work.”

The PRAMS program has been operating for five years and the results have been positive. To date, 90% of the defendants who were released remained arrest-free; and 82% of the defendants appeared for all their court hearings through the final dispositions of their cases.

“There are many benefits to monitoring over incarceration,” said Varela. “Families are not displaced, and defendants can maintain their employment during the pretrial process. And, as a result, were have been able to meet our goal of reducing the local jail population and making space available for higher risk defendants.”

Ventura Education Partnership gives over $74,000 in teacher grants

The Ventura Education Partnership has awarded 81 VEPGrants to teachers and staff for their development of creative educational projects that stimulate learning by students. Over $74,000.00 was awarded. Each year, teachers and staff from VUSD schools and district programs submit short grant proposals which are reviewed and evaluated by a diverse group of readers from VEP and the community.

Grants up to $1000 each are awarded for innovative projects and activities that supplement core curricula in pre-school through high school. Many community businesses and organizations support this program through funding for VEPGrants. Some of these include MJP Technologies Inc., Community Memorial Health System, Aera Energy, Mountains to Beach Marathon, Fred Evans, ReMax. and the City of Ventura.

Madhu Bajaj, president of the Ventura Education Partnership had this to say about the VEPGrant program. “It is amazing how a relatively small amount of money can empower an educator, transform a classroom and deepen students’ educational experiences. We are grateful for all our generous partners who give time and money to support innovative grants for Ventura Unified.”

Have you plugged in to your Neighborhood Community Council?

They are a great way to Connect with your neighbors, learn what’s happening in your area, get updates and information from the City of Ventura including a regular police report and special presentations on projects and announcements for your area and the city at large and to participate in projects that make a difference in your community.

Find your neighborhood council:

College Area Community Council: Meets 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 pm at the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Road.

East End Community Council: Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm at First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Rd.

Midtown Community Council: Meets 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 pm at Grace Church, Cooper Hall 65 S. MacMillan Ave.

Montalvo Community Council: Meetings are held quarterly or as needed. Please email Dan Farmer for more information about the next meeting [email protected].

Pierpont Community Council: Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at the Ventura County Credit Union located at 2575 Vista Del Mar.

Westside Community Council: Meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm at Bells Arts Factory located at 432 N. Ventura Ave.

Have questions about Neighborhood Community Councils? Please call 805-339-4317 or email [email protected].

Market Match is California’s healthy food incentive program

Both shoppers and California farmers are benefitting from the Market Match and the Cal-Fresh (SNAP) food programs offered by the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFM).

Market Match is California’s healthy food incentive program, which uses grant dollars to match or double a portion of the customers’ federal nutrition assistance benefits, like Cal-Fresh (SNAP), for the exclusive purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables at their certified farmers’ market.

The Market Match program is available at two Ventura Markets, the Midtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market held on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pacific View Mall and the Downtown Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market held on Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon held in the City Parking Lot, at Santa Clara & Palm Streets.

All Cal-Fresh SNAP and Market Match benefits are administered through a token system available at the VCCFM Market Information booths. The markets also accept the WIC (Women, Infants and Child) food programs at each of their locations. “This is a great time for qualified shoppers to utilize these programs and expand their food benefits during the holidays with all of the celebrations taking place,” stated Karen Schott, Operations Manager for the VCCFM. “We are excited to offer this grant program, working together with our farmers, to add more food accessibility in our community” she added.

For more information, call the Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association at 805-529-6266 or visit the website at www.vccfm.org.

Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation honor veterans

The Ventura College Foundation supports veterans through scholarships.

The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation honored veterans, active military and their families at the fourth annual Ventura College Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, Monday, November 4 held at the Cafeteria in the Campus Student Center on the Ventura College campus. California Resources Corporation, the state’s largest oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations in Ventura County, sponsored the event to honor and recognize the service of active military and veterans.

Speaking at the event were:
Dr. Kim Hoffmans, Ventura College President
Jordana Ybarra-Telias, Veterans Resource Center Program Coordinator
Anna Heaton, Ventura College student and veteran
Jesse Rodriguez, Ventura College student and veteran

“Anna and Jessie are two of more than 380 veterans at Ventura College,” says Ventura College Foundation’s executive director Anne Paul King, “Many of our veterans will be attending the luncheon.”

The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center offers personalized services to veterans, active duty military and eligible dependents through application assistance for college admission and course registration, academic counseling, access to veteran’s benefits, and a study area with computers, printers and scanners. Donations can be given during the luncheon.

The Ventura College Foundation supports veterans through scholarships that cover the cost of such items as parking and health fees, textbooks, transportation to and from school and general school supplies. “The idea is to award a scholarship large enough to replace a 10 to 15 hour a week job for a semester so veterans can focus on their studies,” says King. “Tuition can be taken care of through our two-year VC Promise program, meaning just about all college-related costs are paid for our full-time students.”

To learn about donating to the Veterans Resource Center, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org or call the Ventura College Foundation at 805-289-6461

Eco-Conscious Indie Films at the Ojai Film Festival

Susan Kucera spoke about her time with Jeff Bridges.

The Ojai Film Festival continues the tradition of focusing on environmental films with the 20th Anniversary Edition: Focus Earth. Throughout the ten-day festival filmgoers will find double screenings of eco-conscious indie films. A day of special events focuses on the environment, including discussions, seminars and panels about the planet we share. This full day of eco-films starts at 10 am on Sunday, November 10 and continues into the evening.

The documentary Living in the Future’s Past, described as a “beautifully photographed tour de force,” headlines the event. Susan Kucera directed the film, narrated and produced by Jeff Bridges.

In an interview with Clean Technica, Ms. Kucera spoke about her film and collaboration with Jeff Bridges. “What Jeff and I wanted to do was think about how we think. A lot of people watch the film and they go, ‘Aha! I see how everything works and it’s not so weirdly scary,’ which makes transition more interactive and more full of exciting possibilities.”

Dr. Sheila Laffey, filmmaker, producer and professor in the Santa Monica College Film and Animation Academy, highlights the festival’s Environmental Films as Educational Tools seminar series. Dr. Laffey will offer specific Eco-Shorts, plus animations and methods for classrooms and small group use on Sunday, November 10 at 1 pm.

In session two, Director Sylvie Rokab joins Ms. Laffey to present the eco-doc Love Thy Nature, narrated by Liam Neeson. In an interview with Eluxe Magazine, Ms. Rokabdescribes how she chose the title Love Thy Nature to convey the sense that loving (our) nature is so critical to our wellbeing, and the wellbeing of our world, that it might as well be a universal truth just like ‘love thy neighbor.’” She said, “We have a myriad of new scientific studies that show a contact with nature makes us healthier, smarter, calmer, more connected, and happier human beings…we are inextricably wired to nature – physically, neurologically, emotionally, and spiritually. And yet, in our increasingly urban and technological world, too many of us have completely lost touch with nature – living in grey cities, working in sterile offices, leading stressful lives, and eating toxic foods.”

Indie films in the Focus Earth series include Ay Mariposa, a stunning documentary feature about two women and a rare community of butterflies standing on the frontlines in a battle against the US-Mexico border wall. Ay Mariposa screens on Friday November 8 at 10 am and Saturday, November 9 at 1 pm.

In the inspiring new documentary, The Condor and The Eagle, viewers discover four Indigenous leaders who embark on an extraordinary trans-continental adventure from the Canadian plains to deep inside the heart of the Amazonian jungle. Catch it on Wednesday, November 6 at 4 pm or on Saturday, November 9 at 1 pm.

Another high point in our Focus Earth series hits close to home with The Perfect Firestorm: The Thomas Fire Story. This film chronicles the devastating wildfire that whipped through Ventura County and burned over a quarter million acres before firefighters finally contained it on January 12, 2018. This screens on Friday, November 8 at 1 pm. www.ojaifilmfestival.com