All posts by admin

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 – Mailbox

Sheldon:

After reading your article on the proposed Kellogg park, I decided to check out the west side parks and compare them to the east side parks. I did this with camera in hand.

First and foremost is the fact that the west side area ( vta Ave ) is comprised mostly of highly dense, older than 60 yr old neighborhoods. Very different from the east end. The population there has a large hispanic community.  (I believe ) traditionally communities like these have more children then those of the Eastside non hispanic households.

I found the parks you mentioned. The Westside park did indeed flank the bike path. The numerous homeless congregating in the park can attest to that fact. They seemed to hang out there right after getting a free meal at a location not too far away.

The park had 50 spaces for parking. Certainly not enough for all the uses you described.

The Harry Lyons park did not even have a sign on ventura ave letting anyone know there was even a park nearby.

The facilities were in terrible condition. Severely rusted basketball back boards, lamp posts and deteriorating asphalt was unexpected especially since I had just visited the beautiful pristine parks on the east side.

It is clear to me that the west side needs another park because of the demographics. Hopefully one day a park with a pool , like the families on the east end enjoy.

I find it curious that the westpark even has a field named after a city council member and you never mentioned it. Could it be because the field is a field of weeds ? Must be in transition.

Apparently you missed all of this. We are all getting older. I suggest better glasses sheldon.

P.S. I doubt this will get printed, but I’ll keep trying to tell the truth about matters concerning the huge differences and money alloted for the east side compared to the west side. Something you seem to think is a waste.

Mike Art

Art
Not sure why you doubted that this would be printed. Your opinion is as valid as mine. And not a knee jerk reaction but you took the time to go to the parks. You point out some good things but the money being spent on Kellogg Park would solve most of them. Feel free to write us whenever you have something to say.
Sheldon
PS: I don’t wear glasses, maybe that’s the problem.

Hello Sheldon,

Just a word about “the C Street Bridge” reconstruction.  It is truly interesting to watch the engineering design and decisions that are being made daily for the success of this project.  Cal Trans, Ventura City and County Building and private construction are working together well with “state of the art” building techniques.  The construction has caused few traffic disruptions because of the well-thought out traffic and pedestrian flows.  Its been so long to see renovation of an existing  bridge…maybe this is the beginning of more in the future?

Suzanna Ballmer, Ventura

Editor:

The Harbor Community Church continues to press for the right to locate a homeless service program within a long-standing residential neighborhood. By requesting a preliminary injunction against the city’s decision to deny this location, this church has elected to take an end run around compliance with the required regulations. The required compliance with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) takes into account the families in this neighborhood who are at risk.

The Harbor Community Church has decided on four things:

  • To whimper and assert to the 9th U. S. District Court of Appeals that Harbor Community Church’s religious entitlement is doing the Lord’s work for the homeless that supersedes the safety and security of the families in this neighborhood
  • Not to work with and support the existing programs within the city (ie.: City Center, et.al.)
  • Not to find another, less provocative location
  • To compel the city to spend increasingly large amounts of taxpayer money for legal representation

The Harbor Community Church that promotes itself as, “… a place called to reach the entire community …” does not have an effective management plan to ensure a suitable measure of safety and security for the existing neighborhood around 3100 Preble Ave. The Ventura Police Dept. will have to station officers in this area on a permanent basis. This neighborhood will become a de facto war zone. Let us be clear, the families, and most notably the children, in this neighborhood are entitled to enjoy their own measure of safety and security.

The hubris of the Harbor Community Church to minimize and thus disregard families’ “… inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” is the antithesis of scripture.

It is apparent the homeless population finds Ventura a desirable place to be. What’s not to like: the weather, the ocean, the fresh fruits and vegetables? Increasingly, advocates for the homeless decry that municipalities are not doing more. People should keep in mind that at the end of the day, it is the tax paying citizens of Ventura operating their respective lives in a responsible way who will shoulder the financial load … not the advocates or the homeless themselves.

Roy Colbert
Ventura

Breeze:

Once again you guys have amazed me with your great talent and ability to take a few simple facts and turn them into  such beautiful statements. I have said it before and I’m saying it again…..You guys are AWESOME!!!  You always make us at Vagabond sound like we really are SOMEBODY! Thank you sooo much, all of you- You are the best!

Jolene McBee-owner Vagabond Restaurant

Suppose you were an idiot.
And suppose you were a member of Congress.
But then I repeat myself.

~ Mark Twain

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 – Professor Scamp

My first cousin Dolce Vita was entered in the Petzlife 2016 Best Smile contest . She took second place but the winner is a professional dog and should have been disqualified. I can’t smile like this because I have funny looking teeth and can’t afford braces (I don’t get paid enough).
My first cousin Dolce Vita was entered in the Petzlife 2016 Best Smile contest . She took second place but the winner is a professional dog and should have been disqualified. I can’t smile like this because I have funny looking teeth and can’t afford braces (I don’t get paid enough).

•  SPAN is paying for all but $10 a pet on April 21 for spay and neuter in their parking lot at 110 N. Olive behind Vons. Valley Vet Nonprofit of Simi is bringing their mobile unit and doing surgeries. This is

their last one till June as it does get expensive for the thrift store to pay for that for take advantage of this.

•   Founded in 2009, The Forgotten Dog Foundation is a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization comprised largely of dedicated volunteers who rescue dogs simply for the love of animals, especially those who are forgotten. Combined, the group have rescued well over two thousand dogs. Once saved, each dog gets the medical care they need, are groomed and then cared for in foster homes, and are never housed in caged facilities. An application, home check and one week trial is required before any foundation dog is adopted into a forever home.

As a 501(c)3 foundation, TFD is dedicated to rescuing, re-homing, and rehabilitating dogs in need from the streets and shelters, and from owners who can no longer care for their dogs.

For more information, please visit www.theforgottendog.org, and be sure to follow The Forgotten Dog on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

•   By my friend Victoria Usher

A police dog recently helped catch two suspects in the San Diego area known as Oceanside. The pursuit all began when the police attempted to pull the suspects over for a traffic violation, but then the driver decided to leave the passenger in the car and start running. He ran to a portable outhouse in a strawberry field and then he hid in there. A San Diego County sheriff’s deputy and his dog responded to the call when this all first began. The dog was  able to find where the suspect was hiding after he  refused to leave the outhouse, the dog forced him out. The police say that both of the men in the car have been arrested and that two semi-automatic pistols and a shotgun were seized. I think it’s fair to say that the police dog definitely saved the day!

•   The Gurney Institute of Animal Communication introductory Animal Communication Workshop

Is April 30 and May 1. Hosted by Ventura Pet Wellness and Dog Training Center at 3521 Arundell Circle.

Saturday • 10am to 5pm- During this six-hour workshop, you will learn the basics of telepathic communication, first with each other and then with animals. Carol Gurney guides you through a series of fun exercises .

Sunday • 10am to 5pm  During the second day of this workshop, you will learn to communicate with animals from a distance, enhancing your communication skills with animals, do exercises to improve your overall intuitive skills, and learn basic problem solving techniques.  You will have the opportunity to have other students speak with your own animals using photos of your animals while you experience speaking with their animals.

For further information call 818-597-1154, [email protected], www.GurneyInstitute.org

•   I found this from 1866 from Washington, DC. Didn’t have room in last issue.

Dogs, Cats, and Other Domesticated Animals.

(a) Presence in State Capitol Park. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are prohibited in State Capitol Park, for other than official or authorized purposes, except when held by the custodians thereof, or on a leash. Unleashed dogs or cats, and other domesticated animals shall be subject to impounding in a manner consistent with the applicable municipal, county and state laws and ordinances.

(b) Presence In or Upon State Property. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are prohibited in state buildings and grounds, except:

(1) Specially trained guide dogs, signal dogs, or service dogs used exclusively to assist blind, deaf, or other disabled persons. For purposes of the chapter, guide dog, signal dog and service dogs means any dog which meets the criteria as defined under federal regulations adopted to implement Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

(2) Animals held or leashed as described in paragraph (a) within the confines of State Capitol Park or other state grounds.

(3) Animals which are authorized for exhibit or used for official or authorized purposes.

Note: Authority cited: Section 14685, Government Code. Reference: Section 14685(c), Government Code.

•   As part of the Ventura Botanical Garden master plan, a new entrance is being built at the Garden trailhead. Bryce Kulzer is working on her Girl Scout Gold Award by working on putting in a drinking fountain for dogs on the trails.

Bryce stated “I have two dogs, Baxter and Clare, that I love taking for walks up the trail. I think having a fountain for dogs would be very beneficial and a meaningful way to help dogs, dog owners and my community. I have found an ideal portable drinking fountain for dogs. It will be located near the greeter table at the entrance.”

“The long term plan is for a permanent fountain, but that will need to wait until there is a water irrigation supply. I would like to ask for donations that will help contribute toward buying the new dog fountain.”

“Any help is appreciated! Additional funds received will help support dog signage at the Gardens, which is also part of the master plan. If you could make a small donation towards this, it would be great for my project and the Gardens. Thanks for your support!”

What a great kid. It’s easy to make a donation at VenturaBotanicalGardens.com.

17th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Ceremony award 21 adult re-entry students a Phoenix Scholarship

21 adult re-entry students each received a Phoenix Scholarship.

Foundation Donor Helen Yunker addressed the audience with scholarship recipient, Morgan  Stewart and Foundation Executive Director Nobert Tan.
Foundation Donor Helen Yunker addressed the audience with scholarship recipient, Morgan  Stewart and Foundation Executive Director Nobert Tan.

Students receiving awards were from all areas in and around Ventura County

On Thursday, March 31 at the Ventura College Wright Event Center Ventura College re-entry students received scholarships to help achieve their goals.

The 17th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Ceremony offered larger scholarships, helping students overcome financial hardships

21 adult re-entry students, who have overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue their studies at Ventura College, each received a Phoenix Scholarship between $1,000 and $5,000 from the Ventura College Foundation. These students have inspiring stories that all share a common thread: Never give up on the dream of a college education. A total of $37,000 was distributed at the event.

The event was hosted by the Foundation’s staff and board of directors.

In previous years, all students received $1000. The larger scholarships launched this year reflect the increasing cost of education and several Foundation donors’ desire to relieve as many barriers to education as possible.

Recipients were selected based on their academic goals and progress, along with their financial need. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must submit an application and essay, and obtain recommendations from counselors, faculty and employers.

The Ventura College Foundation’s board of directors established the scholarship in 1999 after learning about the unique challenges of Ventura College re-entry students.

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend at the college. For more information, contact the Foundation at  289-6461 or visit www.venturacollege.edu

 

Vol. 9, No. 14 – April 13 – April 26, 2016 – A Tender Touch Senior Placement

“Would you like for us to come over and cook dinner for you?”
“Would you like for us to come over and cook dinner for you?”

Serve Day For The Elders
By Connie De La Rosa

As many of us may be aware of, our elderly population is one of the most underserved populations.  Many elders live on a Social Security which pays approximately $800.00 to $1,200.00 a month and others may have pensions which could bring income levels up to about $3,000.00 a month.  Finding affordable housing, paying for medical devices that are not covered by Medi-Care or Medi-Cal  in addition to other monthly expenses, can be very difficult on our aging population that have many needs.

Each year for one day  a volunteer organization “ACTION” will perform free of charge small scaled tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning, yard work to larger scaled tasks such as retro fitting a house for a disabled person in need. This will be in  May.

“This is a celebration of the daily volunteering we do throughout the County of Ventura for our aging population and others in need”, states Program Director Rachelle Melia stated.  Many churches located in Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Simi Valley and other volunteers, including teenagers, throughout the County are involved in organizing this one day big event for all those in need free of charge.

For more information, you may call Rachelle at 987-0300 or go to their website www.actionvc.org .

 

 

 

CMHS to hold free Ethics In Healthcare Event

Communicating end of life decisions will be the focus of a free Ethics in Healthcare event Community Memorial Health System is holding as part of its 2016 Speakers Series on Thursday, April 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County.

Jim Hornstein, M.D., CMHS Bioethics Chair will moderate the latest Ethics in Healthcare event being held in recognition of National Healthcare Decision Day.

The event, entitled “Goodbye to ‘Death Panels,’ Hello Patient Care – A Must Event for Adults to Understand & Complete Their Own Living Wills” will feature presentations on “How to Complete an Advance Directive,” by Diana Jaquez, R.N., manager of CMHS Palliative Care, and a “Toast to Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment,” by Teri Helton, R.N., president of the Ventura County POLST Coalition. Each attendee will receive an advance directive and POLST form. Presenters will review the forms and help attendees complete them. A notary will be available.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., attendees can arrived before presentations to visit exhibitors with information about elder living, services and programs from local hospice and home healthcare agencies, CMHS Social Services and Palliative Care Services, and representatives from Mission Home Health, Los Robles Homecare, Aegis Living of Ventura, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice and Assisted Home Health Hospice.

Registration is free but reservations are required. To secure reservations visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

 

 

American Icon ‘Gidget’ to speak at Health Expo

How did Kathy of Malibu surfing fame come to get her nickname of Gidget?

Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, a.k.a the real Gidget, never intended to become an American icon.  All the gutsy, persistent 15-year-old really wanted to do was to learn how to surf and meet boys during her bucolic summer days in Malibu, California during the 1950s.

The experiences from that tiny dream, however, led to not only the highly successful novel “Gidget” about her California beach experiences, but were later turned into a movie of the same name starring Sandra Dee and a TV series starring Sally Field.  Combined, they sparked the California surfing craze and catapulted the surf culture into mainstream American life.

“All of a sudden everybody wanted to come to California, be Gidget, fall in love with Moondoggie, and meet the big Kahoona,” said Kohner-Zuckerman, who will share her incredible true-life story during the upcoming Health & Wealth Expo at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura.

Widely recognized as a pioneering female surfer in a predominantly male sport, and an inspiration to generations of surfer girls worldwide, she was ranked seventh among the 25 Most Influential Surfers of all time in Surfer Magazine’s 40th anniversary issue.  “Gidget” is the nickname the surfers at the time gave her, combining the words “girl” and “midget”, due to her small stature, according to Kohner-Zuckerman.

“We are thrilled to have Kathy as our guest speaker,” said Steve Spira, executive director at Cypress Place.  “Her story is amazing and is truly an inspiration to anyone who hears it.”

In addition to her keynote presentation, Kohner-Zuckerman will be signing copies of the “Gidget” novel immediately after her presentation.  Copies will be available for purchase as well.

Along with the keynote presentation, this year’s Health & Wealth Expo at the senior community will include over 30 vendors offering everything from free blood pressure, mini stroke, and vein screenings, free balance and hearing tests, free wealth management consultations, to veteran benefit information.  A free healthy gourmet lunch will also be provided.

Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event including one grand prize; a 50” HD flat screen TV.   Admission is free and the event is open to the public.  Free shuttle parking will also be available.

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday April 27, from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura.  Come meet the real Gidget and hear how this inspiring woman refuses to let life limit her even today as a 75 year old surfing senior.

Corporate sponsors for the event are Assisted Home Care & Hospice, Coastal View Healthcare Center, Mission Home Health, Victoria Care Center, Ventura Vein Center, and Glenwood Care Center.

Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura.  For more information or to RSVP, please call 650-8000.  To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

 

Causes and prevention of hearing loss

“ I heard what you said about me, I’m not deaf ya know.”
“ I heard what you said about me, I’m not deaf ya know.”

Hearing loss happens for many reasons. Some people lose their hearing slowly as they age. This condition is called presbycusis. Doctors do not know why presbycusis happens, but it seems to run in families.

Another cause is the ear infection otitis media, which can lead to long-term hearing loss if it is not treated. For those people who already suffer from hearing loss, it may be hard for them to perform even the simplest of tasks, like speaking on the telephone as they may find it difficult to understand what the person on the receiving end is saying. But this may not have to be a problem anymore as you can now buy phones for hearing impaired people so that they are able to stay in contact with their loved ones and to socialize with their friends, with an unlimited amount of problems. But if you seek the relevant help as soon as you notice a change in your hearing, then any loss can be prevented.

Hearing loss can also result from taking certain medications. “Ototoxic” medications damage the inner ear, sometimes permanently. Some antibiotics are ototoxic. Even aspirin at some dosages can cause problems, but they are temporary. Check with your doctor if you notice a problem while taking a medication.

Heredity can cause hearing loss, but not all inherited forms of hearing loss take place at birth. Some forms can show up later in life. In otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within the ear from working properly.

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is loud noise. Loud noise can permanently damage the inner ear. Loud noise also contributes to tinnitus, which is a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound in the ears.

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. You can protect your hearing by avoiding noises at or above 85 decibels in loudness, which can damage your inner ear.

Lower the volume on personal stereo systems and televisions. When you are involved in a loud activity, wear earplugs or other hearing protective devices.

There are other ways to prevent hearing loss.

If earwax blockage is a problem for you, ask your doctor about treatments you can use at home such as mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or commercial ear drops to soften earwax.

If you suspect that you may have a hole in your eardrum, you should consult a doctor before using such products. A hole in the eardrum can result in hearing loss and fluid discharge.

The ear infection otitis media is most common in children, but adults can get it, too. You can help prevent upper respiratory infections — and a resulting ear infection — by washing your hands frequently.

Ask your doctor about how to help prevent flu-related ear infections. If you still get an ear infection, see a doctor immediately before it becomes more serious.

If you take medications, ask your doctor if your medication is ototoxic, or potentially damaging to the ear. Ask if other medications can be used instead. If not, ask if the dosage can be safely reduced. Sometimes it cannot. However, your doctor should help you get the medication you need while trying to reduce unwanted side effects.

Learn to lawn bowl

senior lawnbowlingOxnard Lawn Bowls Club open house and introduction to lawn bowling.

Free lessons and refreshments; wear tennis shoes or sandals. A hat and tie is not required.

Saturday May 7,  10am – 3pm
Wilson Park,  350 N. C Street, Oxnard
385- 8034,  www.oxnardlbc.com

Ventura County Area Agency On Aging

“ I didn’t fall, I’m looking for my glasses that I dropped.”
“ I didn’t fall, I’m looking for my glasses that I dropped.”

Ventura Council for Seniors presents an Education Forum
Thursday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
At Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE), 5200 Valentine Road
Lunch will be provided by Ventura’s Downtown Rotary.

Presentations will include:
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program
(HICAP) and the Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)
Award-Winning Fall Prevention Program
Case Management
Award-Winning HomeShare Program
Senior Nutrition Program
ElderHelp
Information and Assistance
Advisory Council and Volunteer Opportunities

For more information, please contact the VCAAA at 477-7300.