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Vol. 9, No. 9 – February 3 – February 16, 2016 – Professor Scamp
• The connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence is well-documented. Abusers often harm pets to intimidate and control their victims or to prevent them from leaving. Too often, victims of domestic violence stay in dangerous relationships and delay seeking help out of fear for the safety of the pets they must leave behind. Even though I think it is wonderful that they want to protect their animals it is still very sad.
In order to protect domestic violence victims and their pets, 28 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have enacted laws that allow courts to include pets in domestic violence protection orders.
To expand to all states the federal protections offered in the Pet and Women Safety Act of 2015(PAWS Act) Sponsored by Rep. Clark, Katherine M. [D-MA-5] will help victims of domestic violence and their pets escape abusive environments and seek the safety and shelter they need. This bipartisan legislation will make crossing state lines to injure a pet an offense punishable by up to five years in prison. The bill will also allow victims to recover veterinary costs and will establish grants to help house victims and their at-risk pets.
In the latest action, on March 31, 2015 it was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations. Don’t they have a committee on cruelty to animals?
Please urge your representative (Hannah-Beth Jackson 805-988-1940) to support this important bill by placing a phone call to her office.
Here is a sample script you can use when speaking to the receptionist: “Hi, this is Scamp and I am your constituent residing in Ventura. I’m calling today to urge Senator Jackson to support S.1559, the Pet and Women Safety Act, to protect victims of domestic violence and their pets. Thank you.”
• In cities’ across the nation, we see recurring issues that prevent willing pet adopters from adopting pets or keeping their adopted animals in their homes. Here are some of the most common reasons that family-pets end up in the shelter system:
Many people don’t know that most adoption agencies provide some free services for eligible pet parents. Caring for a pet can be costly, and in some instances, cost-prohibitive. Legal and community requirements such as vaccinations and registration fees can cost money, as can services necessary for the pet’s wellbeing. Depending on an animal’s age or medical issues, things like spay/neuter surgery, x-rays, blood tests or routine vet check-ups can add up. The high expense of owning a pet often leads people to relinquish animals to the shelter system; they simply can’t afford the cost of care.
Excessive noise, pawing, jumping, energy and destruction are all challenging traits that are common in many pets(certainly not me, I am a pussy-cat like Savana). With a bit of time and dedication on both the pet and parent’s part, these behavioral issues can be trained or managed—however, many pet parents don’t know how to go about finding the resources to fix the problem. The lack of awareness and access to behavioral training are often leading pets back into shelters, and out of loving homes.
Unfortunately, there are many rental properties or communities that restrict the pets that residents can have. Some areas have weight restrictions (good thing that I am on a diet), while others have breed restrictions which could exclude dogs like pit bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. For pet parents relocating to restrictive housing like this, their only option may be to make the heartbreaking decision to relinquish their pets to local animal shelters. In addition, prospective pet parents who already live in restrictive housing will be limited to certain types of animals when adopting—ultimately putting a strain on the animal shelters in those communities.
• by Victoria Usher
Clara Chambers has been sentenced to ten months in custody for running an unlicensed puppy mill once again. Chambers was convicted in 2012 for running the puppy mill out of her home in Las Vegas and she violated the terms of her probation big time! Prosecutors also said that a lot of the puppies died of respiratory and parasitic infections not too long after they were purchased. No animals should ever be treated this way; they deserve so much better. Clara Chambers was ordered by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia to pay $24,000 in restitution to people who had bought the puppies and to also serve twenty-six months of supervised release. I’m glad that courts are now looking at pet cruelty the same as people cruelty.
• Pet owners should always compare pet insurance policies to see what will work best for their budget and breed of pet. There are a number of questions you should ask. Each insurance provider will have a slightly different answer, price and type of coverage. Here are a few things to look for when considering a policy:
* Does your pet’s veterinarian accept the type of insurance coverage you’re considering?
* Is the insurance company licensed in your state?
* Does the policy cover “wellness” or “preventive care” such as annual checkups and shots?
* What is the policy’s deductible? Can you change that deductible from year to year?
* What kind of health conditions or care are not included?
* What are the annual and lifetime care limits, if any?
* What if your pet has a pre-existing condition?
* Are there any extra fees that could be charged?
These are just some of the important questions you should ask of a pet policy provider. You’ll want to find a balance between the cost of the policy and the amount of coverage it provides for different health situations. A discussion with your vet will get you started.
19th Annual Poinsettia Awards Luncheon for youth of the year
At the 19th Annual Poinsettia Awards Luncheon, presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and held in December the Male Student Of The Year was Justin Lucio who attends Ventura High School. Justin challenges himself by taking a rigorous amount of classwork every semester, earning high marks while also taking classes at the community college level. The Female Student Of The Year was Fidelity Ballmer who attends Foothill High School. Among her many accomplishments she is the Editor-in-Chief of the nationally recognized Foothill Dragon Press. She holds a 4.6 grade point average while taking all advanced placement and honors classes.
Dear students, parents, teachers, and musicians
By Dean Adams Lead Trombonist Director
It is time for our second annual Mentor/Protégé program with the Ventura Jazz Orchestra.
The Mentor/Protégé Programs purpose is to incorporate students into a professional working and to perform with the Ventura Jazz Orchestra at the Poinsettia Pavilion Ballroom.The idea is to give the protégé real world experience by playing in a professional band with their own mentor.
Students must be Ventura or Santa Barbara county residents, high school age, and play their instrument at an intermediate level or higher.
Call 646-8594 Please leave message with return phone number and best time to call so that we can conduct a phone interview.
Rehearsals are held at the Poinsettia Pavilion on March 10, 17, 24 with dress rehearsal March 31st (All Thursdays, 7-9:30 pm)
Performance will be the Ventura Jazz Orchestra Spring Swing Big Band Dance/Concert on Friday, April 8.
For more information about the band, visit our website: http://www.theventurajazzorchestra.com.
YMCA serves all ages and needs
The Channel Islands YMCA Youth & Government delegation joined more than 3,500 youth from across the state in Fresno this weekend for a Training & Elections conference held Jan. 16-18 at the Fresno Convention Center. Twenty-two teens with the Ventura Family YMCA were part of the team.
The Youth & Government program offered at YMCAs — including the Santa Barbara, Lompoc, Stuart C. Gildred, and Ventura branches of the Channel Islands YMCA — gives students a chance to learn about California’s legislative and judicial processes by writing bills, preparing briefs, and governmental role-play.
The Ventura Youth & Government delegates are ninth through twelfth graders who attend Foothill Technology and Ventura High School. In California, the experience culminates with Model Legislature & Court in Sacramento in February. To support this program or to learn about how to participate, please contact Sherry Gutsch at 642.2131 ext. 16, or visitciymca.org/ventura.
Throughout Ventura County there are challenges of homelessness, obesity, and people from all ages and backgrounds who are struggling to reach their full potential. For 128 years, the Ventura Family YMCA has been stepping in to address these community struggles through the help of volunteers, collaborators, and generous donors.
Ventura Family YMCA Member Virginia Chavez overcomes her fear of swimming at the age of 75 at the YMCA. Virginia Chavez has been battling oesteo-arthritis for over 20-years, so at the urging of her husband, she became a member of the Ventura Y. After one-year of consistently working out at the Y and attending classes, her mobility began to improve, including her mental health.
“The Y saved my life because I’m so old that I felt as if I had nothing else to learn. So, I gave up on life “ Virgina Chavez recalls.
At the age of 75, Virginia did not even consider learning how to swim when becoming a Y member. Like many people within the community, she came for the gym membership, not realizing that the Y offers more than just programs, but altruistic benefits that differ from a regular gym.
So she made a private swimming lesson reservation with the Ventura Y’s swim instructor Cathy Bryant. Cathy’s kindness and compassion gave Virginia the courage to enter the swimming pool.
“I am no longer terrified of the water or of swimming because of Cathy, and now I love to swim. And I love my life,” Virginia Chavez.
Ventura College named one of the TOP 150 in the country
Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees, along with Chancellor Bernard Luskin congratulate Ventura College President Greg Gillespie. The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program this week named Ventura College one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges eligible to compete for the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million dollars in prize funds, as well as Siemens Technical Scholars Program student scholarships, highlighting the critical importance of improving student success in America’s community colleges.
The Prize, awarded every two years, is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges and recognizes institutions for exceptional student outcomes in four areas: student learning, certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and access and success for minority and low-income students.
Nearly half of America’s college students attend community college, with more than seven million students – youth and adult learners – working towards certificates and degrees in these institutions across the country.
“I am grateful for the dedicated work of all our college employees,” said President Greg Gillespie. “Their efforts directly help students succeed at Ventura College. It is very exciting to receive this recognition from the Aspen Institute and we look forward to completing our application for the 2017 award.”
“Community colleges have tremendous power to change lives, and their success will increasingly define our nation’s economic strength and the potential for social mobility in our country,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. “This competition is designed to spotlight the excellent work being done in the most effective community colleges, those that best help students obtain meaningful, high-quality education and training for competitive-wage jobs after college. We hope it will raise the bar and provide a roadmap to better student outcomes for community colleges nationwide.”
“The community colleges of Ventura County are in driving distance of every citizen and are among the best in America,” said Chancellor Luskin.
“Our job is to serve the citizens of our county, and we are proud to do it. Again, we congratulate Ventura College,” said Larry Kennedy, Chair, Board of Trustees.
This year, California saw the largest increase among states in the number of colleges eligible for the Prize—tripling from seven to 21 since the last Prize cycle in 2015. Most states saw only small changes in the number of eligible institutions.
A full list of the selected colleges and details on the selection process are available at www.aspenprize.org.
Ventura College and 149 other community colleges announced this week were selected from a national pool of over 1,000 public two-year colleges using publicly available data on student outcomes in three areas:
- Performance (retention, graduation rates including transfers, and degrees and certificates per 100 full-time equivalent students)
- Improvement (awarded for steady improvement in each performance metric over time)
- Equity (evidence of strong completion outcomes for minority and low-income students)
Ventura College has been invited to submit an application to the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence containing detailed data on degree and certificate completion (including progress and transfer rates), labor market outcomes (employment and earnings), and student learning outcomes.
Ten finalists will be named in fall 2016. The Aspen Institute will then conduct site visits to each of the finalists and collect additional quantitative data. A distinguished Prize Jury will select a grand prize winner and a few finalists with distinction in early 2017
Vol. 9, No. 9 – February 3 – February 16, 2016 – Police Reports
Felon in Possession of Firearm
On Wednesday, January 20th, at 1:25 p.m., the VPD received a call from a citizen reporting a vandalism that had just occurred to a bench at the Bus Deport, 3330 Telegraph Road. The suspect, Joseph Cruz, was seen using a marker to vandalize the bench and when confronted by the caller, Cruz threatened to harm him. He then left the area.
Officers saw Cruz walking several blocks away. He, along with a female companion, were detained on Dunning Street. During a search of his person, officers located a handgun concealed in Cruz’s pocket. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the firearm was not functional as a real firearm.
He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the VC Jail.
The female was released from the scene. No one was injured during the incident.
Soliciting a Minor for Sexual Acts
On Friday, January 22nd, during various times throughout the day, members of the Ventura Police Department’s Major Crimes, Patrol Task Force, and Street Crimes units conducted an undercover operation in the city of Ventura. The operation targeted sexual predators that were looking to engage in a sexual act with a minor. It also included an undercover officer posing as a female juvenile prostitute.
During the operation, each male suspect contacted the undercover officer and agreed to pay for specific sexual acts. In each case, it was made clear to the suspect the female they were talking to was a minor. After negotiating the cost of the sexual act, they were directed to meet at a certain location in the city of Ventura to engage in the sexual act.
When each suspect arrived at the location, they were arrested without incident and found to be in possession of enough cash to pay for the agreed upon sex act. As a result of this investigation, each suspect was charged and booked into the Ventura County Jail.
The suspects are:
Angelito Baylon, 43 years, Ventura resident
Possession of Destructive Device
On Wednesday, January 27th, at 1:15 a.m., VPD officers were conducting proactive enforcement in the 300 Block of Paseo De Playa. Officers observed a suspicious occupied vehicle in the area and made contact. While speaking with the occupants, Ross Warren and Kambry Cripps, the officers spotted what they believed to be an explosive device under the front passenger seat. The two occupants of the vehicle were removed and detained for further investigation.
The VC Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called to the scene. The item in question was in fact determined to be a homemade explosive device. VCSO Bomb Squad rendered the explosive device safe.
Warren and Cripps were booked into VC Jail.
Felon in Possession of Firearm
On Wednesday, January 20th, at 1:25 p.m., the VPD received a call from a citizen reporting a vandalism that had just occurred to a bench at the Bus Deport, 3330 Telegraph Road. The suspect, Joseph Cruz, was seen using a marker to vandalize the bench and when confronted by the caller, Cruz threatened to harm him. He then left the area.
Officers saw Cruz walking several blocks away. He, along with a female companion, were detained on Dunning Street. During a search of his person, officers located a handgun concealed in Cruz’s pocket. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the firearm was not functional as a real firearm.
He was taken into custody without incident and later booked into the VC Jail.
The female was released from the scene. No one was injured during the incident.
Disturbance Call
On January 30, at 1:30pm Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to a disturbance call at the Holiday Inn Express. The uninvited suspects (Anthony Hernandez, 25, Kamora Corona,18 and Eric Arevalo, 24 all of Oxnard) had arrived at a private party inside of a room at the hotel, and once they were asked to leave, they caused a disturbance and refused to leave. When police arrived, the suspects initially refused orders to leave the room. After a lengthy delay, the officers were able to enter the room and made contact with the suspects. The investigation led to the following arrests: Hernandez was arrested for being in possession of a concealed handgun and trespassing, Corona was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and trespassing and Arevalo was arrested for delaying/ resisting officers and trespassing. The suspects were later booked into Ventura County Jail for the listed charges.
Mail Theft
On January 29 the Ventura Police Department received several calls from residents in the hillside area near Brodiea Ave., reporting the theft of mail. This was of out-going mail placed in mailboxes.
The Ventura Police Department would like to remind citizens that nobody is immune to crime, but there are steps you can take to help make a difference:
- First and foremost, we urge everyone to be vigilant and responsible neighbors and community members. Please immediately report any and all suspicious activity to us at 650-8010 (24 hr. non-emergency number) or 911 in the event of an emergency.
- It is recommended that residents avoid putting any out-going mail in their mailboxes, and place mail directly into an official postal service mailbox or give it directly to the mail carrier.
- Arrange for neighbors or family members to pick up mail or packages when delivered.
- Install a secure or interior mailbox.
- Schedule mail or packages to be picked up at the nearest delivery location.
- Connect and keep up with our department as we issue crime alerts, press releases, crime maps, and other valuable crime and safety information by following us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/venturapd, or visit our website at: www.venturapd.org.
The investigation into these incidents is ongoing. Anyone with information related to these crimes or may possibly have video surveillance of the suspect(s) is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4325, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Vol. 9, No. 9 – February 3 – February 16, 2016 – Cartoons
Tiger
Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
Dustin
Crock
Blondie
Henry
Vol. 9, No. 9 – February 3 – February 16, 2016 – Forever Homes Wanted
Hi: I’m Stella an almost 8 year old beautiful German Shepherd mix who loves to give kisses. I was rescued from Animal Services and I’m grateful to have a chance to find my forever home. I’m an active dog who is good with older children and I’m house and crate trained too. I’m choosy with other dogs and prefer males in playgroups at the kennel. I love going in the doggie pools they have set up for us to cool off and play in. I’m protective of my people and like to be in charge so I need a knowledgeable/experienced owner, additional training and would do best in an adult only home. I need a home with no cats please. I know the basics, come when called, sit and stay on command and walk well on a leash. I’m a really sweet girl who’d love a home and family to call my own. Minimum 6 foot fence required because I’m a good jumper. A 2 foot fence would keep Scamp in.
Hi: My shelter friends call me Lance and I am a true gentleman! I may have been around the block a few times but now I’m in my golden years and really enjoy the finer things in life. I’d be happy to lay by your side all day and enjoy your worship as I deserve. After all, with a name like Sir Lancelot I don’t expect any less! I will reward you with my undying love and affection. Ventura County Animal Services – Camarillo location – 600 Aviation Drive.