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Ventura providing senior services

senior providing senior servicesVentura’s Adult/Senior Services provides thousands of adults, 18 years and up, with recreational, specialty, social and health and fitness programs at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center (VAAC), 550 N. Ventura Avenue, 648-3035, open M-F 9am- 3pm. Many classes are open to adults 18 years and up and some are open to adults 50 years and up.

The public is invited to “Consider the Conversation: A Documentary on a Taboo Subject” on Wednesday, November 4, 10 am to 12 pm, at Ventura Adult Continuing Education, 5200 Valentine Rd. This powerful film that examines how Americans live at the end of their lives and how to prepare for this final chapter of life. Free but RSVP (lunch provided) at 648-3035. Presented by VCS, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice and Ventura Adult Continuing Education.

You are invited to participate in the Ventura Council for Seniors board meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9:30a-11:00a at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center . The Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS), formerly the Ventura Council on Aging, formed in 1975, is designated by the Ventura City Council as the representative organization of all seniors (50 and over) in the City of Ventura.

Westside Café.  Join on Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 12:30pm, in the Ventura Avenue Adult Center’s Two Trees Banquet Room for the friendliest lunch hour in Ventura with a meal that includes a nutritious hot entrée, salad bar, and fresh fruit and vegetables. Check out the Adult pages of My Ventura each issue for Westside Café Days, seasonal celebrations that mark birthdays and feature special desserts and musical entertainment. **Suggested donation: $3 per meal for those 60 and over and $5 for those under 60. At Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N Ventura Ave.

The Home Delivered Meals Program is designed for homebound individuals 60 years and up who live in Ventura. For more information call 648-3035.

Senior News Line – Higher Medicare Part B Costs

medicare-part-bBy Matilda Charles

As it stands now, if Congress doesn’t act immediately, many of us will be faced with a big increase in our Medicare Part B cost in 2016. Even if Congress acts to stop the increase, consider this fair warning that it could happen in the future.

Here are some of the figures:

Most of us currently pay $104.90 for Medicare Part B, and it’s taken directly out of Social Security checks before we even see the money. The new costs for many of us are slated to jump up 52 percent, up to $159.30. The deductible is likely to jump from $147 to $223.

Seventy percent of us fall under the “hold harmless” rule, which means there will be no increase because there likely will be no Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in 2016. Those people are covered. It’s the other 30 percent who will shoulder the increased costs of Medicare for everyone else. (It’s been calculated that if the costs were spread equally, everyone would pay $120.70 per month.)

Those who will pay extra:

* Anyone who signs up for Medicare for the first time in 2016,

* People who are direct billed for their premiums,

* Those enrolled in Medicare but not Social Security because they’re still working.

 

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

10-4 5:30-6:55pm, officers on patrol enforced ordinances and state laws in reference to hoop netters fishing for spiny lobster around the breakwater.
10-5 12:05pm, received a report of a shark thrashing outside the surf at Emma Wood beach.  Officers responded and searched the area but were unable to locate a shark but did observe dolphins in the area thrashing around.
10-6 9:15-11:35, officers monitored hoop netting activity around the breakwall.  Several warnings were issued for boating and hoop netting violations.
10-7 10:05pm, received a report of an intoxicated male on one of the sport fishing vessels that was heading out.  Officers responded, removed the individual from the vessel and treated minor wounds from a fall.  A cab was hailed and transported the fisherman home.
10-8

 

 4:22pm, officers were dispatched to a water rescue at the Ventura Pier, for a male who jumped off the pier.  Patrol responded by boat and assisted State Parks remove the victim from the water.  The male was eventually arrested for resisting arrest and other violations.

6:40pm, the 120ft x 60ft catamaran research vessel Cheyenne, formerly owned by Steve Fosset was given permission to secure to the Port Districts longdock for a few days to gather equipment and provisions before embarking on a research dive mission at the Channel Islands.
10-9 10:59am, received a report of a medical emergency aboard a recreational motor boat fishing the backside of Santa Cruz island.  Patrol arranged for paramedics to stage at the launch ramp and officers escorted the vessel when it arrived at the Harbor entrance.  The male was complaining of symptoms related to heart disease and transported to local hospital.

5:16pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue near San Pedro lane.  Officers responded with a boat and RescueWaterCraft to assist a swimmer who was caught in a rip current.  The victim was rescued and released at the scene.
10-10

 

 11:10pm, received a report of joy riding on a City Sailing Center boat in the Pierpont Basin.  Officers responded and observed several juvenile’s fleeing from the sailboat and escaping into Marina Park up the city dock.  The sailboat was taken en tow and returned to its slip without incident or damage.

1:57am, officers were dispatched to a 83 year old female complaining of chest pain at a local hotel.  The patient was treated and transported to local hospital.
10-11 2:07pm-6:25pm, officers performed lifeguard duties at South Beach and Surfers Knoll.  Officers executed over 20 water rescues of persons caught in rip currents and hundreds of safety contacts for beach patrons and swimmers.

5:00pm, received a dispatch to a person hit by a vehicle in the Marina mobile home park.  Officers responded and assisted medics with c-spine precautions.  The patient was transported to local hospital for further treatment.

1:09pm, received a dispatch to a fall victim at the Ventura Harbor Village.  The patient fell and sustained an injury causing significant bleeding.  Officers responded and treated the patient.  She was released with advice to seek medical attention for the injury.

 

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Events

by Ana Baker

Would you like to meet new friends? Whatever the reason, Ventura’s Conversation Group is the right place for you. This eclectic group meets Wednesdays from 4p.m. to 5:45p.m. Located at the Yolanda’s Mexican Restaurant at 2753 Main St. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Be sure to bring an interesting topic to discuss.

Free admission stage show, 2p.m. to 4p.m. First Sunday of every month.  Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45p.m. Located at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $9, non-members $11. Call 407-9971 for more information.

DBSA Ventura, the local chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) hosts two regular, confidential, peer-led, self-help support groups in the County. The evening meeting takes place every Tuesday from 6:30p.m. to 8p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church located at 6950 Ralston Street in Room 301 of Building 300. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 253-3289 for more information.

The daytime meeting is held from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center in Ventura on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Turning Point Foundation’s New Vision Center is located at 1065 E. Main Street. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 746-3106 for more information.

Oct. 29: Seattle-based Flamenco dancer Savannah Fuentes brings her latest show, Northern Lights to WAV in Ventura at 175 South Ventura Ave. Savannah will be joined by cantaor (male flamenco singer), direct from Spain, Juañarito, and guitarist Bobby de Sofia. The 8p.m. performance is the 27th stop on a 35-date tour of the Western U.S.

Oct. 31:  Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m. at Calleguas Creek/ Round Mountain. Leaders: Karin Kersteter 901-2203 and Adele Fergusson 415-4304.  Round Mountain is a small lake at the base of a scrubby hillside. Birds such as Hooded Mergansers, Lesser Yellowlegs and White-faced Ibis feed in the lake. In the nearby hills, wrens and gnatcatcher forage for insects.

Oct. 31: Ghouls, ghosts and games will be available at the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430 6th Annual Halloween Pre-Teen Carnival from Noon to 3p.m. Located at the Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Dr. Hot dogs, chips, punch are provided for kids 12 and under. Age appropriate games will be played and prizes. Come in costume or not, prizes will be awarded and activities are open to children 12 and under.

This highly successful event is supported and participated in by Elks sponsored members Girls Scout Troop and Cub Scout Troop, Ventura Boys and Girls Club is and other youth organizations

Nov. 1: On Sunday, Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions monthly meeting will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Land-Use in Ventura County: should we SOAR? County Supervisor Steve Bennett, one of the co-authors of SOAR, will speak to the history, value and future of SOAR at E.P. Foster Library’s Topping Room 651 E. Main St. Admission is free.

Nov. 1: Ventura Audubon Society’s Work Day – Hedrick Ranch. Leader: Sandy Hedrick 340-0478. Arrive at 8a.m. for birding which usually yields some interesting birds. Work from 9a.m. to noon. Long pants and boots or closed shoes are required. Bring water, gloves and sun protection.

Nov. 2, 16: The Ventura County Philatelic Society will meet on Monday from 7:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.  Stamp trading and camaraderie located at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road.

Admission and parking are free. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Nov. 3:  Mended Hearts of Ventura Group meets on the 8th floor of the Community Memorial Hospital.

Tuesday from 7p.m. to 9p.m.  Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant.

Call if more information needed Richard Hatcher 644-2733

Nov.4: The Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Club, (BCNN ) is a group of active women of all ages who live in Ventura, Oxnard, or Port Hueneme and enjoy activities such as hiking, bridge, dining, wine outings, reading, cooking and more. No charge for meeting and no reservation is required.

Located at the Ventura Museum Pavilion from 9:30a.m. to 11a.m. Coffee or Tea is available at a nominal charge of $1.00. Speaker: Amy Tyrel Chef & Owner, Morsels as you Wish, will be the speaker

For additional information, please visit bcnnwomensclub.org  for more info call 647-8105 or 985-8085.

Nov.4: Join the Urbane Cafe, 4960 Telephone Rd on Wednesday, from 4p.m. to 9 p.m. for a Fundraising Event for the Ventura Soroptimist Club. Come and check out the salads and sandwiches that Urbane Cafe has to offer. Just download the flier from website at www.soroptimistventura.org/fundraising.html and bring it with you when you order. Urbane Cafe will donate 20% of the sales to the Ventura Soroptimist Club for their scholarships. For questions please call Cyndi Damron at 216-4728 or [email protected].

Nov.5, 11: Spice-Topia will be hosting cooking classes by Chef Amy Tyrrell of Morsels as You Wish. Each class fee is $35 and includes a complete recipe book and sampling of all dishes on that evening’s menu. Nov.5: Holiday Appetizers & Desserts features Pear, Pecan and Blue Cheese Canapes plus lots of other good stuff. Nov.11: Holiday Sides features Pistachio Risotto with Saffron plus lots of other good stuff.

6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., 576 E. Main St. 628-3267 spice-topia.com

Nov.6, 8: Opera Santa Barbara will open its 2015-16 season with a uniquely compelling, film noir-inspired production of Mozart’s timeless masterpiece Don Giovanni. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 6, and at 2:30 pm on Sunday, November 8, in Santa Barbara’s historic Granada Theatre. Ranging in price from $29 to $204, tickets can be purchased at www.granadasb.org or 899-2222.

Nov.7:The Salvation Army in Ventura invites everyone to enjoy an evening of music and more as part of a free holiday concert on Saturday,  from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road.

The concert, which kicks off the 2015 Christmas Kettle Season, features one of The Salvation Army’s premier concert bands from Torrance, California.  Money received in the Christmas Kettles is used exclusively to provide services and assistance to disadvantaged families in individuals in Ventura.

Lt. Fabio Simoes of The Salvation Army in Ventura explains that, in addition to a special family-oriented event, “it is an opportunity for the community to learn about and perhaps partner with The Salvation Army to do the most good for Ventura.”

For more information call 659-3598.

Nov.7: Starlight Supper Club will host an evening of 1940’s glamour, taste, and sophistication. The 3rd Annual Starlight Supper Club’s fundraising event will benefit Project Understanding. Featuring the Ventura Jazz Orchestra Septet on Saturday at 5:30p.m. located at the Crown Plaza Ventura beach.

Admission $75. Tickets available for purchase at: https://starlightsupperclub2015.eventbrite.com

For more info please contact Charleen Morla 236-1309 or visit www.projectunderstanding.com

Nov. 7: 8:00 a.m.  Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip Pine Mountain Leader: Karin Kersteter 901-2203. If you have never birded Pine Mountain (not to be confused with Mt Pinos), now is time! Join us as we bird several locations, beginning at Pine Mountain Inn on Hwy 33 and ending at the top of Pine Mountain, at an elevation of 6600 feet. The fields around Pine Mountain Inn are teeming with sparrows and finches, including Lawrence’s Goldfinches and Golden-crowned Sparrows. Glowing golden cottonwoods will add to day. Further up the mountain, we will be seeing and hearing usual montane species, such as Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch and Steller’s Jays. Carpooling is suggested for this trip due to narrow winding roads.

Nov.8, 15: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura annual Fine Art and Crafts Fair will take place on two Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. The fair features a large variety of art, photography, mosaics, jewelry, stained glass, crafts, textile art and more. The fair will be held in Berg Hall at the church, located at 5654 Ralston St. Ample parking is available in the back of the church.

Nov. 10: Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip, Emma Wood/Ventura River Estuary, begins at 8 a.m. Leader: Adele Fergusson 415-4304.  Begin at the entrance to Emma Wood State Beach, searching the scrub for sparrows and warblers. Follow the path that leads through the willow forest (often finding wrentit and other secretive birds here) and finally across the sand dunes to the Ventura River Estuary. The estuary is always an exciting place to bird, and target birds.

Nov.13: Family Science Night is happening Friday, from 6p.m. to 7:30p.m. in room 114 of Buena High School.  Hosted by Science League students, who are organizing an evening of fun participation and demonstration for local families (target audience: ages 8-13).  The evening is free, although science themed snacks will be available for purchase.  Theme for the evening is “Halloween Leftovers”.

Nov. 13: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution November luncheon meeting will feature the program” The Other 14th Colony – Vermont “, presented by Mr. Fred Dunn.  The luncheon event will take place at 11:30 a.m., Friday, in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave. All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us.  The cost for lunch is $20 per person, and includes a slice of Marie Callender’s pie.  For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992.  For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

Nov. 14: Paul Bishop book signing will be from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bank of Books, 748 East Main Street. With her special abilities, top LAPD Robbery-Homicide detective Calamity Jane Randall thought she knew all about interrogation until she was partnered with detective Ray Pagan. Wielding a suspect’s vocal intonations, emotions, and physical gestures like a scalpel, Pagan’s empathetic lie catching abilities are legendary. Ripped from the experiences of thirty-five year veteran LAPD detective and nationally recognized interrogator, Paul Bishop, Lie Catchers takes the reader inside the dark and dangerous mind games of the men and women for whom truth is an obsession. More info call 643-3154.

Nov. 14: The Ventura Beginners PC Users Group will meet Saturday, in the third floor lounge of the Cypress Place Active Senior Living building, 1220 Cypress Pl. A review of Ribbon commands will begin at 9:15a.m., followed by Q&A session, and a presentation at 11a.m. by Michael Shalkey on Skype and Internet features. Everyone who would like to know more about their computer is welcome to attend any or all sessions. For more information 648-1368.

Ventura Hillsides Conservancy needs volunteers

On Sat., November 14th, the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host a community tree planting party at the Big Rock Preserve near Foster Park to help kick-off the City of Ventura’s 150th birthday. VHC invites volunteers and community leaders to join them from 9 a.m. – 12 noon along the Ventura River Parkway to help plant 150 oak trees on property owned and managed by VHC.

VHC, a non-profit local land trust organization, was awarded grant funding by the County of Ventura’s Resource Management Agency for the purchase and planting of nearly 500 trees.  Over the next several months, they plan to host several planting parties where they will remove non-native plants and replace them with trees that are native to Ventura County.

“Planting trees adds additional aesthetic and wildlife value to the Big Rock preserve,” said Derek Poultney, VHC conservation manager. “Trees are not only beautiful; they also produce oxygen, provide homes for animals and prevent erosion.”

The 17- acre Big Rock Preserve is a collection of five properties owned by VHC. The name Big Rock comes from a once-popular swimming hole on the property that was home to a large boulder before floods swept it away. Though the boulder is gone, the water remains.

Due to the unique geology of the area, the Big Rock preserve is one of the only places between the Ventura River estuary and Matilija Canyon that has year-round water. The area is home to endangered steelhead trout, as well as western pond turtles, herons, deer, red-legged frogs and bobcats.

To RSVP for tree planting day, visit www.venturahillsides.org and click on the Events tab. For more information, call VHC  643-8044.

VCPWN Progressive Networking Mixer and Silent Auction

The Ventura County Professional Women’s Network (VCPWN), one of the county’s long standing organizations supporting the interests of women business owners and professionals, is hosting a Progressive Networking Mixer and Silent Auction on November 12th from 5:30 to 8:15pm.  This event, held at the Wedgewood Banquet Center in Ventura at 5880 Olivas Park Drive, will provide a fun environment for business networking, good food and new friendships.

Founded in 1982, VCPWN has enjoyed a long tenure of promoting the professional and personal growth of Ventura County women through education, mutual support and sharing of resources.  With the current members in diverse businesses and professional disciplines, VCPWN continues to be one of the premiere woman-focused organizations in the area.

For more information about the event or to register log on to www.vcpwn.org.  You can also get more information about joining this great group.

The cost for the evening is $28 and can be paid at www.vcpwn.org/dinner-meeting, or at the door.

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Professor Scamp

scampDandy’s weight was 570 pounds when it was seized, extremely underweight for a horse of his size.

•  A Simi Valley woman was sentenced in Ventura County Superior Court for the neglect and abuse of her horse. Two months prior she had been convicted of animal cruelty in connection with her lack of care for the horse.

Superior Court Judge Ryan Wright sentenced Ursula Wardzinski to 20 days in Ventura County Jail with no credits for her arrest on Oct. 6 and for a failure to appear for her prior sentencing date on Sept. 16. She also will have 36 months of probation and not be allowed to own animals for up to five years. In addition, Wardzinski will be required to pay restitution to the Humane Society of Ventura County. Wright also ordered the horse, named Dandy, relinquished to the care of the HSVC.

Twenty days? Hardly enough. Should have been 20 years.

•  The Board of the Conejo Rec & Park district is expected to approve turning three temporary off-leash dog areas in their parks to permanent status at their next meeting to be held on Nov. 5. The three parks are Walnut Grove, Estella and Kimber. The parks have been used for this purpose on a temporary use for six-months while noise and neighbors’ concerns where addressed.

Now maybe Ventura can consider adding a few more off-leash parks here. We have one that has fenced off-leash areas (one for big dogs and one for smaller dogs) and one park that designates an area at certain hours to be off-leash. I certainly think that we need more of these. Marina Park has several large grass areas one of which could be used for this purpose. Especially since there have been some problems there with people allowing there dogs to be off-leash and not cleaning up after them.

•  I like to ask questions from my veterinarian friends. I asked Dr. Jennifer Kelly, DVM at Ohana Pet Hospital (www.ohanapethospital.com) the following.

Q. My human is thinking of getting another dog to keep me company. How can I be sure we’ll get along (And they won’t eat all of my food)?

A. It always interesting how dogs will get along because all dogs have different personalities. You will probably be happier if they get you a pal of the opposite sex. It would be great if your human could bring you to visit your possible new friend at the shelter to see how you like each other before taking it home. Your humans should give you plenty of extra love and attention to make you feel secure when they bring home the new dog.

Q. My dog neighbor always has to walk in a circle before she lays down.  Is that weird?

A. This habit was actually passed down the family tree from her undomesticated ancestors.  They didn’t have a comfy doggy bed like you and your friend so they walked in small circles to create a bed in the tall grass.  It was also helpful to rid the area of any bugs or snakes hiding out (I always check around my bed first for snakes).

Q. I’m not crazy about getting shots. Do I need the Rabies vaccination every year?

A. I’m sure you got your first Rabies vaccine when you were 16 weeks old since that is required for all dogs by California State Law. That shot is good for only one year. However after that, you only need the Rabies vaccination every three years. Also, for all your cat friends there’s a feline-exclusive Rabies vaccine they should have every year ( I’ll be sure to pass this on the Savana).

•  From my friends at Paw’s Corner. Hopefully it will start cooling off, I’m tired of the heat and humidity.

Dear Paw’s Corner: Temperatures are really warming up now, and with it, I know, will come the annual onslaught of fleas on my dog, cat and all over my house. Is there any way I can get rid of fleas for good?

Flea infestations are incredibly annoying and tough to beat –even when you think fleas have been eradicated, they often come back. Winter temperatures often send these pests into dormancy or at least reduce their activity, but they return with a vengeance in spring and summer.

A pre-emptive attack could make a big difference in this summer’s flea wars. While you may not notice adult fleas on your pets just yet, flea eggs or larvae may be present on their fur or throughout the house.

Start by talking to the veterinarian about the best treatment for your pets. Many owners swear by one-month topical treatments that are applied to the back of a dog or cat’s neck, but others are leery due to potentially serious side effects. Consider alternatives if you’re not sure.

Next, treat your home for fleas — using a carpet and upholstery treatment designed for both adult fleas and their eggs. You’ll want to tackle not just the carpet and dusty corners of the house, but the furniture and any linens, such as curtains, that aren’t frequently cleaned. Keep pets out of rooms until the treatment you’re using has been vacuumed up or washed away.

Through the summer, brush your pets’ coats daily, checking for fleas. Vacuum and dust at least once per week.

Fire Department hosts National Fire Prevention Week

Fourth Graders taught fire safety at training grounds

On, October 13, and, October 14, as part of National Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 4-10), the Ventura City Fire Department and the Ventura Unified School District hosted two days of hands-on demonstrations, fire science and fire safety lessons for about 1,500 fourth-grade students, their parents and school staff at the Ventura City Fire Training Grounds. Fire safety is not just relevant for kids though. Even business owners could benefit from learning more about fire risk assessments. Fires are a deadly risk and if a business building doesn’t have the correct measures in place, deaths can happen. It is very saddening to learn that many don’t employ a fire guard at their commercial buildings. When it comes to learning about fire safety, it isn’t just homeowners who need to know this. Even if you own your own business, the idea of learning about the importance of Fire Door Installation, for example, could make your office a lot safer for yourself and the staff. Plus, it is always best to be safe than sorry.

Fire Chief David Endaya led the day’s activities. He spoke to the kids about fire prevention, what firefighters do in their daily jobs, and what it takes to become one.

youth fire daysThere were several demonstration areas at the facility, which is located at 765 S. Seaward Ave. at Alessandro Drive. One area included a simulated fire displaying how and why firefighters sometimes cut through the roofs of burning buildings.

This year’s National Fire Prevention Week focused on educating families about what causes home fires, how to prevent them, and what to do in an emergency situation. Fire prevention and safety was emphasized to the students so that they could take the information home to teach the whole family.

They were told that everyone in their families has a role to play in home’s fire safety. Both adults and kids should be familiar with smoke alarms and home fire escape planning. Ventura City Fire Department encourages you to visit www.firepreventionweek.org to find in-depth information and tools that will make your home, your work, or your classroom a safer place.

Fires spread amazingly fast due to modern construction materials and synthetic based home furnishings. Sometimes the difference between life and death can be minutes, or even seconds. A little preparedness and prevention can go a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safe in the event of a fire.

More emergency preparedness information is available at cityofventura.net/fire or visit facebook.com/venturacityfire and youtube.com/VenturaCityFD.

Former Ventura Mayor shot by burglar

Gregory Carson became Mayor at only 33 years old.

A police report stated that on Oct. 9, at 7:50pm, in the 8200 block of Denver Street, Gregory Carson (57) had been shot in his home while interrupting a residential burglary. The shots Carson received non-life threatening gunshot wounds.

Shortly after the incident was reported, an alert Ventura Police Officer saw a vehicle that witnesses described as leaving the vicinity of the crime. The officer followed the vehicle south on Montgomery Ave. across North Bank Drive. The suspects abandoned the vehicle on Topaz Ave., and Alejandro Valdez, 26, an Oxnard resident, was immediately taken into custody. With the use of Ventura Police K-9’s and assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit, Ventura Police Officers searched for the remaining 3 suspects, however, they were not located. The additional suspects were described as Hispanic males 20-30 years old.

Gregory Carson served on the Ventura City Council and as Mayor in 1991 when he was only 33 years old. He was appointed to the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners on June 23, 2008 and has served on several other boards as well.