There is always a lot more to do at this time of year.
by Leslie Sokol
Summertime is here and with it comes the desire to get outdoors, breathe fresh air, soak up some sun, and have fun. Enjoying outdoor time and activities with family and friends is sure to lift your spirits and help you maintain your health and vitality, even in later stages of life. Physical exercise will give you power, make you feel stronger and more confident, improve your cognitive skills, and increase energy.
Harness the Power
Whether you’re savoring a stunning sunset or watching your grandbaby take her first steps, the feeling of being in the presence of something bigger than yourself is the definition of awe. Awe reduces stress, decreases physical pain, and expands your sense of time. Live in the moment, get your body moving and enjoy nature – it is so beneficial and satisfying. Spend time with friends and family or start a new hobby – having social engagement benefits your mental and physical well-being.
There is always a lot more to do at this time of year as people shake off the winter blahs. Activities such as barbecues, picnics, beach gatherings and more start happening on a regular basis. Use this time to incorporate outdoor workouts. Walking on the beach, throwing a ball or frisbee, hiking on trails or in the woods, exploring nature with family and friends is a chance to bond with loved ones and get in shape at the same time. Whatever you choose to do this summer, make sure you have fun!
Here is a list of some suggested outdoor exercise and activities:
Yoga
Dance Class
Swimming
Water Exercise
Golf
Gardening
Hiking
Pickleball
Croquet
Tennis
Healthy Tips for Summer Outdoor Workouts
Increase your hydration levels. Drink before, during and after you exercise. Water is one of the best fluids to drink when engaged in activity. Sports drinks with electrolytes and nutrients help replenish vital minerals that you sweat out. You can also rehydrate by eating summer fruits that contain water, such as watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit and peaches, just to name a few. Be sure to bring one of these healthy snacks with you the next time you workout outside.
Wear comfortable activewear, clothes and shoes that breathe.
Always apply sunscreen and wear a hat if possible.
Recognize when it is better to exercise indoors due to hot weather.
Inform others of your plans and when you anticipate to return.
Avoid slips, trips and falls. Always wear appropriate shoes, stay alert, and take your walker with you (if you are using one).
Get out early before it heats up.
Get ready, get set for the best summer yet!
Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder addressing the assembled crowd .
by Richard Lieberman
To turn wastewater into safe drinking water Ventura has been awarded a federal loan amounting to $174 million. The loan will cover half the cost of a new program that will convert treated wastewater into safe drinking water. Currently wastewater from the city is sent to the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility. Once there it is treated and cleaned then discharged into Santa Clara River Estuary. When the program is completed a portion of this treated water will be sent to a new Advanced Water Purification Facility for reuse.
At a news conference held at the city’s water reclamation plant, speakers said the new program will be beneficial to the environment, increase water supplies by around 20%, and will be a safeguard to the community against drought.
Mayor Joe displays a large replica of the $174 million check awarded to the city.
Speaking to the assembled crowd Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder called the award a “monumental milestone” at the event where federal, state, and city officials gathered to revel in the $174 million in new funding. The project is called Ventura Water Pure and upon completion will supply the city with a scientifically proven method that will treat wastewater to drinking water standards.
The loans will pay for about half of the $354 million slated to be spent on the initial phases of the program, said Director Linda Sumansky. Currently 5.5 million gallons of treated effluent are going into the estuary on a daily basis. Around 60% of that will be diverted to an advanced purification plant slated to be built for the project. “The plan is to get to zero discharge. “Said Vince Ines, wastewater utility manager for the city” Another phase of the project which will let all the effluent to be diverted will cost the city an additional $80 million.
Vince Ines Wastewater Manager explaining how the process will work.
Ventura is one of the largest cities in Southern California to rely solely on local water supplies. Rainfall feeds the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and groundwater basins to meet all community needs. Prolonged drought conditions and increasing environmental regulations have created challenging conditions to maintain and increase local water sources.
This new program began after a 2012 legal settlement with environmental groups over discharge of wastewater into the estuary, which provides habitats for birds and fish. Under the current plan wastewater will be sent to a facility being built near Ventura Harbor for advanced treatment. After treatment, the water will be injected into underground basins and blended with groundwater before being made available to water customers in Ventura. Vince Ines wastewater utility manager said “the resulting water will be better tasting and of a higher quality than it is now”
State Officials have not yet approved regulations to allow cities to sell converted wastewater by itself as potable water.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the loan, as part of a $50 billion water initiative supporting infrastructure projects initiated by the Biden administration an EPA official said.
Radhika Fox U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator spoke about the importance of water infrastructure.
“WE have to diversify the water supply and conserve what we have, especially, in the context of the climate crisis,” said Radhika Fox, assistant administrator for water at the EPA.
The city will, of course, need to repay the loan. Terms so far are the city will repay the 35-year loans at an interest rate of 3.66% with revenues paid by water customers. Increases in water rates have already been approved at 6% for water and 7% for wastewater but another rate study will be started in the next couple of years.
“We are grateful to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for awarding the City of Ventura a transformative$173 million WIFIA loan. This funding is a vital investment in our community’s water infrastructure, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of our residents. With the EPA’s support, we can embark on crucial projects that will enhance our drinking water systems, improve wastewater treatment, and promote sustainable water practices,” said Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder.
Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder presented the annual State of the City Address at two events on Thursday, May 25, 2023. The first presentation was hosted by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and held in the ballroom of Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach the second was held at the Museum of Ventura County and hosted by the City of Ventura.
Topics highlighted during the 2023 State of the City presentation included:
Overview of the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget.
Fiscal Year 2024 City Council goals.
The X Games coming to Ventura in July 2023.
Completion of the Classification & Compensation Study.
$173 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan for VenturaWaterPure.
Successfully securing over $66 million in grant funding for various Citywide projects.
Travel related spending and local tax revenue
Encouragement to get involved in the City’s Economic Development Five Year Strategic Plan.
Project highlights and accomplishments from Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Ventura Water, Police, and Fire.
Stephanie Caldwell President & CEO Ventura Chamber of commerce.
Zach Benner receiving his award from Fire Chief David Endaya
During National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week the Ventura Fire Department was proud to recognize Zach Benner as its Paramedic of the Year. Additionally, the Department honored 28 employees with 33 Lifesaving Medals for excellent service to the City of Ventura.
Zach Benner has been a firefighter-paramedic with the Ventura Fire Department for 7 years and was awarded the Paramedic of the Year honor for providing high-quality care to those in need, serving as the secondary acting EMS Coordinator when needed, and showcasing himself as an exemplary leader among his peers.
“Our firefighter-paramedics are highly trained professionals who provide life-saving care in dangerous situations and put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our community,” said Fire Chief David Endaya. “I am proud to lead such an exceptional team and thank them for their commitment to our city, residents, and visitors.”
In 2022, Ventura firefighter-paramedics responded to over 18,000 calls for service, over 13,500 of which were EMS-related responses.
Currently, Ventura Fire has 79 EMS professionals who engage in continuous classroom and manipulative training exercises annually to maintain fine skills and licensure.
The Ventura Fire Department is currently hiring Lateral Firefighter-Paramedics. Learn more and apply online at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/Jobs.
Rotary Club of Ventura held annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon.
The Rotary Club of Ventura East recently awarded $125,000 in scholarships at their annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon on April 27th. 40 Students from the Ventura Unified School District class of 2023, and past VUSD graduates currently in college received the awards.
Those 2023 graduating seniors receiving scholarships from Ventura High School are Lilia Duque, Kanan Welch, Carolyn Caulkins, Brooke Roberts, Hugh Murphy, Liza Manninen and Ella Ullrich. From Buena High School, Xavier Ramirez, Joshua Alcantar, Malia Brown, Colin Guenther and Avery Trask. Natalie LeFevre from Foothill Technology High School also received an award.
Twenty-six prior graduates of VUSD also received grants as they continue their educations at various colleges and universities.
The Rotary Club of Ventura East has now awarded over $825,000 in total scholarships from their club’s foundation. Tim Hughes the scholarship chairman stated “It is an honor and a privilege to honor these outstanding students for their academic excellence and their school and community involvement. The Rotary Club of Ventura East looks forward to honoring future graduates of the Ventura Unified Schools.”
If you are interested in Ventura East Rotary check Facebook at Rotary Club of Ventura East or rotaryventuraeast.org
First place winner Kimberly Fickerson accepts her check for $5000
by Richard Lieberman
Recently at the fifth annual Peace Scholarship Awards Luncheon hosted by the Rotary Club of Ventura scholarships were awarded to local area students. The awards were presented to high school seniors and is unusual for art students to be presented with a financial incentive to pursue and continue their education in art related subjects.
Second place winner Ixzel Nava
Five scholarship awards were offered in amounts ranging from five thousand dollars to the first-place winner, two thousand five hundred dollars for the second-place winner, one thousand five hundred dollars to the third-place winner, seven hundred fifty to the fourth-place winner and five hundred dollars to the fifth-place winner.
The focus of the scholarships presented was on the subject of peace. Students were asked to “Express your voice and show what peace means to you.” For the fifth year of the program the focus on peace remains one of the Rotary Clubs major areas of interest. Peace as defined by the Rotary Club International is an environment that supports equality and justice for all.” An initiative for peace can be anything that supports the human condition, for example the need for food, water, shelter, health care, literacy, jobs and human rights.”
The scholarships were awarded to: First place winner Kimberly Fickerson, for her short film “Rain”, Second place winner Ixzel Nava for her short film “Peace is Infinite”, Third place winner Clarisse Cortez “Let’s Live Together “, Fourth place winner Summer Rose Hayashi for her “Justice is Peace “and Fifth place winner Juan Orozco Mendez for “Peace”
Kimberly Fickerson of Foothill Tech Highschool said “I found out about this scholarship during a presentation from my art teacher. He said it was a really important opportunity for us to try to do it, my mom really encouraged me to take part in It and so then on one rainy day I was sitting down trying to figure out what I was going to do I thought well I could use the rain because I really like the rain. Rain is my favorite type of weather pattern, so I used that to inspire me to write a short poem about rain and then filmed it,” she said “I was quite shocked to receive the award, but I also knew I put a lot of hard work in it, so I was really grateful to receive the award” she added.
Third place winner Clarisse Cortez accepts check
Clarisse Cortez of Foothill Tech High School said, “It started out at the beginning of the school year I noticed the blue poster for the perspectives on peace scholarships I left it on the back of my brain for two weeks.” Cortez said. “Okay, then what should I do so it was really interesting for me because it was like I had to go through a little bit of a paradox like what would war be without peace and what peace would be without war.” Added Cortez. “I worked on the project for three days. Working eight to ten hours each day until completion” she added.
Second, fourth and fifth place winners were not available for interviews after the presentation.
Fifth place winner Juan Orozco Mendez accepts check for $500
Chip In For Charity is more than just a golf event;
Chip In For Charity is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, a non-competitive and family-friendly golf experience dedicated to raising funds for local non-profit groups. This year, Chip In For Charity is proud to support Ventura Land Trust. The event will take place in Ventura, on June 17th, and aims to bring together the community in support of local non-profit efforts.
With a history of successfully raising over $25,000 for local non-profit organizations, Chip In For Charity is excited to continue its mission of giving back to the community. This unique golf event encourages families and individuals, regardless of their golfing experience, to participate in a day of fun-filled activities. The event will take place at Olivas Links Driving Range from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The goal for 2023 is to raise $15,000 to support the local conservation and preservation work carried out by the Ventura Land Trust. Participants will have the opportunity to chip golf balls towards sponsored targets strategically placed throughout the venue, while enjoying local food and drinks and the chance to win prizes. Through generous target sponsorships by local businesses and ticket sales, Chip In For Charity is proud to donate 100% of the event proceeds to their non-profit beneficiary.
“Chip In For Charity is more than just a golf event; it’s an opportunity to make a difference in our community and have fun while doing it!” expressed Maria S, a previous participant.
“I like to think of it as a spin on Top-Golf, but for a local cause,” added Todd G.
Brandon Wasilewski, the media contact person for Chip In For Charity, is available for any inquiries regarding the event. He can be reached at 805-856-8773 or via email at [email protected].
Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to visit the official website at www.ChipInForCharity805.com for more information and to secure their spots.
Chip In For Charity is dedicated to supporting local non-profit organizations through non-competitive, family-friendly golf events. With a proven track record of raising over $25,000 for local non-profits, Chip In For Charity strives to make a positive impact on the community through engaging experiences that blend golf, community, and philanthropy.
The Firefighters’ Ball and Awards Ceremony was a huge success honoring Ventura City firefighters and providing fire families a night of fun and camaraderie.
Highlighting the Ball were the Department’s annual awards:
Firefighters honored at ball.
Captain Austin Araiza received the Firefighter of the Year award for his exceptional work in arson investigations, training new team members, and ensuring the correct use of protective gear.
Engineer Zach Benner was recognized as the Paramedic of the Year for delivering high-quality care and serving as a leader among peers (see separate article).
Captain Christopher Pironti received the Greg Andrews Safety Award for his commitment to workplace safety and support for the Peer Support Team.
Luis Martinez was honored as the Fire Prevention Employee of the Year for his dedication to customer service and producing quality work.
The Matthew Clapsaddle Career Achievement Award was created to honor fallen Firefighter-Paramedic Matthew Clapsaddle, and it was presented to Firefighter-Paramedic Ryan Howard for his support to the Clapsaddle family and his role in the Peer Support Team.
Additionally, Captain Shawn Hughes, Captain Kyle Tong, and Administrative Assistant Kris Edwards received the 3rd Alarm Award for their exceptional support to the department.
After the awards, guests enjoyed dancing, casino games, and a raffle.
Ventura County Library encourages families to “Find Your Voice” and participate in Summer Reading!
The Ventura County Library (VCL) Summer Reading Challenge is underway. VCL encourages the love of reading with a range of free activities for children, teens, and adults throughout the summer. Participants may register at vencolibrary.beanstack.org and record their reading with opportunities to win prizes for reaching reading goals. Registration continues through August 4th. Once again VCL will give away 13 Nintendo Switch Grand Prizes as well as other STEAM prizes throughout the summer to
readers who reach various reading challenge goals. Youth may visit their local branch to choose a free new book to add to their personal collections, once they log 500 minutes of reading.
Families are encouraged to stop by their local VCL branch to participate in themed bi-weekly STEAM activities and challenges.
The Summer Reading Kick-off program features bilingual Magician Zany Zoe. She will appear at Oak Park Library on Monday, June 5 at 3:00 pm; Albert H. Soliz Library on Friday, June 9 at 4:00 pm; Saticoy Library on Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 am; Hill Road Library on Friday, June 16 at 11:00 am;
E.P. Foster Library on Friday, June 16 at 2:00 pm and Avenue Library on Saturday, June 17 at 4:00 pm.
Find Your Voice! Family Musicals Film Fest and Coloring at Hill Road Library offers fun family musicals, drawing, and coloring for all ages.
Tuesday, June 6, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Encanto
Tuesday, June 13, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Sing II
Tuesday, June 20, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: The Lego Movie Part 2: The Second Part
Foster Library’s Young Readers Book Club
Saturday, June 24 @ 1 pm – 2 pm: Discuss One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia & create a
summer journal.
Minecraft Club meets at Hill Road & Foster Library
Mondays: June 12 & 26, 3:30 – 5 pm. This program is limited to participants ages 5-17 years old.
Space is limited. First come, first served.
Purchases from Ventura Friends of the Library bookstore and sales help support the Summer Reading Program.
Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore in E.P. Foster Library open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:30 to 4:00 pm.
You can also shop at our online store at https://venturafol-107753.square.site/s/shop and pick up your purchase at the store in E.P. Foster.
Most pet owners watch their pets carefully and have no trouble deciding when an emergency trip to the vet is in order. But what is the best action to take if your pet has a seizure?
Dr. Kari Foss, a veterinary neurologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, shares the ins and outs of what is happening during a pet’s seizure and advises owners on how to respond.
First, you’ll need to know whether your pet is, in fact, having a seizure as opposed to other conditions. One example would be syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness caused by a drop in blood pressure and can easily be confused with a seizure.
Doctors categorize seizures into three phases: pre-ictal, ictal (active seizure), and post-ictal.
Signs during a seizure may include urination, defecation, and hypersalivation. Many pets may also lose consciousness. Dr. Foss says seizures are typically self-limiting and last less than two minutes.
During the seizure, the best thing a pet owner can do is monitor their pet closely and prevent them from injuring themselves. Dr. Foss warns owners to not reach into or around their pet’s mouth; dogs cannot choke on their tongues during a seizure and the owner risks being inadvertently bitten!
Although it may be quite scary to you when your pet has a seizure, a seizure does not necessarily constitute an emergency. Most often pets will return to their normal state after the seizure.
If your pet does not return to normal within a short period or your pet does not stop having seizures, you should take them to an emergency veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Sunscreen for pets? UV rays can be harmful for dogs and cats, too
By Traci Howerton
When it comes to skin care, most of us are very conscious of protecting ourselves from harmful UV rays and the risks that come along with exposure to the sun.
Protecting our pets’ skin from the sun is not usually top-of-mind, but just as for humans, UV rays can be harmful to pets. In fact, dogs and cats can sunburn and get various types of skin cancer.
Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk, and some pets are more vulnerable than others. Therefore, limit their exposure to the sun and protect them when they are outdoors.
There are sunscreens on the market for pets. Whether a pet needs sunscreen can depend on many factors, such as how much time they spend outside, the part of the day they are outdoors, and the color and thickness of their coat.
The lighter the coat, the more dangerous the sun can be. If a pet has a light-colored coat or a relatively thin coat, it is a good idea to apply sunscreen as a precaution anytime it will be outdoors on a sunny day, even in the winter. For example, white dogs with pink noses are considered the most vulnerable.
When applying sunscreen, the areas to pay attention to are the ears, belly (which often has little hair), and the tip of the nose. These are the places most likely to get the most exposure and to easily burn.
Make sure to use pet-safe sunscreen that is specifically for a cat or dog, as some sunscreens that are OK for dogs are not OK for cats, and vice versa.
For all pets, when choosing a sunscreen, make sure to avoid those containing PABA, zinc oxide and octisalate, or any other salicylates, especially in areas where the pet could reach and lick it off.
• Rochester-area veterinarians are reporting a sharp rise in cannabis poisonings among dogs that are eating products containing the drug, usually in the form of edibles.
Dr. SimonKirk, who is the medical director at Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Services in Brighton, isn’t surprised at the surge of these cases since New York state legalized cannabis for medical use in 2016 and for recreational use in 2021.
The local numbers also mirror a national trend, according to data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPA’s poison control center saw a 300% increase in calls related to potential cannabis ingestion over five years. There were 6,939 such calls made to the hotline in 2022.
Kirk is not overly alarmed by the fact that more dogs are coming into contact with cannabis. He is far more concerned that some of the cannabis-laced products they may eat could also contain grapes, raisins, chocolate or xylitol, which can be lethal to dogs.
Most dogs, he said, make a full recovery from cannabis toxicity and fatalities from exposure to the drug are exceedingly rare. The severity of the toxicity varies depending on the animal’s, age, health, size, and how much THC was in whatever they ate.
Symptoms of cannabis intoxication in dogs include depression, vomiting, urinary incontinence, tremor, poor coordination, tremor, stupor, and low heart rate.
Treatment for THC poisoning will vary depending on the severity of the ingestion, according to Dr. Tina Wismer, DVM, Senior Director of the ASPCA’s poison control center.
Before New York state legalized cannabis, Kirk said dog owners were sometimes wary of admitting that their pet may have ingested it. Now, he said, they are more likely to be open about it, which is best for the person, their dog, and the veterinary staff.
“We are all medical professionals; everything’s confidential,” Kirk said. “So honesty makes our lives a lot easier and frequently decreases the bill because we don’t have to do a bunch of tests to try to figure something out.”
The ASPCA’s poison control center hotline at (888) 426-4435 is also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers are connected with a veterinary staff member who may guide them through an at-home treatment plan if that is indicated.
But the best way to protect pets from cannabis consumption is to securely store the products well out of their reach.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, www.animalrescueneworleans.org.
“When I’m done reading the local and national news I need a nap.” Savana
