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County of Ventura approves move aligning VCAAA as division of HSA

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors has voted to approve a change in the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s administrative reporting structure, which will see the VCAAA become a division of the Ventura County Human Services Agency. The move is intended to better align the county’s older adult services.

The VCAAA will retain its current organizational structure, and there will be no change to the existing services provided by the VCAAA, or how clients access these services.

A newly formed Aging and Disability Department will oversee both the AAA functions and programs, and in a phased manner, will assume oversight of four programs currently managed by the HSA: In-Home Support Services (IHSS), IHSS-Public Authority, Adult Protective Services, and Public Administrator.

Victoria Jump, the current director of the VCAAA, will oversee the new Aging and Disability Department and become an HSA Deputy Director.

“For everyone that has relied on us for more than 40 years, the VCAAA will continue to provide the same high level of service to the community that we have come to be known for,” Jump said. “That’s not going to change. The VCAAA’s services will be enhanced as a result of this new structure.”

A reason for the reorganization is to reduce the siloed nature of how services to shared populations are delivered. Both existing VCAAA and HSA programs currently serve many of the same clients. Improvements in communication and coordination will reduce duplication of efforts and resources. The move will also create a central point in access for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers, and provide more integrated services to these populations.

Additionally, the reorganization will improve the level of administrative support available to the VCAAA, aiming to streamline operations and create better outcomes for clients. Further, it may result in additional leveraging of federal and state funding to support critical programs for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

The changes will take effect with the new fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2023.

Older adults currently comprise 26% of Ventura County’s population, and that is estimated to rise to 29% by 2030 and 32% by 2050. In recent years, both a State Master Plan on Aging and a Ventura County Master Plan on Aging have been established with the aim of addressing the complexities faced by an aging population, and the HSA/VCAAA merger will help the County better accomplish the goals laid out in those plans.

Vol. 16, No. 17 – May 17 – May 30, 2023 – Scamp Club

Hi: We’re Cole and Jax, playful Dachshund / Chihuahua X puppies in need of a new home.

We’re active and good with other dogs. It’s unknown how we’d do with cats. We can’t wait to be a cherished member of a loving family.

Since we’re just puppies, children in the home must be at least 6 years of age. We know we’re cute and everyone will want us, but please be sure you’re ready to take on a puppy as it’s similar to having a newborn (2-legged kind) in the home

If you’re ready and able to give us a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet us. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.

Home


CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Hi: I’m Gorda a 2-year-old female German Shepherd Dog Mix
I would make a great addition to your family.

Shelter: VCAS Camarillo Animal Shelter
Animal ID: A822423

Ventura emergency personnel respond to traffic collision

On May 15, at 12:36pm, the Ventura County Fire Communication Center received multiple calls regarding a traffic collision at Telephone and Portola. Ventura Police units quickly arrived on scene and determined a person was trapped in the vehicle. Fire personnel arrived within minutes of the initial call and found a single passenger trapped in a vehicle with major damage. The vehicle was stabilized, and extensive extrication was deployed to remove the victim and transport the victim to the Emergency Room with Fire personnel via ambulance. The cause of the incident remains under investigation and the Ventura City Fire Department would like to remind the public that seatbelts save lives.

Ventura Bike Depot, Inc.

My background of being tenacious and not accepting failure as an option has guided me.

Offers a friendly, safe place to explore the bicycle as an alternative form of transportation.
Free test rides on the latest variety of electric assist bicycles. Both rear hub drive and mid-drive. Come experience the difference and see why the spread in price is warranted.

What inspired Shelley to start this business?
In 1982 she trademarked and imported for the first Italian made Quadricycles into California. The factory name at that time was “JOMARK.” She trademarked the name “Pedalina® “ and opened a dozen rental businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara, CA.

Shelley Sund, direct descendant of a Washington State homestead family, moved from Seattle to San Diego and imported the first sea container, one of many and was on her way. Trademarking, talking to Franchise companies, and building up fleets and business locations all around. In 2003 she performed a corporate name change from Cycles-4-Rent, Inc. to Ventura Bike Depot, Inc which has been successfully in operation at 239 West Main Street from 1994 to present.

After forty-one years of building and evolving the bicycle business, Ventura Bike Depot has the advantage of a full-service bike shop with new bike sales, repairs & tune ups, plus rentals. Situated right on the bike path system, VBD has an identity all its own with great knowledgeable staff and friendly service.

Shelley Sund, CEO of Ventura Bike Depot, Inc.
Founding Member of The Ojai Bicycle Coalition (1999)
Cycle California Coast (2017)
NBDA Natonal Bicycle Dealer Association (Since 1982)
Channel Islands Bike Club member
Bike Ventura member & Donor
Speaker at the Womens Economic Ventures (WEV) in Santa Barbara, has drawn her advice to always be able to mold and change your business plan on the spot as this can be very useful, especially when you can identify that it may not be working as well and needs an adaptation or mutation.

A background of being tenacious and not accepting failure as an option has been a guiding force.
Remember the book about the story of “Mrs. Fields Cookies?” Hearing how even her own husband who was a financial wizard, told her it wouldn’t work but she did it anyway? Well…. LOL
Even during the recent pandemic and past economic downturns, this business has flourished.
.
My target client/customer is anyone who loves to incorporate bicycles into their lives, somehow, someway. The motto is essentially “More butts on bikes” whether that’s for car replacement, a second car, recreational enjoyment, training, exercise, etc. bicycles are efficient, healthy, green and just plain FUN!

Open Everyday 9-5
239 West Main Street, Ventura, (805) 652-1114
[email protected]
Website: http://www.VenturaBikeDepot.com.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

One County One Book
The Ventura County Library and Ventura County Library Foundation are beginning planning for One County One Book for 2023. One County, One Book unites the members of the Ventura County community in order to spread interest and facilitate discussion about selected books. The selected title for 2023 is Solito by Javier Zamora. This year, the author talk will take place earlier than in past years, on Saturday, September 30, 2023. The main author event, VIP Reception with the author, and booths featuring vendors, non-profits, local authors and children’s story time will take place on the campus of CSU Channel Islands.

Are you a local author, vendor, or non-profit who would like to participate?
Please contact: [email protected]

Legos at the Library
On Fridays, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, E.P. Foster Library hosts Lego Play. Children of all ages are invited to bring their imaginations and experiment with creative designs.

Hill Road Library’s Maker Lab offers Lego Challenge on Thursdays, from 3:30 to 4:30. On
Thursday, May 25, children can bring a favorite stuffed animal to Maker Lab and create protective
armor out of Legos to shield it with an exoskeleton or create a camouflage suit!

Find Your Voice! Family Musicals Film Fest and Coloring

Beat the heat this summer at Hill Road Library with air conditioning, 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
Tuesday, July 11, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Soul
Tuesday, July 18, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Trolls World Tour

Find your Beach Reads
(and audiobooks and jigsaw puzzles)

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.

At Hill Road Library, check the Friends of the Library sales shelves, directly ahead of you as you enter the library. Choose your books and deposit payment in the box whenever you visit the library.

Volunteer Appreciation Week held at CMH

Valerie, Tinette, Patty and Adam prepared the great meals.

During Volunteer Appreciation Week members of the Community Memorial Health Services Auxiliary were treated to a delicious lunch in the 8th floor auditorium of the Mountain Tower of the hospital. Hospital staff served the beautifully displayed entrees, salads, and desserts that tempted auxiliary members as they entered the room. The food did not disappoint!

The many hours of service performed by Auxiliary volunteers allow hospital staff to provide the quality care for which CMH is known. Almost every day volunteers may be seen in various parts of the hospital in their distinctive navy blue and white uniforms. From the front desk to the emergency room, gift shop, pharmacy, and most other departments, they continue to assist nurses and staff in providing patient care. The luncheon is one way the hospital staff show their appreciation for all the time that is contributed.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer with the CMH Auxiliary, applications are available at the front desk of the hospital, or you may ask any of the volunteers and they can obtain information for you. In addition, you may call the Auxiliary office at (805)948-4299 and leave a message with your contact information. You will be appreciated!

“From the Avenue to The Channel Islands” Program

680 students from DATA Middle School will dive into outdoor recreation and ocean-related activities after months of environmental education with MERITO Foundation’s “From the Avenue to The Channel Islands” Program

Last fall, the MERITO Foundation launched a new program in partnership with De Anza School of Technology & the Arts (DATA) Middle School, Ventura Unified School District, and the City of Ventura, titled “From the Avenue to The Channel Islands” (ATCI). The program gives students from DATA, many of who reside in the community of the Avenue, the opportunity to take part in outdoor recreation and environmental education in their local community and natural areas.

DATA students in the ATCI program have been learning about environmental, ocean and climate sciences, as well as participating in environmental restoration, exploration and monitoring. In addition, this month all 680 DATA students will partake in an array of exciting outdoor recreation activities, such as kayaking, hiking, surfing, sailing, and camping. DATA science teachers enrolled in the ATCI program were given a variety of educational and recreational opportunities to choose from for their students based on specific grade levels.

The core focus of study for 6th graders in the program is watershed science. Last December, students biked from their school on the Avenue to the Ventura River estuary with our partners at Once Upon a Watershed where they learned the importance of keeping our watershed clean. Students also planted vegetables and native plants in their native habitat garden and harvested lettuce as part of the Garden Club. In May, they will be catching some waves, taking surfing lessons with Surf Class at Surfers Point.

7th grader ATCI participants are immersed in environmental and ocean science topics, such as urban runoff, coastal and island ecology. Students have had field experiences at the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility where they toured operations, performed water quality testing and monitored wetland birds.

The focus of education for 8th-grade students in the ATCI program is on ocean and climate topics such as ocean circulation, sea level rise and plankton ecology. On April 12 and 13, they boarded the Mystic Whaler, a 100’ Tall Ship replica, where they collected water samples, measured physical parameters, and identified plankton while learning the basics of sailing.

The pinnacle experience for all DATA students in the ATCI program will be 2 night/3 days camping trips to Santa Cruz Island! 220 students in grades 6 and 7 (accompanied by 30 chaperones) will camp, hike, kayak, and snorkel, all while learning more about the natural history of the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary.

The ATCI program also provides DATA students with leadership opportunities as “Youth Outdoor & Environmental Stewards”. Currently, there are eleven youths chosen as stewards, who are providing 50 hours of community service. They support MERITO and partner organizations at outreach events, field experiences, and assist with the DATA Middle School leadership program. As stewards, they also have the opportunity to job shadow professionals at work with our partner organizations, including the Port of Hueneme, Ventura Water, and Buenaventura State Parks.

 

Dianna Cleveland, Ventura County’s Residential Personal Assistant, Improves People’s Lives

Dianna Cleveland has a passion for people and works with them to improve their lives by helping them make their home and office life more organized, efficient, simple, and easy. With her tech-savvy skills and vast experience in household and office organization, she helps people ranging in age from 35-95 to solve problems they haven’t been able to solve or haven’t had the time or family support to accomplish. Her work greatly enhances their lives by removing the clutter in their homes and in their minds, systematizing their day-to-day tasks, and to keep up with current technology; all of which helps them find more inner peace, joy, and more time to live their lives to the fullest.

She has a long list of the types of projects she provides to her clients which include de-cluttering, categorization, systematization, computers/TV/Smart Phones and Tablets, and several Internet issues and opportunities to simplify their lives. She is available for short-term projects or longer-term support. See her advertisement on page ____ for more details.

After a long marriage that ended five years ago, Dianna moved to Nashville for over a year, and then came back to Orange County, California where she had lived for over 27 years raising her family and running her own publishing business that provided specialized reading materials to schools to help students build their reading fluency and comprehension.

COVID-19 greatly affected her company’s sales as her clients were public and private schools, and not knowing what the lasting effects might be, an opportunity arose to sell her business during the pandemic. So, after more than 20 years of being self-employed, she decided to take that step, and then take a year or more off to rest and restart and then decide what was next. Her personal assistant work began with one person knowing a friend who needed help. She then was referred to others that also referred her to others which has given her the many current and past clients she has today.

Dianna has two sons and one daughter, all grown and doing well, and five grandchildren ranging from 1-7 years old. They live from San Clemente to Sacramento which led her to explore Ventura to be in the middle. She is very active in her community and also loves to play tennis! You can find details and contact information at www.diannacleveland.com.

Ventura County Fire responds to structure fire at the Original Pizza Chief

On May 8, at 6am, the Ventura County Fire Communication Center received multiple calls regarding a possible structure fire in the Original Pizza Chief located at 1612 Main St. Fire personnel arrived on scene within minutes of the initial call and found smoke coming from the building. The fire was knocked down within 8 minutes of the initial 911 dispatch. The Ventura City Fire Department would like to remind all business owners to ensure that they have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in addition to having an effective evacuation plan.

From Businesses to Bungalows, The Lashley Group 

Ian and Jaime possess a keen eye for identifying individuals with the entrepreneurial spirit.

by Ross Williams

Southern California’s real estate market is renowned for its competitiveness, especially when it comes to buying and selling businesses. However, Ian and Jamie Lashley have found their passion. They operate The Lashley Group, a boutique firm specializing in business brokering and residential real estate.

Ian’s journey began during the 2008 market crash when he decided to sell his retail clothing business. This experience led him to discover the world of business brokering, where he could leverage his skills and knowledge to assist other entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams. After gaining six years of experience with other brokerages, Ian took the plunge and established his own business brokerage firm.

While the past few years have proved to be a great for real estate, the current market has seen a significant slowdown in house sales. Consequently, Ian’s focus this year has ben on the flourishing business selling side.

Ian specializes in selling various types of businesses, with a particular emphasis on service, manufacturing, and the food and beverage industry. Many of these transactions involve negotiations surrounding purchase price, leases, and assets. Ian’s role primarily centers around mediating these negotiations, which can be influenced by factors such as financing, training, and the transition period with the previous owners. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in business sales. Most sellers prefer to keep the sale hush-hush, as they don’t want to jeopardize client trust or worry their employees. Prospective buyers often need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to inquire about a business for sale.

Determining the value of a business requires an assessment of its potential value and current worth. Ian examines profit and loss reports, tax returns, and cash flow to understand the business’s financials. This enables him to evaluate whether a business is underperforming and ascertain its true value.

Buyers come from various backgrounds and industries. Plumbers may acquire other plumbing businesses, while individuals may opt for retail, wholesale, or restaurants. Private investment groups might purchase businesses and retain the owners for a transitional period to learn the ropes. These groups often specialize in specific business types or industries like plumbing or manufacturing.

Ian and Jamie possess a keen eye for identifying individuals with the entrepreneurial spirit. The most rewarding aspect of their job is helping people achieve their dreams and being part of their clients’ journeys. Business Brokerage website: www.TLGbusinessbroker.com | Real Estate website: TheLashleyGroup.com | (805) 535-3693 | @TLGbusinessbroker