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What it means to be a FireWise Community

The fire consumed over 1,000 structures.

by Jill Sarick Santos

This December marks five years since the Thomas Fire stormed through Ventura County at record speed and, at the time, resulted in record devastation. The fire consumed over 1,000 structures and burned nearly 300,000 acres. While our community has worked hard these last five years to be better prepared, there still is much more work to do. Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) are grassroots, community-led organizations that mobilize residents to protect their homes, communities, and environments from catastrophic wildfire. In Ventura County, there are several established and some emerging FSCs, all with a common goal: to help ensure our communities are fire safe.

The Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council (VRFSC) was established by concerned property and business owners in 2009, incorporating as a 501c3 in 2010. The Council remained relatively small until 2020 when they received funding from California Fire Safe Council and CalFire. Since then, the VRFSC has grown to a staff of eight who report to nine board of directors. The mission of the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council is to reduce the threat of wildfire to our community, through action, education and collaboration. We achieve this through our three main programs which include, home hardening, coordinating Community Wildfire Protection Planning (CWPP) efforts, and organizing fuel reduction and mitigation activities.

Our Home Hardening Program offers free home hardening assessments that guide homeowners in a range of actions they can take to mitigate their risk. These actions range from zero to low cost with minimal effort, all the way to more expensive and elaborate retrofits. According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), home hardening actions can reduce a property’s risk for ignition by almost 90%¹. The assessments are currently being studied by the insurance industry in hopes that actions taken could translate into more equitable homeowner insurance premium affordability.

Building upon the education and awareness that the Home Hardening program inspires, the Council also coordinates fuels mitigation work, including curbside chipper events for residents. Additionally, the Council is actively identifying strategies that would offer incentives to a homeowner when retrofitting their property to “harden it” from wildfire.

Finally, FSCs work collaboratively across a variety of stakeholder and decision-making forums to update and/or create Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP), which help identify risks and priority mitigation projects.

Once the evacuation orders are issued, it is the goal of the VRFSC that we’ve done our due diligence to ensure that residents are confidently prepared to leave their homes calmly and trust that their structure will survive. This will free up emergency response personnel to focus on their critical work of saving lives and infrastructure. Together, we all can learn to adapt to and live as a FireWise Community.

To learn more, visit the Ventura County Fire Department’s Ready-Set-Go page. Homeowners located in the cities of Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark and Oxnard/Port Hueneme can register online for a free home hardening assessment.

Jill Sarick Santos has led community-based environmental outreach efforts for nearly 30 years and is the Executive Director of the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council.

A “Notable Women in Aviation” exhibit will remain permanently on display

Wings Over Camarillo was much more than airplanes. Photos by Yana Khiyod and Patricia Schallert

The premier air show on the central coast of California, Wings Over Camarillo, returned for its 41st year on Saturday, August 20, and Sunday, August 21. This aviation-themed, highly entertaining, and educational event featured aerobatic performances, parachute teams, military aircraft, helicopter rides, classic car show, STEM pavilion and food and drink. Held at the Camarillo Airport it celebrated Women in Aviation. It was presented by the Oxnard Auto Center.

A “Notable Women in Aviation” exhibit, that will remain permanently on display in the Commemorative Air Force Hangar, was introduced this year. The display includes a timeline of women’s firsts in aviation history, beginning with Jeanne Labrosse of France, the first woman to pilot any aircraft solo—a balloon—in 1798, and ending with Jessica Watkins, the first African American female astronaut at the International Space Station 2022.

Wings Over Camarillo is presented by Camarillo Wings Association(CWA) that promotes aviation and its heritage, while inspiring youth with aviation related programs, education and leadership opportunities.

CWA has donated over $521,000 in the past 11 years to local non-profits, promoting youth in science and aviation. “I want everybody to have fun,” said Bill Thomas, Wings Over Camarillo air boss. Two distinguished local aviators lead the event as grand marshals: CDR Colette Lazenka and Martha Phillips.

Five ways to get the most out of your doctor’s visit

Have you ever left your doctor’s office realizing you forgot to ask an important question? Or were you frustrated because you didn’t fully understand the doctor’s instructions? These tips may help.

1. Decide what questions are most important to ask the doctor

Before your appointment, pick three or four questions or concerns that you most want to talk about with the doctor. You can tell him or her what they are at the beginning of the appointment, and then discuss each in turn. If you have time, you can then go on to other questions.

2. Stay focused on why you are there

Although your doctor might like to talk with you at length, each patient is given a limited amount of time. To make the best use of your time, stick to the point. For instance, give the doctor a brief description of the symptom, when it started, how often it happens, and if it is getting worse or better.

3. Be honest with your doctor

It is tempting to say what you think the doctor wants to hear, for example, that you smoke less or eat a more balanced diet than you really do. While this is natural, it’s not in your best interest. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, it’s important to come out to your doctor, as people who are LGBT have unique health needs. Your doctor can suggest the best treatment only if you say what is really going on. For instance, you might say: “I have been trying to quit smoking, as you recommended, but I am not making much headway.”

4. Share your point of view about the visit with your doctor

Tell the doctor if you feel rushed, worried, or uncomfortable. If necessary, you can offer to return for a second visit to discuss your concerns. Try to voice your feelings in a positive way. For example, you could say something like: “I know you have many patients to see, but I’m really worried about this. I’d feel much better if we could talk about it a little more.”

5. Remember, the doctor may not be able to answer all your questions

Even the best doctor may be unable to answer some questions. Most doctors will tell you when they don’t have answers. They also may help you find the information you need or refer you to a specialist. If a doctor regularly brushes off your questions or symptoms as simply a part of aging, think about looking for another doctor.

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 – Mailbox

Dear Editor:

I was delighted to read the Breeze’s excellent front page coverage of the USL League two final which unfolded with great excitement following a thrilling come from behind victory by our local soccer heroes, Ventura County Fusion.

I was there and it was a thriller– and a wonderful boost for local soccer. Well done Fusion.

As a longtime player, and sport reporter, who has covered several World Cups for CBS radio I however, would like to slightly nitpick over just one line in an otherwise perfect report. The unnamed reporter writes: “Marley Edwards doubled the Fusion lead in the 83rd minute.”

Those of us who seek perfection in soccer reportage, would realize that the Fusion wasn’t actually “leading” at that moment: They were tied 1-1. So, when Marley scored the crucial winning goal–he didn’t actually “double their lead”—because, well: The Fusion only led when his rocket shop bulged in the back of the net! The goal that gave them the trophy.

Otherwise Ventura Breeze, thanks for such great coverage.

Ivor Davis, Soccer nitpicker in chief

Ivor: Picky, picky. By the way the Fusion wrote this so blame them. The only time I ever saw a soccer match was in the 1984 Olympics in LA. Maybe I’ll go again in a few years when the Olympics return.

Sheldon

Ursula Britton

Imagine my surprise when a notice appeared in my mailbox informing me of a proposed 350-unit apartment complex, 5-6 stories in height, right across the street in my midtown Ventura neighborhood! Known right now as Maple Court Mixed Use (PROJ-22-0121), it is located on Maple Street just east of Mills Road, a site currently consisting of 4 office buildings.

It is insane to even think of such a large project for this neighborhood. The only site access is from Maple Street, which is a busy feeder street during commute hours. The increased traffic from 350 units would have to spill over onto Mills Road, already a congested nightmare, and where emergency vehicles have difficulty navigating a path to the hospitals.

This project will do nothing to address the housing affordability crisis, as 90% of the units will be market-rate, meaning they are unaffordable to all but the affluent.

And where does the water come from?? Aren’t we in a severe drought?

The project has zero aesthetic value. It looks cheap and generic, no style whatsoever. Nothing about it evokes Ventura. It could be anywhere. It is too tall and too massive for the neighborhood; it looms menacingly over Maple Street and the backyards of Wesley Avenue. It is a bully.

The Los Angeles developer, Skya Ventures, has a track record so far of 1) inflicting a 92-unit 7-story apartment building on a residential side street in East Hollywood; and 2) renovating a 60-unit lower income apartment building in Highland Park and then evicting 57 of the 60 tenants.

We don’t need any more of this garbage-type development in Ventura. If you agree, let the City Council know your concerns ([email protected]), and remember you can vote them out in Districts 1, 4, 5, 6 this November.

Editor note: See page X for a rendering of this project

The power of man’s virtue should not be measured by his special efforts, but by his ordinary doings.
~ Blaise Pascal

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 – On Vacation

Senior classes offered

OLLI at CSU Channel Islands Fall I Zoom classes began on August 22 but you can still register. Choose from 10 courses, some on Zoom and some both on Zoom and in person, including:

Civic Education on Trump and American History
Cosmology, Astronomy, and Space Exploration
Soiled Doves and Working Girls – California
Profiles of Important Enlightenment Thinkers

Aimed at adults 50 and over, OLLI offers intellectually stimulating six-week college-level courses on a variety of topics without the burden of homework, tests or grades. Classes are $60 each, with a great price on unlimited classes.

For more information, contact the OLLI team at

https://ext.csuci.edu/programs/professional-community-ed/osher-lifelong-learning-institute/ or much easier at (805) 437-2748, Option”2″

Statins may reduce the risk of Parkinson’s-like symptoms in older adults

Taking a statin was associated with a decreased parkinsonian sign in older adults.

Older adults who take a cholesterol-lowering drug known as a statin may have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s-like movement symptoms, according to an NIA-funded observational study published in Neurology. Fatty plaques in brain blood vessels have been linked to parkinsonism, an umbrella term for conditions that cause movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. The researchers found that taking a statin was associated with improved brain blood vessel health and decreased parkinsonian signs in older adults.

Parkinson’s is a serious nervous system disorder that affects less than 5% of the population; however, approximately 30% of adults over age 65 have parkinsonism. People with parkinsonism experience movement symptoms seen in Parkinson’s, including characteristic changes in gait, slowness of movement, tremor, and muscle stiffness. These undesirable symptoms can also increase the risk of falls, disability, and dementia.

People with evidence of cardiovascular disease in their brains are more likely to develop parkinsonism. In these cases, fatty plaques build up on the walls of brain blood vessels, making them stiff. Statins — drugs used to lower cholesterol and other fats — can help eliminate the plaques and keep brain blood vessels healthy. The study researchers at the NIA-supported Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago sought to explore whether statins could be a sound therapeutic strategy to treat or prevent parkinsonism.

The research team followed 2,841 older adults enrolled in studies at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center for an average of six years. They noted whether each participant took a statin and continually tested for signs of parkinsonism. The team also later measured fatty plaques in the brain blood vessels of the 1,044 deceased participants. Results showed that older adults who took a statin had better brain blood vessel health and a lower risk of developing parkinsonism. The researchers also performed statistical analyses that suggest the ability of statins to reduce brain blood vessel stiffness is at least partly responsible for the decrease in parkinsonism risk.

Currently, there are limited options for treating movement problems that occur later in life, and these findings demonstrate the potential of using statins to treat parkinsonism. Still, the authors note several limitations to their study. Because the study was observational, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine if statins can prevent or treat parkinsonism. In addition, the participants in the study were primarily White, highly educated older adults. Future studies should examine the association between statin use and parkinsonism in a set of participants that more accurately reflects the diversity of the population.

Aging BiologyAlzheimer’s Disease Research CentersChronic ConditionsGerontologyTranslational Research

This research was supported in part by NIA grants .

Chamber Ribbon cutting ceremony at Annie’s Portside Boutique

Photos by Patricia Schallert

A Ventura Chamber Ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 11th at Annie’s Portside Boutique, located in a Live/Work space in the Portside Ventura Harbor community at 864 Schooner Ave. # 107 Ventura, 93001. Annie’s love for fashion and design, along with a desire to be part of the Ventura Community, led her to open “Annie’s Portside”. “Annie’s Portside” has a boutique atmosphere where you can enjoy personal shopping with friends while trying on comfy/cozy clothes, jewelry and items for your home along with unique gifts. The Original Pizza Chief, located on Main Street in Ventura provided food and refreshments for the ribbon cutting event.

The Bookmark

About Libraries and Friends
by Mary Olson

The Ventura County Library’s Summer Reading Program, “Read Beyond the Beaten Path”, concluded in August with well-attended wrap parties. After visiting over the summer, patrons, young and older, are all eager for more library programs to come in the Fall.

Storytime will continue at E.P. Foster Library, indoors on the 2nd Floor, on Mondays at 10:30 am and at Hill Road Library, indoors in the Children’s area, on Wednesdays at 10:30 am. For storytimes at the other branches, and to check for updates, visit Ventura County Library website’s Storytime page: https://vencolibrary.org/storytime

Paws for Reading continues at E.P. Foster (Thursdays, 4:00 – 6:00), Hill Road (Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:00), and Ojai Library (Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:30).

Paws for Reading is a reading program designed to help improve a child’s reading skills through reading aloud to a registered therapy dog. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome!

An in-person Minecraft program will be offered at the E.P. Foster, Hill Road, and Ray D. Prueter Libraries simultaneously on the same server. Computer availability is first come, first served. Arrive at the library early to get signed up. This program is limited to participants ages 5-17 years old.

Have Minecraft JAVA edition (for PC/MAC) and want to play from home? If so, please contact [email protected].

Email or visit the library’s Minecraft page for scheduling and more information: https://vencolibrary.org/minecraft

Ventura County Library is seeking volunteers! Please visit the teen volunteers page for more information: https://vencolibrary.org/teen-volunteers and contact [email protected] with your interest.

Ventura Friends of the Library is also seeking volunteers!

Currently, we could really use volunteers who would be interested in researching both the value and potential market for the large collection of Civil War books we recently received, as well as Cd’s and vinyl records.

We can always use more volunteers to sort and price donated books, work in the bookstore in E.P. Foster and work at our quarterly book sales.

You can see what we’re up to at our website: https://venturafriendsofthelibrary.org and find there, in the right sidebar, links to shop at our online store and to subscribe to our monthly email newsletter.

You can always contact us at [email protected] or stop by our bookstore in E.P. Foster Library, open 11 am to 4 pm Tuesday through Saturday.

Vol. 15, No. 24 – Aug 24 – Sept 6, 2022 – The Pet Page

∙SPAN Thrift Store is open to the public and looking for donations of adult clothing, household items and tools. SPAN Thrift Store regularly provides $10 spay and neuter clinics for low-income households for cats and dogs. Upcoming clinics include: Tuesday, September 21st, parking lot of Shiells Park, 649 C St, Fillmore; September 13th, parking lot of SPARC, 705 E. Santa Barbara St., Santa Paula. Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

Since 1992, the Spay and Neuter Animal Network, otherwise known as SPAN, has made it their mission to reduce dog and cat overpopulation throughout Ventura County by raising public awareness about the direct consequence of irresponsible breeding.

Today more than ever, responsible dog & cat owners play the most significant role in the solution to overpopulation by spaying and neutering. SPAN shares in that responsibility by providing financial assistance to pet owners who would otherwise be unable to pay for this procedure.

As a result of their dedication and focused commitment, SPAN proudly releases their 2021 / 2022 fiscal year stats that support over 1300 spay and neuter procedures. These numbers bring SPAN’s 30-year total to over 36,680 spay/neuter procedures. Incredible.

“Our ability to help pet owners is related to our Thrift Store sales, Legacy gifts, and unrestricted cash donations. Thanks to our all-volunteer staff at SPAN, we are proud to say that 100% of our income supports spay and neuter procedures.” — SPAN Board of Directors

For more about SPAN, their mission, and opportunities to assist, please visit website at: www.spanonline.org.

You can shop the SPAN Thrift Store located at 110 N. Olive St. Suite A Ventura

SPAN Thrift Store Phone: 805-641-1170 for hours.

∙Saturday, August 27, 11am-6pm, Clear The Shelters is back after a 2-year break during COVID. Fee-waived adoptions for all animals at the Camarillo and Simi Valley Shelters! Doors open at 11:00am for the adoption of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, bunnies, reptiles, farm-type animals and more. Animals go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, flea-treated, and come with a voucher for a free first vet visit!

Online adoption sign-ups will be suspended this day only due to the event, so all adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Animals can be previewed online at www.vcas.us/pets.

#ClearTheShelters is a nationwide pet adoption event organized by NBC4 and Telemundo52. Promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made. Promotions do not include the cost of a pet license if applicable.

Questions? Please contact us at (805) 388-4341 or [email protected].

∙ On August 10, at 7:06pm, fire units were dispatched to a reported animal in distress at Victoria Ave at Thille St. Units arrived to find a young dog entangled by its leash in brush and trapped in a storm drain. Fire crews were able to make access to the dog and disentangle it from the brush and remove it safely from the storm drain. The dog was assessed and determined to have some injuries to a hind leg and mouth. It is unknown how long the dog was trapped and no owner was able to be identified. Firefighters gave the dog some water and it was taken by Ventura County Animal Services to the shelter in Camarillo. If you recognize the dog or know the owner, please contact Ventura County Animal Services at (805) 388-4341.

Veterinary Viewpoint: How fat is my cat?

Dr. Joanna Bronson

Fat cats are not healthy cats. A healthy cat should have no more fat along his rib cage than the padding on the back of your hand. “Fluffy” is not an excuse for fat. If you can’t even feel his ribs, he’s fat.

As cats age, their metabolism shows down. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, nearly 60% of all domestic cats in the U.S. are overweight. Just as with humans, carrying extra weight can lead to numerous health problems.

Using a scale of 1-5 (5 being high) to measure body condition, stand over your cat while he is standing. If he is not fat, you should be able to see a slight indentation over his hips (looks like a waist in humans). Long-haired pets might be difficult to judge this way.

If his sides bulge out, then he’s chubby. You can also weigh your cat at home. An ideal weight for most cats (dependent on breed, age, and bone structure) is around 10 pounds. If your smallish cat tips the scales at 15 or more, he’s too fat.

Symptoms of obesity can include:

Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs
Sitting or lying down more and an unwillingness to move around
Loss of a visible waistline
Owner’s inability to feel rib or hip bones
Dirty, messy, unkempt hair
Less frequent bowel movements and/or passing more gas

Overweight cats are more prone to diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, and joint pain. Excess weight can also trigger inflammation that can lead to multiple acute and chronic conditions that can become life-threatening.

As cats age, so do their nutritional needs. Free choice feeding is not recommended for older or obese cats. However, drastically reducing or changing your cat’s regular diet is not recommended just as crash diets do not succeed in humans.

Changing diets too quickly can actually be harmful to your cat. For a fat cat, not eating for a couple of days whether from stress, starvation, or refusal to try a need food can lead to a form of liver disease. Therefore, any food transitions should always be made gradually.

Age: Middle-aged cats (8-12) years old are more likely to be overweight;

Neutered: Neutered or spayed cats tend to have a larger appetite;

Environment: Indoor cats are generally heavier than outdoor cats;

Underlying Health Conditions: Food allergies, joint discomfort, arthritis. and keep him healthy.

Ventura fire units were dispatched to a reported animal in distress.

Calorie-restricted foods promote weight loss but help maintain lean muscle mass. These diets combine low fat with higher protein and insoluble fiber to help him feel full.

Dry vs. canned diet. Switching from dry to canned food can help achieve weight loss. Careful washing of food dishes between feedings is important.

Prescription veterinary diets. These metabolic-controlled diets aim to induce ketosis (the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose from carbohydrates) without a reduction in calories fed.

Once a cat has started and his weight loss program, it’s essential to continue the plan to keep him from regressing.

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