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Filing Period for Ventura City Council Candidates Closes August 9

On November 5, 2024, voters in the City of Ventura’s Districts 2, 3, and 7 will head to the polls to elect three City Council members for four-year terms.

If you’re a registered voter aged 18 or older in Districts 2, 3, or 7 and are passionate about serving your community, now is your chance to step up! The Nomination Period runs from July 15 to August 9, 2024. Should an incumbent decide not to seek reelection, this period will extend by five days, ending on August 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. To kick off your candidacy, you must obtain your nomination papers from the City Clerk’s Office during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8am – 5 pm). Note that City Hall will be closed on Friday, August 9 as part of its alternate Friday closure schedule. To accommodate the close of the Nomination Period, the City Clerk’s Office will be open by appointment only on August 9. Make sure to book an appointment to pick up your papers.

Elected City Councilmembers will each represent their respective districts. Candidates must reside and be registered voters in the district they wish to represent when they receive their nomination papers, in accordance with Elections Code 10227. If a Councilmember moves out of their district, their seat will be vacated unless they establish a new residence within the district within 30 days.

Contact the City Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment with Michael MacDonald during the nomination period: call (805) 658-4745 or email [email protected].

For more information on the 2024 General Municipal Election, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Elections.

Tractor Supply Company Foundation Donates $100,000 to National Police Dog Foundation to Support K9 Units Nationwide

The National Police Dog Foundation is honored to accept a $100,000 donation from Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, and the Tractor Supply Company Foundation. This donation is part of the retailer’s launch of its Hometown Heroes program and its $1 million charitable contribution to organizations supporting military service members, veterans, and first responders.

“Tractor Supply’s longstanding support for those who serve our country and communities is rooted in our Mission and Values,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation. “We are so inspired by The National Police Dog Foundation’s meaningful work with law enforcement K9s. It’s an honor for us to contribute to the incredible impact The National Police Dog Foundation has had in our communities and across the nation.”

“This donation from the Tractor Supply Company Foundation is a significant contribution to the National Police Dog Foundation,” emphasized Judi Reilly, President of the National Police Dog Foundation. “This generosity ensures our K9 heroes receive the care and recognition they deserve, strengthening public safety and honoring their dedicated service.”

The National Police Dog Foundation is committed to raising awareness and funds to purchase, train, and provide veterinary care for active and retired law enforcement K-9s. As an all-volunteer, non-profit foundation, they operate solely on donations to keep law enforcement K-9 partners safe and healthy. Donations also help replace K-9s who have fallen in the line of duty and support the annual National Police K-9 Memorial Service.

Your donation, no matter the size, can make a significant difference. Please support our Foundation by visiting www.NationalPoliceDogFoundation.org/donations. To learn more about The Tractor Supply Company Foundation, visit Corporate.TractorSupply.com/Foundation.

Ventura Community Councils

Reasons to get involved with your Neighborhood Community Council:

  1. Connect with your neighbors
  2. Learn what’s happening in your area
  3. Get updates and information from City staff
  4. Participate in projects that make a difference in your neighborhood

College Area Community Council:

https://caccventura.com

Downtown Ventura Community Council:

https://downtownventura.org

East Ventura Community Council:

https://eastventura.org

The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually on 15
August 2024 at 7 PM.  Visit the EVCC website at
https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link.  The agenda
includes the East Ventura police report, followed by a presentation
from Ventura Water on the Ventura Water Pure project status and other
water department updates.

The purpose of the EVCC is to encourage residents to understand East
Ventura problems, needs and expectations, and to recommend, initiate
and/or participate in the development and implementation of programs
or solutions. The EVCC facilitates communications between the
community and government or other service agencies.

Midtown Community Council

https://www.midtownventura.org/

Pierpont Bay Community Council:

https://pierpontcouncil.org

Meeting times: 7PM, Ventura County Credit Union, 2575 Vista Del Mar Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, 7:00 PM Pacific. Meetings will also be live on zoom – see website.

  • Thursday, September 19, 2024
  • Thursday, November 21, 2024
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025
  • Thursday, March 20, 2025
  • Thursday, May 15, 2025

Montalvo Community Council:

https://montalvocc.wordpress.com/

Westside Community Council:

www.westsidecommunitycouncil.org

Meetings: First Wednesday of every month. Bell Arts Factory – Community Room, 432 N. Ventura #101, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

Community Memorial Earns National Award for High-Quality Stroke Care

Community Memorial Healthcare announced that its Ventura hospital has once again received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. This accreditation recognizes the hospital for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

Community Memorial Hospital – Ventura earned the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for 2024 by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients over a designated period. These measures include evaluating the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines, with the goal of enhancing recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

“Our physicians and staff are dedicated to continuous excellence in stroke and cardiovascular care,” said Mick Zdeblick, president and CEO of Community Memorial Healthcare. “This recognition from the American Heart Association underscores our commitment to not only meeting clinical standards but also implementing research-based best practices to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients following a stroke.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of adult disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, causing brain cells to die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke was developed to help healthcare professionals provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines for treating stroke patients. Each year, program participants apply for award recognition by demonstrating their commitment to providing quality care for stroke patients.

Community Memorial also received two additional awards: the Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus and the Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll for 2024. These national recognitions are awarded to hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines program that meet high performance criteria for the speed of treatment for stroke patients and ensure that patients with Type 2 diabetes who may be at higher risk for complications receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.

Situated Within: Art Exhibit by Anette Power and Mary Kolada Scott

Presented by Fox Fine Jewelry, July 11 – Oct 05, 2024

Fox Fine Jewelry downtown Ventura is showcasing works by local artists Anette Power and Mary Kolada Scott.

Mary Kolada Scott: Born in Chicago and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Mary showed early talent in art. After moving to Ventura in her 40s, she worked at the Ventura County Star for nearly 25 years. At 50, she rekindled her love for art with a watercolor class and became a full-time artist upon retiring in 2017. Mary’s work, often incorporating poetry, includes collage, mixed media, and image transfer. She draws inspiration from music and poetry, working in her home studio and painting outdoors. She’s a member of the Ojai Valley Artists and Santa Barbara Abstract Art Collective.

Anette Power: Anette grew up on a small Swedish island and later moved to Pasadena, CA, to study acting. She transitioned to art after working at an animation studio and has since developed a successful career in background animation. Now a full-time mother and artist, Anette blends abstract and realism in her oil and mixed media paintings. She works in her backyard studio and balances painting with graphic design work and completing her art degree at CSU Channel Islands.

Visit Fox Fine Jewelry at 560 E Main St Ventura, or call (805) 652-1800 for more information. www.foxfinejewelry.com

California Government & Disability Summit in Ventura in September

by Carol Leish, MA

This summit, which will help to build bridges and break down barriers to many topics in the realm of disability awareness, will take place between September 24 – 27, 2024, at the Crown Plaza, Ventura Beach. “Attending the conference will give a unique opportunity to gain knowledge from representatives from various levels of government (city; county, and state), non-profits and companies throughout California who want to be able to explore innovative solutions by addressing access barriers across various aspects of life,” according to, Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura. “As we get closer to the summit, I am getting more eager to see the light bulb moments, and new networking and connection opportunities leading to growth in California’s Disability Access space.”

The keynote speaker will be Rebecca Cokley, the first U.S. Program Officer for Disability Rights at the Ford Foundation. She is also a three-time Presidential Appointee under the Obama Administration. She served as the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the White House, where she oversaw diversity and inclusion efforts.

The summit will cover several topics dealing with partnerships, public safety, and disability/emergency preparedness. These break-out session will be: 1) Exploring Public/Private Partnerships; 2) Public Safety Power Shutoff Customer Support & Outreach; 3) Emergency Management; 4) Emergency Preparedness for Caregivers and Consumers-Learn what to do before, during and after an emergency; 5) Emergency Preparedness and the Americans with Disability Act, a Utility Perspective; and, 6) Disability Preparedness Focusing on those with intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

The summit will also cover areas dealing with education, representation, transportation, inclusion, accessibility, building community resilience, accessible voting, access within the criminal justice system, and dealing with a crisis. These break-out sessions will be: 1) Education, Accommodation, Advocacy and Employment; 2) How to Intentionally Increase Disability Representation in the Systems that Impact the Community; 3) Access for all, and Micro-Transit-Increasing Accessible Transportation Options; 4) Partnership, Allyship, and Increasing Inclusion Practices; 5) Ready Accessible, Resilient: Building Stronger Communities; 6) Demystifying Disability Access and the American with Disabilities Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan Process; 7) Creating an Accessible Voting Experience for Voters who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing; 8) Equal Access within the Criminal Justice System; and, 9) What are Crisis Intervention Teams and why do we need to be aware of them?

This summit will foster collaboration towards more accessible communities. It will also empower individuals with disabilities to share their experiences to educate others. This will be possible through championing accessibility at the government level. Attitudes will also change with more awareness being made possible.

“Be a part of this event that will aim to begin new ideas to share the future of access in California and beyond (United States). The event will be helping many to be able to move towards an accessible tomorrow together through building bridges and breaking barriers,” according to Anderson. To register for the event, to get on the email list to stay informed on the latest updates; and, for more information, please visit: www.govdisabilitysummit.org; or, contact Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager, for the County of Ventura at: [email protected].

BAA Members’ Show at Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts

D Dock Ventura Harbor – Lisa Sachs

Running through September 10.

Check out the works of several new BAA members who have joined recently! The Harbor location features the artisan crafts and artwork of ten resident artists with new works arriving frequently. Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts,1559 Spinnaker Dr., #106, 805-644-2750: Open 7 days, 11am – 6pm.

2024 Ventura County Agri-Tech Fair

The Farm Bureau of Ventura County Announces the 2024 Ventura County Agri-Tech Fair.

The 2024 Agri-Tech Fair will be held at the Oxnard Marriott on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The theme is: Learn, Invest, Grow. The fair is designed to be a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge innovations, and advancements in agricultural practices and a platform for fostering meaningful connections within the industry.

The Fair will bring together farmers, agriculturalists, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and technology enthusiasts from around the state to explore the latest trends and developments in AgriTech.

The Fair also offers Continuing Education Units. Two (2) hours of VCAILG CEUs and Three (3) hours of DPR CEUs have been approved. Six (6) hours of CCA CEUs have been requested.

General attendance is free and there is also a VIP ticket option. Please register at: www.vcagritechfair.com

The Farm Bureau of Ventura County is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the agricultural heritage of Ventura County. With over 100 years of service, the Farm Bureau plays a vital role in representing the interests of farmers and ranchers while engaging in educational outreach and community initiatives.

Contact Information: Maureen McGuire, CEO Farm Bureau of Ventura County Phone: (805) 289-0155 Email: [email protected]

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Local film historian and composer Ross Care brings Walt’s People: The Ross Care Letters to E.P. Foster Library on Saturday, August 17, 1:00 to 2:00 pm and the Ojai Library on Saturday, August 24, at 2:00 pm. Anyone interested in how the amazing classic Walt Disney animated features and cartoons were originally created should find this comprehensive recent book of unusual interest. Walt’s People #29 – The Ross Care Letters, is a collection in which Disney studio artists recall what it was like to work with Walt Disney on classic films ranging from Snow White and Fantasia in the early 1940s through later films such as Sleeping Beauty in 1959 and for which artist Eyvind Earle discusses his unique and innovative designs. Several of these artists would also work as Imagineers in the creation of Disney’s unique theme parks.

A book signing will follow each presentation, with copies available for purchase. These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

E.P. Foster Library the Graphic Novel Guild, recommended for 3rd – 6th graders, explores exciting stories with amazing artwork and a creative activity related to the story. Space is limited. Sign up at the 2nd floor desk and pick up a copy of the selected book: NEW KID. Tuesday, August 27 @ 4 – 5 pm.

When visiting E.P. Foster Library, please drop in to
2nd Look Books, the Bookstore of Ventura Friends of the Library
Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm. We have non-fiction and fiction, from $.25 paperbacks to current bestsellers, and a comprehensive children’s section from board books for toddlers to novels for young adults. We also have jigsaw puzzles. All proceeds benefit the libraries of the city of Ventura, providing funding for events like those offered in the recently concluded Summer Reading Program.

Game On! Board Games for all ages continues into the Fall at Hill Road Library. Every Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, drop by and choose from over 35 games to play! Fun for families or a great reason to meet with friends.

Wise Owls is a Book Club for adults who enjoy reading children’s literature, meeting quarterly at Hill Road Library. The Summer selection is Odder by Katherine Applegate. Inspired by a true story from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved animals. Tuesday, August 20, 5:00 to 6:00 pm. The Fall book club selection is Wings Of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui Sutherland.

Hill Road Library Book Club meets monthly on the last Tuesday at 4:00 pm. The August Club Selection is The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Tuesday, August 27, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selections. To join the mailing list for book clubs, email [email protected]

At Avenue Library, Family Stay and Play and Family Coloring continue through the Fall during all open hours at the branch. All are welcome to “stay and play” board games, card games, puzzles and more. Families are also welcome to free coloring pages for all ages. Crayons and colored pencils are provided for in-house use.

Avenue Library is open Monday through Thursday, noon to 6:00 pm and Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The branch is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

 

 

When Life Gives You Fire Danger, Make Mulch

by David Goldstein

Last season’s rains fueled the growth of fire-prone plants, prompting local fire departments to issue numerous brush clearance notices. Fire safe councils assist residents in complying with these notices, offering services ranging from expert advice to grant-funded programs.

The CREW, an acronym for Concerned Resource and Environmental Workers, is a key resource in many parts of Ventura County. This local nonprofit organization specializes in converting cleared brush into mulch. With grants from Cal Fire and the California Fire Safe Council, The CREW has cleared nearly 350 acres of hazardous vegetation, chipped over 22 tons of material, and provided chipping and brush clearance services to 400 properties, according to Greta Charness, The CREW’s development assistant.

Currently, The CREW is partnering with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council to offer free services to Ventura County residents in Fire Hazard Severity Zones, as well as veterans and those facing significant physical or financial barriers to making their properties fire safe.

Residents can sign up for curbside chipping service and learn about upcoming drop-off chipping events on The CREW’s website at www.crewojai.org/chipping. The next event is scheduled for August 17. The site also provides information on acceptable materials and other guidelines.

To prevent mulch from becoming a fire hazard, fire safe councils offer guidance on proper mulch use. Wood mulch within “Zone Zero” (the area within five feet of a house) can be dangerous, as can excessive mulch in Zone 1 (up to 30 feet from structures and decks). However, strategically placed mulch in Zone 1 and beyond can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Communities can work with fire safe councils to host their own chipper events, benefiting from the councils’ expertise in securing grant funding, managing logistics, data collection, chip reuse options, and community engagement. Firewise USA-recognized communities receive priority for some funding sources, and local councils can assist in applying for Firewise USA recognition. Details and sample documents for this recognition are available at www.venturafiresafe.org.

The five fire safe councils in Ventura County are Ventura Regional, Ojai Valley, Bell Canyon, Oak Park, and Ventu Park. Contact the one in your area for assistance with turning overgrown trees and brush into mulch.

David Goldstein, Ventura County Public Works Agency Environmental Resource Analyst, can be reached at (805) 658-4312 or [email protected].