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The Ventura Police Department encourages residents to participate in National Night Out

Ventura neighborhoods are invited to participate in National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. This is an opportunity to engage in relationship building with Ventura Police Officers and elected officials.

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that make our neighborhoods safer all year round.

Ventura residents are encouraged to register at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/NNO by Wednesday, July 28, 2021.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for residents to turn on their porch lights and opt outside for an evening of activities,” said Chief Darin Schindler. “Community policing is more critical than ever before. It’s important for our residents and students to engage with our team in a positive environment and know that we are truly here to serve them and keep them safe.”

From small potlucks and front yard chats to larger block parties, chalk drawing contests, and ice cream socials, neighborhoods are urged to connect with neighbors, be creative, and have fun!

Registration is free and gives Ventura Police Officers and city representatives an opportunity to attend local neighborhood events as time and circumstances permits.

The City of Ventura is committed to maintaining the health and safety of all Ventura residents and will be closely following public health and safety guidance for outdoor events.

To learn more about National Night Out activities in the City of Ventura, contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist for the Ventura Police Department, at 805-339-4312 or [email protected].

July is Parks and Recreation Month

The beautiful view from Grant Park. Photo by Michael Gordon

The City of Ventura is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and inviting the community to share experiences, memories, and stories about what parks and recreation programs mean to them.

“Parks and Recreation Month provides a great opportunity to highlight the beauty of Ventura’s open spaces and parks, the importance of recreation facilities, and the positive impact they have on our wellness and quality of life,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, parks and recreation centers have been essential in contributing to Ventura’s strength, vibrancy, and resiliency.”

The City of Ventura Parks and Recreation Department maintains 31 traditional parks, 34 linear parks, three community centers, and offers an average of 2,058 recreation programs annually.

In celebration of this national tradition, the City has planned various activities for residents of all ages and abilities, including weekly challenges to inspire and entertain community members. Weekly prize drawings will be given to people who share photos or short videos of their adventures.

“Parks and recreation programs are at the center of many life experiences and memories. Local parks are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, sites that connect us with essential community services, and so much more,” said Ventura Parks and Recreation Director Nancy O’Connor. “I am proud to lead a team of amazing people who work hard to keep providing essential recreation programs and maintain Ventura’s beautiful trees, open spaces, and facilities.”

According to NRPA, 93% of adults in the U.S. say their mental health is improved by services offered by local park and recreation professionals and agencies.

For details, visit  www.cityofventura.ca.gov/ParksRec, or follow the Ventura Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

For information about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.

Expansion of Hillmont Psychiatric Unit alleviates waits for patients in crisis

The unit has the capacity for 43-beds.

by Carol Leish

“The Hillmont Psychiatric Unit was built in 1995 and licensed for 43 beds,” according to Ashley Bautista, Public Information Officer for Ventura County. “It replaced a 28-bed unit that had been licensed since 1978.

“The unit has the capacity for 43-beds, and is currently staffed for 36 patients. The average length of stay is for 11 days. This increased to 14 days during the COVID-19 crisis. If Hillmont is full, patients are sent to Vista del Mar, here in Ventura, or out of the county to Northridge, Glendale, or Southern California Hospital in Van Nuys.
“With the $2 million proposal, part of Ventura County’s $2.5 billion budget, which was recently approved,” according to Bautista, “an additional 7 staffed beds will be bringing the total capacity of Hillmont up to 43 beds.

“Yes, we agree that the County needs more beds/chairs/placement sites, and we are looking at the full continuum from the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit to Crisis Stabilization Unit /Crisis Residential Treatment to residential treatment and board and care to incrementally enhance the eco-system at all levels,” according to Bautista. “Since the county has a need for it with its population of 840, 000, future expansion plans include: adding Crisis Stabilization Units (6 chairs), which will be coming this fall to St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard; Crisis Residential Treatment (16 beds), which will be coming to Santa Paula this fall; and, a Locked Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility (80-120 beds), which we are looking to bring to Ventura County in the near future.”

“Concerning the Advisory panel urging an option for longer hospitalizations of those who are severely mentally ill in Ventura County,” according to Bautista, “I’ll refer to us (Ventura County), adopting the provisions of Welfare and Institutions Code #270.10 et seq. (Article 4.7 of Chapter 2 of the Lanterman-Petris-Short [LPS] Act) (hereinafter WIC & 5270) which discusses the possible provision for people requiring acute psychiatric treatment longer than that currently afforded under the Welfare and Institutions Code & 5250, in order to avoid the costly and unnecessary filings of Temporary Conservatorship petitions. Thus, if adopted, a WIC & 5270 hold would allow an individual with serious mental illness to be held for up to an additional 30 days. But, if the person in question is stabilized, the hospital can discharge that person earlier without approval from the court or a conservator.

“The above recommendations are supported by both Ventura County Behavioral Heath and Ventura County Medica Center. When it is determined that an individual is gravely disabled and has not stabilized in 17 days, the hospital either discharges and subsequently re-admits (if they missed the window to file for temporary conservatorship), or files for temporary conservatorship which is more restrictive than an additional 30 days. Rights are protected by affording the individual a probable cause hearing.”

Dr. Fankhauser, CEO of both Ventura County Medical Center & Santa Paula Hospital, states: “We are committed to providing high quality, compassionate care to this population (those with mental illness), here in Ventura County.”

CAPS Media Productions for Mayor’s State of the City Message

Welcome to Summer. Here’s a roubust CAPS congratulations to all 2021 elementary, middle, high school and college graduates and their families throughout Ventura. CAPS Media was thrilled to be part of the celebrations by covering and livestreaming the ceremonies from Buena High, Ventura High, El Camino High, Foothill High, Pacific High and VACE. The extensive productions held in the Buena, Ventura and Ventura College football statiums required all-hands-on-deck efforts and long hours for all CAPS Crew members. Following the productions, CAPS received a kind note from Marieanne Quiroz, Communications Coordinator for VUSD, “Thanks to your CAPS team for the incredible work work in making our graduations so special! We could not have done it with out them!”

Immediately following the graduations the work continued when the entire CAPS Media crew pitched-in to produce a set of special videos for Mayor Sofia Rubalcava’s recent “State of the City” update. The videos included individual messages by the City’s seven Council Members (Sofia Rubalcava, Doug Halter, Mike Johnson, Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Jim Friedman, Lorrie Brown and Joe Schroeder). The council member messages were recorded on location in their respective districts with each member sharing perspectives on the past, present and future of the city. A second video featured thirteen City department directors sharing personal messages on the past year’s unprecedented challenges and insights into plans for future for their respecrive departments.

“CAPS is a valued and appreciated partner. Thank you for your talents, and contributions in greatly enhancing the City’s ability to share its stories” convayed in a note from Heather Sumagaysay, Public Information Officer for the City of Ventura.

The complete presentation will be repeated (broadcast and streamed) on CAPS Media Channel 6 throughout the month and the individual videos with the City Council members and City Staff will air and stream interstititally on Channel 6 and 15 as well as included on the CAPS Media website at capsmedia.org/videos/.

Recently the CAPS Media Executive Board met to discuss various issues including the question of when to reopen the CAPS Media Center to CAPS Members and the public. Due to the pandemic the CAPS Media Center has been closed for the past 16 months. The board members discussed numerous considerations including the encouraging vaccination rates in Ventura County, the State and County guidelines for public buildings, the recent emergence of the Delta variant, and potential surges and decided to continue with the cautious position of keeping the CAPS Media Center closed to the public for the next few months.

Despite the CAPS Media Center being closed to Members and the public, the CAPS Media staff continues to work throughout the pandemic shutdown. CAPS crews are in the community and in the CAPS studio every week recording and producing multiple informational and educational and supervise the broadcast of numerous meetings at City Hall including City Council meetings. The CAPS Crews have covered th County COVID updates as well as videos for County Fire, Health, Public Information and other departments.

At the same time CAPS Media Center staff continue to broadcast and stream television programming on Channel 6, Channel 15 and online. Plus, CAPS radio – KPPQ 104.1FM,continues broadcasting and streaming a vast variety of engaging original and acquired radio programs. Go to capsmedia.org for more information.

All of us at CAPS Media encourage everyone to get vaccinated. The sooner we are all vaccinated the sooner we can open the CAPS Media Center to our Members and the public. Our thanks to everyone for continuing to Stay Safe and Stay Strong during these challenging times.

Ventura College Foundation distributes over $640,000 in scholarships 

Scholarship recipient Jimena Pérez Arroyo came to the U.S. from Mexico.

The Ventura College Foundation awarded 400 scholarships to 228 students totaling $642,758 for the 2020/21 academic year. 

Students were notified this month of their scholarship awards. Scholarship amounts range from an average of nearly $2,400 for continuing students to an average of nearly $4,000 for students who are transferring to four-year universities in the fall. Over half of the winners received multiple scholarships. 

“Despite the challenges during the school year because of the pandemic and virtual learning, many Ventura College students were able to excel in their academic studies,” says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. 

Scholarships were awarded in all academic fields which included STEM, art, health and liberal arts. Recipients came from nearly every city in Ventura County including Ventura (75), Oxnard (65), Santa Paula (27), Camarillo (13), Fillmore (8) and Port Hueneme (6). 

A recipient of two scholarship awards this year, Bryan Rodriguez and his older sisters are the first in his family to attend college. His parents immigrated to America to provide a better life for their family.  

Scholarship recipient Jimena Pérez Arroyo, 18, came to the U.S. from Mexico at nine with her mom seeking a better future. “I was taught the value of education and hard work,” says Pérez Arroyo who attends Ventura College full time and works part time.

Pérez Arroyo knew she wanted to be a pilot since she was 12. She excelled in math and science throughout her schooling and is now studying engineering at Ventura College. 

Even though in-person award celebrations aren’t allowed due to COVID restrictions, the Ventura College Foundation is still virtually celebrated the 2021 scholarship awardees, the donors who made the awards possible, and the sponsors of the Scholarship Awarding Week of Celebration. Videos and the 2021 scholarship awards program can be viewed at https://venturacollegefoundation.org/awardevents2021/. 

The Ventura College Foundation is grateful for the continuing support of scholarship event sponsors. They include Edison International, Miracle Mile Advisors, Citizens Business Bank, Searle Creative and Bank of the Sierra. 

For more about scholarships and other support services provided by the Ventura College Foundation, go to www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org. 

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset.

Supporting those working with Kids & Families Together

At least 12 children learned how to ride a bike for the first time.

Do you remember learning how to ride a bike for the first time? The struggles, the frustrations suddenly turning into exhilaration, pride and joy as one achieves this childhood milestone! On Saturday, June 19th, at least 12 of the Ventura County foster, adopted and kinship children attending this Kids & Families Together and Heart 2 Heart event had never ridden a bike before. Within a few hours, they left the event with a bike, new helmet and the confidence that comes from learning a new skill!

K&FT is grateful to the event partners who made this day so memorable and successful for so many Ventura County children! “With their help, 80 children learned bike safety, enhanced their riding skills and at least 12 children learned how to ride a bike for the first time! Just in time for some Summer fun!” stated Jeni Futvoye, K&FT Community Resource Manager

The creation of this event was inspired by grandparents who were receiving support in some of K&FT’s programs. They were a kinship family and had their 7-year old granddaughter in their care. Their granddaughter really wanted to learn how to ride a bike, but neither of the grandparents felt that they were physically capable of safely helping her. The grandmother reached out to K&FT looking for help. That one phone call, sparked the idea for this event which first took place in May of 2019.

2021 Bike Rodeo partners and event sponsors donated helmets, bikes, coloring books, bike safety gear, and more! Thank you to Crosspointe Church Ventura for the wonderful location and storage. Thank you to Pastor Matt, Mark and Lewis! Thanks to Joey and Alex from Bike Ventura for their bike instruction, safety expertise, additional event volunteers, bike service, and the donation of 15 bikes. Thank you to CHP Ventura, Moorpark and San Luis Obispo, for their bike safety expertise, organization of the bike course, donation of helmets, coloring books, bike safety gear, and bringing additional volunteers to the event. Thank you, Officer Steve Lutzke and colleagues! Thanks also goes out to … The Gene Haas Foundation, Project Bicycle Love, Royal Family Camp, Camarillo Amber’s Light Lions Club, The Local Love Project, Open Air Bicycles in Ventura, Raising Hope, Left Coast Parrot Heads and individual donations that came from members of the local community.

These events are always a huge success due to many dedicated and amazing volunteers! 2021 Bike Rodeo volunteers included members of: Bike Ventura, CHP, Camarillo Amber’s Light Lions Club, Left Coast Parrot Heads and many local community members.

Kids & Families Together (K&FT) is a nonprofit that has been serving foster/resource, adoptive, kinship, and birth families throughout Ventura County since 2000. K&FT works with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, loss, and multiple placements. K&FT also works with caregivers who need specialized education, support, and strategies to help raise safe, healthy, nurtured children who thrive.

For more information about K&FT please visit us at: https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/

To learn about all K&FT events supporting Ventura County Foster/Resource, Kinship, Adoptive, and Bio-families please visit: https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/giftaway-events/

 

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Parent and Child Together Class: Infant and Toddlers

Ventura County Library and First 5 Ventura County are proud to partner on Parent and Child Together classes for local families starting this summer. In this free 12-week class, families with infants or toddlers are invited to learn new skills together, play fun activities, and share the love of reading. “Parents are their child’s first and most important teacher. Every child comes into this world ready to learn. It’s never too early to talk, read, and sing to your child,” says Petra Puls, Executive Director of First 5 Ventura County.

Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director says, “By collaborating with First 5 Ventura County and other organizations that serve children from birth to age 3 and their parents, our Ventura County Libraries can make an even bigger difference in early childhood brain development. This program means our libraries will play a key role in providing equitable opportunities for all children to experience language through books and other interactions and provide support for parents who may have few or no other places they can go for help.”

In the class, parents receive a free toolkit with developmental screenings for their child, age-appropriate toys supporting early childhood development, and books exploring social and emotional competence. Librarians also partner with families to address individual needs and strengthen community connections.

Online registration began Tuesday, May 25 for the summer session of classes, which will be held during the months of June, July, and August. Parents must register using this link: bit.ly/VCLPact. The class is limited to six families per location and registration is on a first come, first served basis. If the class is full, a waiting list will be created, and interested families will be notified of any openings.
Attendance is limited and all participants must follow safety protocols in place at the time of the class – including distancing and face coverings – while in the library.

The summer session of classes will be held weekly in Ventura at:
Community Room
Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura
1187 Riverside Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The full class schedule may be found on the library’s online calendar of events: https://vencolibrary.org/calendar.

This class is offered in partnership with First 5 Ventura County. It is supported in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library. It is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Antonio Apodaca, Education and Outreach Coordinator, (805) 218-3821.

Visit Olivas Adobe

When visiting Olivas Adobe, Docent Mary Thompson can show you the wonderful living quarters and provide a historical overview of the families who lived there. Enjoy an afternoon filled with California history, art, and see Ventura County’s only remaining Monterey style adobe home from the Rancho-era. Olivas Adobe will open to visitors the second Sunday of each month, May-August 2021, from 11am – 3pm.

Rubicon returns with performances at Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai.

Young performing rehearsing for live performances.

Rubicon Theatre Company announces their dramatic return to live performances with an eclectic season of three Youth Theatre shows to be performed at the outdoor amphitheater at Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shrek the Musical and Les Misérables.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream July 9th and 10th at 8p.m

Under the light of a magical midsummer moon, romance runs amok when prankster forest fairies meddle in the affairs of four young Athenians and a group of amateur actors. One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, this lighthearted play celebrates the capricious, dream-like and sometimes silly nature of love and desire.

Shrek The Musical, Jr. July 16th-18th at 8pm

A hilarious and joyous musical, adapted for the stage from the popular Dreamworks’ animated film about a big green ogre who ventures out of his comfort zone to discover what beauty – inner beauty – really means, and finding true love in the process.

Directed and choreographed by Cheryl Baxter-Ratcliff and George Baxter-Ratcliff with Musical Direction by Billy Thompson.

Les Misérables August 12th-15th at 8pm

This epic, enthralling musical masterpiece, set just after the French Revolution, is an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The thrilling score includes “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more.

Directed by Kirby Ward with Musical Direction by Anthony Lucca

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rubicontheatre.org or by calling the box office at 805-667-2900. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (plus service fee).

While our guest services office at Rubicon is not open for in person purchases, our guest services staff is available from 12pm-4pm Tuesdays through Saturdays via phone. Tickets are available at the door, but advance purchase is encouraged. All performances will be at Villanova Preparatory School, 12096 N. Ventura Avenue, Ojai.