The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.
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Vol. 14, No. 11 – Feb 24 – Mar 9, 2021 – Police Reports
by Cindy Summers
Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura Police Department and are not the opinions of the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Narcotics Arrest
On February 12, at 12:30 pm, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics unit conducted a traffic stop on a wanted subject, 27 year old Ventura resident Jessica Williamson, in the area of Victoria Ave. and Ventura Blvd. Her warrant was for transportation and possession for sale of a controlled substance.
During the detention and subsequent investigation, detectives discovered narcotics and evidence of narcotics sales inside Williamson’s vehicle.
As a result of the investigation, Jessica Williamson was arrested for transportation and possession of methamphetamines, fentanyl, and heroin for sales.
A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Jessica Williamson has prior arrests for providing false information to a peace officer, theft, commercial burglary, and narcotics possession, transportation, and sales.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
On February 17, at approximately 6:30 pm, Ventura Police Department officers responded to the 800 Block of Thompson Blvd for a report of a man that had been struck with a stick. Officers located the victim, a 28-year-old male, bleeding from a laceration on his head.
Witnesses and corroborating evidence indicated that the victim had been standing outside of a business when he engaged in a verbal argument with the suspect, who then struck the victim in the head with a large stick.
The suspect, described as a white or Hispanic male in his 30’s with long hair, fled and was not located. The victim was treated and released by paramedics at the scene.
Strengthen research skills, support health equity with the 2021 Butler-Williams Scholars
by Patricia Jones PHD Director, Office of Special Populations (OSP).
Are you an early-stage investigator hoping to establish a career in aging research or a junior faculty member who wants to better understand and address health disparities in the field? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then you can combine these interests by applying to the 2021 NIA Butler-Williams Scholars Program!
The Butler-Williams (B-W) Scholars Program is a unique opportunity for early-career scientists to build a national network in the field of aging research; learn more about NIA science and its funding opportunities; and sharpen grant writing skills. It is especially helpful for researchers who are planning for a career development award or their first R01, but anyone interested in aging research is encouraged to apply.
The B-W Scholars Program is presented by the NIA Office of Special Populations, which works to strengthen the understanding of health disparities in aging research and mentor a diverse next generation of scientists. Like the 2020 program participants, this year’s B-W Scholars will meet virtually in adherence with COVID-19 safety precautions. The training program continues to be a popular and effective opportunity to grow your professional network in aging research.
The immersive and intensive B-W Scholars Program blends seminars, presentations, small group discussions, and networking. Participants will connect with NIA leadership, scientific review and program staff, and NIA-supported extramural researchers. The 2021 B-W Scholars curriculum includes:
The B-W Scholars Program will be held virtually on August 24-26, 2021. Interested early career investigators must apply by the March 31 deadline. This training is offered at no cost to successful applicants. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Researchers from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, women, and/or individuals with an interest in minority health, health disparities, and advancing health equity research related to aging are especially encouraged to apply.
Apply at https://www.nia.nih.gov/.
Vol. 14, No. 11 – Feb 24 – Mar 9, 2021 – Mailbox
Dear amazing Publisher of the Ventura Breeze:
First may I please thank you Sheldon from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the many folks who found the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group because of your incredible generosity to print our meeting notices since January, 2016! There have also been many times over the years you covered and printed special articles about the Group and our activities to help bring awareness about Parkinson’s Disease to the public, a big thank you again for being such an important part of the “support” in Support Group!
In your November 18, 2020 issue you also printed a deeply appreciated tribute to my husband Robert Jenkins who passed away last November 2 with complications of a 14-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Words can never express how much that tribute meant to me, our families and our Support Group family.
So, it is with a heart full of gratitude for all that you have given the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, our Community and myself that I am writing to announce that I will be taking a sabbatical as the Volunteer Coordinator for now. I can’t imagine having gone thru the journey of Parkinson’s Disease without the support of all of our Group Members and Friends, the many presenters over the years, community support from the Lexington and the City of Ventura and your unwavering support for both Robert and I.
Jennifer Parkinson Iljin of Neuroboxing/Neurocommunity will be keeping our efforts alive and our “Group in the Loop” with upcoming zoom meetings and other amazing programs to help and support all who face the incredible challenges of living with Parkinson’s Disease. I still welcome folks to call me if they’d like to get their email address added to the list so they can stay connected if they are not already receiving our emails.
Yours truly,
Patty Jenkins
Hi, Sheldon
I just finished the latest Breeze and laughing my head off about how the lizards started the wild fires! So funny! How do come up with this far out humor? Thanks for keeping us entertained.
Judith Beay
Judith: I sniff a lot of glue. Smoking pot has lost its luster now that it is legal.
Sheldon
Opinions
I too was shocked to find out that Rep.Greene apparently wasn’t aware that the Jewish Satellites were down just prior to & during the wildfires due to escrow negotiations with prospective buyers from a nearby galaxy hoping to join in the space x project becoming partners with Star Link.
Is it possible she is trying to cover up some new found possible evidence linking her distant cousins the “Greene Lizards, family of acting legend Sgt.Stadinkto” to the devastating fires? Let’s hope not, we don’t want any negative influence among our united, legitimately elected ones who are chosen to represent “we, the people.”
Kim Koonce
Correction:
In our last issue we had the article “Humane Society of Ventura County during the Pandemic.” To adopt a pet or to make donations to the Humane Society of Ventura County these are the correct contact information www.hsvc.org & https://www.hsvc.org/wishlist.
Don’t worry if you are a kleptomaniac, you can always take something for it.
~ Robert Benchley
The Y helps community children learn to be safe around water
As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the Ventura Family YMCA will provide scholarships for swim instruction and water safety to children from underserved communities in the City of Ventura and surrounding areas.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years old. In ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average, according to a USA Swimming study. Additionally, 64 percent of African-American children, 45 percent of Latino children, and 40 percent of Caucasian children have no or low swimming ability.
“Educating children how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street,” said Amy Bailey , Executive Director of the Ventura Family YMCA. “The Y’s teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives it builds confidence.”
The Y believes this is especially true following 2020’s COVID-19 shutdowns. In a typical year, the Ventura Y teaches a large number of children in their swim programs—this decreased in 2020. “We know there are children in our community who are now more at risk due to the need to maintain social distancing in 2020 and we want to make every effort we can to reach those kids this year. In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment while COVID-19 is still present, the Y is providing Coivd-19 training for all staff and strict health protocols for students and parents of the program.
The Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety. The Ventura YMCA continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water.
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing skills that last a lifetime.
To learn how to qualify for financial assistance, please email [email protected].
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net
We must invest today to keep our water and wastewater systems affordable in the future
by Suzanne McCombs
Rarely do we think about the value of water. We turn on the faucet to fill a glass without considering everything that is required to bring safe, reliable water to our homes: 385 miles of water lines, 290 miles of sewer lines; nineteen pump stations, eleven lift stations, ten wells or all the treatment processes required. We hop in the shower without a thought about where the wastewater goes when it enters the drain or how it is cleaned before being released to the environment.
Ventura’s water and wastewater systems are vital to our community’s health and well-being and allow our local economy to thrive.
Approximately every five years, the City must evaluate water and wastewater rates to ensure rates that are fair for all City users and to generate sufficient revenue to maintain and operate our existing systems and invest in improvements and new facilities. The Water Commission plays a key role in this process on behalf of the residents of the City, working with City staff and outside consultants to consider key assumptions in the rate study and evaluating how proposed rates will affect our residents and businesses. Ultimately, City Council must decide on whether or not to proceed with rate increases based upon the analysis presented.
Results of the most recent rate study being finalized show that an annual rate increase of seven percent for water service and six percent for wastewater service is needed in each of the next five years to secure our water supply, replace and repair aging infrastructure, improve water quality, and meet legal and environmental regulations.
For an average homeowner, this increase will be a monthly increase of $7.76 on an average basis in each of the next five years.
While this may seem expensive, we have been fortunate that it has been more than three years since the last increase in water rates. Ventura rates are lower than the average in nearby communities and will continue to be even if the proposed increases are implemented.
We can no longer afford to defer critical investment to maintain our water and wastewater infrastructure, as it puts us at risk for loss of service and more expensive “repairs” in the future. Responsible investment now allows Ventura Water to address needed projects proactively, not reactively—and keep the cost of water affordable for current and future customers.
Setting rates is a lengthy process with a clear goal: keep rates fair while ensuring safe and reliable services. As a City we need to invest in the right solutions at the right time. The City is currently facing many challenges such as increasingly demanding environmental regulations, new legal mandates, aging infrastructure and vulnerable water sources.
In the next six years, Ventura Water has more than fifty water and wastewater improvement projects planned to address these challenges and requirements, including ambitious initiatives such as the State Water Interconnection Project and VenturaWaterPure Project.
Through the rate study, City staff and an experienced financial consultant, establish how to fund and finance capital improvement projects, routine maintenance and operational needs. Alternatives are presented to Water Commission for review and evaluation. We consider how to best meet the objectives of fair water rates for all customer classes, drought surcharges, and wastewater charges so that total projected revenue will recover costs.
Over the past year, the Water Commission has extensively reviewed and evaluated the data provided by City staff and the financial consultant. We believe that the current proposed rate increases are needed to meet our community’s needs to have safe, reliable drinking water and to responsibly clean and recycle its wastewater.
My colleagues and I have asked hard questions, explored various scenarios, and considered input from the public. We have carefully considered the impacts of rate increases on low-income residents, our business community, high and low water users; all while seeking solutions that are fair to all customers.
The Water Commission has worked diligently to make responsible policy recommendations. I hope you will join me in supporting necessary investments in our water and wastewater future.
Learn more about proposed rate changes at www.VenturaWaterRates.net.
Answer In A Breeze
Question:
Do you know who owns the land where this magnificent eucalyptus tree is located? I walk past it regularly when walking to the cross or after I have walked through the botanical gardens. There is also a beautiful grove of eucalyptus trees across the street. If they are both owned by the City of Ventura then I wonder if they do pruning to make it into this wonderful shape. I look forward to your response.
Marsha Moreland
Answer:
The tree is the property of the City of Ventura and is under our maintenance schedule as needed. Feel free to email me once again if you need anything further.
Diana M Roemer Parks Sr Office Assistant
City of Ventura Parks & Recreation
Do you have a question? Send it to [email protected] and we will try to get you an answer
The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends
by Jill Forman
Since this is February, it occurs to me that this column is basically a Valentine to libraries and the Ventura Friends of the Library. In case you’re not sure about the organization and function of the Friends groups, here’s some background:
From Wikipedia: Friends of Libraries are non-profit, charitable groups formed to support libraries in their communities. Support from the Friends groups may be financial, political and cultural. Groups are separate from the libraries they support and made up of volunteers.
Friends groups in the United Kingdom trace their origins back to the Elizabethan Period. The first group that named itself “Friends of the Library” in the United States, was founded in 1922 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
The Ventura Friends celebrated their 50th Anniversary in 2019 with a large party at the Hill Road branch. At the time they were feeling pretty good about their organization, not knowing the huge challenges that were ahead in 2020!
A good quote from Wikipedia is “Friends of Libraries are adaptable groups that fit the needs of the communities and the libraries they support.” In other words, they do what they have to do. In this past year that has proven true for sure! With most of our normal funding sources cut off, with our warehouse shut down until leadership figured out how to be COVID-safe, with volunteers staying home, we still managed to pivot our activities and keep the Friends group vibrant and able to support our community libraries.
To join, donate, volunteer, or see more library events, VFOL.org.
Let’s look at what the libraries are up to.
For youth, Phillip Yocham and his Youth Services team are doing another Discover Science at the end of the month: https://vencolibrary.org/events/virtual-discover-science-2
Minecraft Mondays continue 4-6 p.m. Minecraft Librarian (link sends e-mail).
Globetrotting Storytime Mondays, 10:30 to 11:00 am. Log into the library’s Facebook page for stories and songs with an emphasis on world view.
Friends of the Library Book Discussion will meet via Zoom on the second Saturday of the month from 10:00 am to noon. To join the discussion, please contact Emma at [email protected] for the link. March 6: Walking with the Wind by John Lewis.
The Library Services Agency has its own newsletter! I am ashamed to admit I just found this out myself. It’s called “Ventura County Reader: Explore, Discover, Connect. Your Resource for Happenings at the Ventura County Library.” It can be found at vencolibrary.org home page, under the “Your Library at Home” banner, in quite small print. Lots of interesting articles.
READ tutors will continue to meet remotely with their learners for the duration of this pandemic, via telephone, mail, or internet conferencing sites. Special materials, designed to use on computer platforms, have been purchased and will be available from site supervisors in 2021.
New tutor training sessions will begin online in February. If you are interested in becoming a tutor (or want to find a tutor to help you with your reading), call our office at 805-677-7160 or 805-677-7159.
Stop Human Trafficking
Soroptimist International – a global volunteer organization which advocates for human rights and gender equality has been involved in projects and advocacy surrounding the issue of Human Trafficking since 1995. Our local Soroptimist International clubs (Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo) are hosting a free STOP Human Trafficking Virtual Event on Saturday March 6th from 1 – 3 PM.
To register please go to: www.stoptraffickingventuracounty.org. This virtual event will feature multiple speakers, including a survivor of human trafficking who now educates and advocates about this issue, a Detective with the Ventura County Sheriffs Department and member of the Ventura County Task Force on Human Trafficking, An Emergency Room Physician, and a Victim Services Provider. Only with the public being aware of and educated about this issue is there hope for ending this heinous crime. We hope that you will attend.
If you need help or see potential abuse call the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733
Vol. 14, No. 11 – Feb 24 – Mar 9, 2021 – Scamp Club
Hi: My name is Patty Woller and live in Thorp, WI. I’m here on vacation and saw your newspaper with the adorable kitty in the scamp club. Here is my submission our adorable “meowy” she is 5 years old and so soft.