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During the season of giving, Red Cross urges blood donation

December may be the season of giving – but it’s typically a challenging time to collect enough blood donations. Add in a pandemic, and this year could be even tougher than usual. That’s why the American Red Cross is urging those who are feeling well to give the gift of life by donating blood this holiday season.

The need for blood doesn’t stop for holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million blood transfusions will be given in the United States. Donations of all blood types are needed to ensure hospital shelves remain stocked to meet patient blood needs.

Make your appointment to give blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

To encourage donations this holiday season, those who come to donate blood, platelets or plasma with the Red Cross Dec. 18-Jan. 4 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

As COVID-19 hospitalizations increase, hospital demand for convalescent plasma has also grown. COVID-19 convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation given by those who’ve recovered from this coronavirus. Their plasma contains antibodies that may help patients actively fighting the virus. Learn more about convalescent plasma and sign up to give at RedCrossBlood.org/Plasma4COVID.

The Red Cross is testing blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Red Cross antibody tests will be helpful to identify individuals who have COVID-19 antibodies and may now help current coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood donation collected from COVID-19 survivors that have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within one to two weeks in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

Upcoming local blood donation opportunities Dec. 16-Jan. 4

Oxnard
12/27/2020: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Embassy Suites By Hilton Mandalay Beach Hotel and Resort, 2101 Mandalay Beach Rd

Ventura
12/28/2020: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wells Fargo, 2704 E Thompson Blvd
12/29/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

Business opportunity announced at Main Ranch on Santa Rosa Island  

Channel Islands National Park is soliciting proposals with the release of a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for a potential business opportunity at the historic Main Ranch on Santa Rosa Island.

The business leasing opportunity includes rustic lodging, food and beverage services, campground management, and related visitor services within the Main Ranch at Bechers Bay.

The Main Ranch spans over 32 acres of corrals, pastures, historic structures, and scenic beauty. Leasing opportunities may include occupancy of ten structures and land areas, including the historic Ranch House, Old Schoolhouse, Horse Barn, Generator Barn, and the non-historic Bunkhouse.

The park is also receptive to proposals that include providing vehicle transportation for visitors to access hiking trails and backcountry areas.

Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley said, “This exciting and unprecedented leasing opportunity will fulfil the vision of the park, as outlined in the park’s 2015 General Management Plan. We look forward to seeing the proposals envisioned.”

The lease term is estimated to begin in spring of 2024. A range of lease term lengths will be considered, with a maximum term length of 60 years. The park may allow multiple lessees to provide these visitor services.

The RFEI proposals will valuably inform the park’s advertisement of a Request for Proposals (RFP), the next step in public solicitation of this business opportunity expected to be release in fall of 2021.

Proposals are due by 11:59pm PST on February 24, 2021, to the following address:

Channel Islands National Park
Attn: Commercial Services
1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001

Any questions must be submitted via email to John Hansen, Concessions Specialist, at [email protected] no later than January 25, 2020.

To access the RFEI, visit: Do Business with Us

For more information, visit the NPS Leasing Site: www.nps.gov/chis/getinvolved/leasing.htm

The second-largest Channel Island, with 53,051 acres—15 miles long and 10 miles wide—beckons you with rolling hills, deep canyons, a coastal lagoon, and beaches adorned with sand dunes. For thousands of years unusual animals and plants have made this wind-swept island their home. Flightless geese, giant mice, and pygmy mammoths are now extinct, while the island fox, spotted skunk, and Torrey pine still live here. The Chumash and their ancestors lived here for over 13,000 years. Ranchers raised sheep and cattle from 1844 to 1998. The US military used the island from 1943 through 1963. The National Park Service has made great efforts to preserve and protect island resources and restore native species.

January 15, 1945: The night the Japanese Empire attacked Ventura County!

by Richard Senate

As hard as it is to believe, once a 33-pound high explosive bomb fell on the sleeping hamlet of Saticoy just east of Ventura. The bomb wasn’t dropped by an airplane or rocket but it was delivered by an ingenious Japanese weapon—a paper balloon!

Once the bomb fell, the balloon flew on to crash in the hills west of Moorpark. The small bomb blew a crater in the ground but, besides that, did no real damage. The US Army sent out a team to investigate and hushed up the whole incident.

Nearly 10,000 of these curious balloon bombs were made in Japan and set loose upon the United States and Canada in the last months of World War II. The bombs used the jet stream in the upper atmosphere to cross the Pacific to their destinations.

They were assembled in music halls and theaters in Japan put together by an army of school children. Some balloons were armed with explosive bombs, others with incendiaries in hopes they would cause massive forest fires and panic all across the northwest.

At the time Japan was suffering under devastation brought on by American bombers and the balloon bombs were seen as a way to strike back. They even discussed arming the balloons with biological weapons they had perfected in China. One of the bio-weapons was killer anthrax, yet another the infamous “black plague.” If they had used biological warheads the losses on the west coast may well have been staggering.

The American Government pulled a news blackout on the balloon bombs and where they fell. The Japanese, who were monitoring the American media, didn’t know if their weapon was even reaching American soil. In this way, the black out caused the Japanese to lose heart in their project but it also lead to a terrible event. On May 5,1945 a group of picnickers in Oregon spotted one of the balloon bombs caught in a tree. They assumed it was an advertising stunt that dropped gifts from the sky. They pulled on the rigging of the balloon hoping to get to the prizes inside but their efforts only managed to set off a high explosive anti-personnel bomb, killing six. They would be some of the few civilians lost on Mainland America in World WarII.

Most of the bombs fell on uninhabited areas, landing in Canada, Alaska, Oregon, Washington and California. A few were blown as far east as Colorado. The blackout on the weapon continued for four years after the war had ended. It was only then that Ventura County learned they were bombed by this bizarre weapon.

Hospital frontline health care staff among first to receive COVID-19 Vaccine

Health care workers at St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital (SJPVH), members of Dignity Health Central Coast, are among the first to receive the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine.

St. John’s will administer the first dose of the two-dose vaccine to several hundred essential health care workers and physicians. Two doses of the recently FDA approved Pfizer vaccine in persons aged 16 years and older are necessary for the vaccine to be effective, and will be administered three weeks apart.

“We remain committed to the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community. While we understand that vaccine distribution will be a process, today we are one step closer to a safer future,” said Darren W. Lee, President and CEO of St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. “As we move forward, we continue to collaborate with our local and state health departments to acquire additional doses for distribution.”

In preparation for the COVID-19 vaccine, Dignity Health Central Coast hospitals acquired the necessary equipment to store and administer the vaccine, train staff, and develop relevant processes and procedures.

“We have seen first-hand in the devastating impact of the coronavirus on our communities and across the world,” said Raj Bhatia, MD, Medical Director of the Intensivist Program and the Critical Care Unit at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital. “The Pfizer vaccine gives us great hope. This vaccine, along with the appropriate personal protective equipment, will help keep our health care teams safe as they continue to deliver care to COVID-19 positive patients.”

In accordance with federal and state guidelines, initial supplies of vaccines are reserved for frontline workers including, health care workers, first responders and those at highest risk. While the vaccine is now available at our facilities, employees are encouraged but not required to receive the vaccine.

Although the vaccine is now available to some essential staff members, we must remain vigilant and continue to follow CDC guidelines – including wearing a mask, frequent hand hygiene, and social distancing.

Dignity Health St. John’s will continue to share vaccination updates as they become available. For more information, visit: CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

Thank you to Christy Weir for serving 17 years on the Ventura City Council

Weir is appreciative of the people that she served with.

by Carol Leish

Christy Weir, who was on the Ventura City Council from 2003-2020. got involved since, according to her, “The city, in 2003, was starting the process of adopting a new General Plan, and there was a meeting taking place about the community’s vision for the future of Ventura. I was interested in land use planning because of the long-term impact on the character of the city and the quality of life for the residents. And, I wanted to help lead civic engagement efforts, to ensure that the people of Ventura had voice in their future.”

Weir and her family have lived in Ventura since 1986. She said that her husband and her have raised their son and daughter here. According to Weir, “My son and daughter now live in this community with their families. Thus, I am fortunate to have my six grandchildren nearby.”

Weir said that she was a teacher for ten years. She was also a managing editor at a local publishing company for fifteen years.

“My years on the Ventura Council,” according to Weir, “have been spent speaking on behalf of families and children and nature. I am especially proud of accomplishments in the areas of urban forestry and beautification. Trees are not just decoration; they are essential to the health of our environment and a key in fighting climate change.”

“Protecting our health and environment for future generations has always been a top priority of mine,” according to Weir. She continued by saying, “Protecting our health and environment for future generations has always been a top priority of mine. During my years on the Council, we banned smoking in city parks and other public areas, voted to not allow the sale of flavored nicotine products and banned the use of Styrofoam by our restaurants. I also led the efforts to join the Clean Power Alliance to provide renewable energy to our residents.”

“As the founder and board member of the Downtown Ventura Partners,” Weir said, “I’ve been thrilled to have seen the success of our outdoor dining pedestrian environment in response to COVID-19. Our historic downtown is a priceless community asset, and one that we can all support with our shopping and dining dollars.”

Weir said, “After many years of efforts, we were successful in opening Ventura’s first year-round homeless shelter, in collaboration with Ventura County and other dedicated partners.”

Weir also stressed the importance of transportation “Active transportation is crucial for our future. Creating safe, connecting bike lanes and well-maintained sidewalks has been a priority of mine.”

Weir is appreciative of the people that she served with. “I was glad to share this position on the Ventura City Council), with people who she respected and has learned from: Brian Brennan, Sandy Smith, Jim Monahan, Carl Morehouse, Bill Fulton, Neal Andrews, Ed Summers, Mike Tracy, Cheryl Heitmann, Erik Nasarenko, Matt LaVere, Jim Friedman, Lorrie Brown, and Sofia Rubalcava.

I’d especially like to thank councilmembers LaVere and Heitmann, for their strength and leadership during the Thomas Fire and now the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the incoming new council, Weir would like to say, ‘Congratulations and welcome to our new council members: Joe Schroeder, Doug Halter, and Mike Johnson, who will be instrumental in shaping Ventura’s future.

Thank you, Christy Weir, for your many years of service and involvement on the Ventura City Council.

Community Memorial Hospital launches ROSA Total Knee Replacement Surgery program

Featured is Dr. Robert Mazurek and members of the CMH ROSA surgical team.

Community Memorial Health System is expanding its successful year-old ROSA Total Knee Replacement System program, bringing knee replacement surgery with the ROSA robots to Community Memorial Hospital. CMH and Ojai Valley Community Hospital remain the only hospitals in the Tri-Counties offering this cutting-edge technology.

The expansion of CMHS’s ROSA Knee replacement surgery program comes as doctors have performed over 50 knee replacement surgeries at the Ojai hospital using the ROSA Total Knee Replacement System, a new robotically-assisted surgical system that enhances total knee replacement surgery. After experiencing such positive outcomes with the ROSA robot surgeries in Ojai, CMH purchased two new ROSA robots for use at CMH. On December 4th, Dr. Robert Mazurek performed the first ROSA knee replacement surgery at CMH. Physicians can now operate a total of three ROSA robots at both the Ojai and Ventura hospitals.

“We are pleased to grow the ROSA surgery program and bring the latest technology to the communities we serve,” said CMHS President and CEO Gary Wilde.

Total joint replacement is among the most commonly performed elective surgeries in the United States today. The ROSA system combines robotic technology with industry-leading knee implants to help surgeons personalize knee replacement surgery for patients. The ROSA system offers a more precise knee implant fit. The ROSA knee system includes features to assist with bone resections and assessing the state of soft tissues to facilitate implant positioning intraoperatively. Data provided by the robot enables surgeons to use computer and software technology to control and move surgical instruments, allowing for greater precision and flexibility during procedures. The result is a highly personalized approach that eliminates many of the problems associated with traditional knee replacements.

Visit cmhshealth.org/rosa to learn more about the procedure.

Ventura River settlement agreement and monitoring of flow in the Ventura River

“This is a meaningful commitment to preserve river flows.”

The City of San Buenaventura and Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, a local environmental group, have announced an amendment to their settlement agreement in the lawsuit regarding the pumping and diversion of water from the Ventura River Watershed. Both Channelkeeper and the City remain committed to ensuring the protection of this local water source and the species that rely on it. The ongoing collaboration enables dialogue toward a locally developed solution to continue moving forward.

Under the modified terms, the City will continue the Pilot Program it implemented in 2019 to reduce its pumping and diversion of water from the Ventura River when flows drop during dry times, in order to help protect wildlife that depend on the river. The Pilot Program was originally set to expire in March of 2020, however, the City continues to honor the flow regime set in place. The most notable change with the amendment is that the City will shut down most of its pumping facilities at Foster Park when flows drop below 4 cubic feet per second (CFS), and stop all production when flows drop below 3 CFS instead of 2 CFS. The City will also use its two new gauges at Foster Park to monitor the impacts, if any, its pumping has on flow in the river at these levels.

Additionally, the City and Channelkeeper have agreed to keep a dialogue open to identify additional ways to work collaboratively on other Watershed and habitat-related public relations efforts.

“We are pleased to continue this important dialogue with Channelkeeper, and I believe this amendment strikes a balance of addressing our concerns for the species and habitat while also meeting the needs of serving our customers,” said Susan Rungren, Ventura Water’s General Manager.

“This is a meaningful commitment to preserve river flows until a long-term solution is finalized, and we are glad to have been able to reach it through dialogue with the City,” said Ben Pitterle, Channelkeeper’s Science and Policy Director. The original agreement and this amendment provide added assurance to Channelkeeper for the better protection of steelhead during the dry season while the City works with other parties to propose a long-term framework that protects the Ventura River for steelhead and other instream uses and for the needs of water users, recreation, and the local economy.

Quilt Project hosts World AIDS Day Vigil at Ventura City Hall

The City classified the gathering as a free speech event.

Tuesday, December 1st, 2020, was declared by the Ventura City Council as “World AIDS Day” in Ventura, with Quilt Project Gold Coast volunteers receiving the proclamation read by Mayor Matt LaVere at their November 26th Zoom council meeting.

And on World AIDS Day, Quilt Project Gold Coast displayed eleven locally made AIDS Quilts on the steps of Ventura City Hall from 2-5 for public viewing, as well as hosting a masked sunset vigil to remember those lost to the disease.

Attended by dozens of local residents and people from as far away as San Bernardino, the program for the vigil was conducted by Boardmember Mark Lager, with comments from Keith Coffman-Grey, a musical selection from Andy Edgar-Beltran, and invocations from Rev. Melissa Langdell and Deacon Joel Chan.

Ventura City Councilmember-elect Doug Halter read the proclamation for those in attendance.

Due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the event was masked and the only public observance in Ventura or Santa Barbara counties (with other groups opting for virtual forums) for World AIDS Day.

The City classified the gathering as a free speech event, allowing the Quilt Project to display the AIDS Memorial Quilts and invite the public to view them and remember the names of those lost.

City administration officials (led by Emily Fox of the Parks & Recreation Dept. and Mayor LaVere) were incredibly helpful in assisting QPGC with navigating the permit process, as well as generously waiving most fees for the free speech event.

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City recognized for environmental achievements

Cathy and Kent Bullard  have been driving on sunshine since 2011.

The City of Ventura received a Beacon Spotlight Award for its measurable
achievements in reducing community greenhouse gas emissions, further illustrating its
dedication to meet state climate goals. The Beacon Award, which is sponsored by the
Institute for Local Government (ILG), honored Ventura with a Silver Level Award for an
eight percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions during a special virtual presentation
in conjunction with the League of Cities Annual Conference.

This award builds on Ventura’s long-standing commitment to environmental
sustainability. Since joining the Beacon Program in 2010, the City has been recognized
for numerous achievements for saving energy and implementing sustainability best
practices like implementing a green business certification program, expanding open
spaces, planting drought-resistant landscaping, and encouraging alternate modes of
transportation.

“We are honored to gain recognition in our efforts to help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in our City. By doing our part, we hope to inspire others to continue making
small changes that can help create the biggest impacts in improving our environment,”
said Mayor Matt LaVere.

In addition to participating in the Beacon Program, the City of Ventura is also part of ILG’s
BOOST Pilot Program, a joint endeavor of the ILG and the California Strategic Growth
Council (SGC) to help local governments address California’s climate and equity goals.
Through the BOOST Program, the City has secured more $700,000 in grant funding to
support its comprehensive planning effort, which will include the City’s first Climate Action
and Resilience Plan. The City’s participation in both programs provides additional
resources to assist with climate and resilience initiatives.

“Current events across the state such as record setting heat waves, devastating wildfires
and extremely poor air quality underscore the importance of implementing both proven
and innovative policies and practices to move the needle on climate change,” says Erica
L. Manuel, CEO and Executive Director of the Institute for Local Government.

Cathy and Kent Bullard are proud residents of Ventura who appreciate the City’s continued efforts to improve the environment for all residents. They both have been driving on sunshine since 2011 and helped to establish the Electric Vehicles Advocates of Ventura County. Their home in East Ventura’s has a 4.2kW solar system which provides 100% of their electrical needs including charging both of their electric vehicles. They are regular participants in our local environmental scene educating others about making personal changes to benefit everyone.

Commenting on the award Ventura Bike HUB Joey Juhasz-Lukomski stated “We can’t reduce GHG emissions quickly if we don’t get people out of cars. For errands, commuting, going to school, and every other kind of trip, having the knowledge to just fix a flat tire yourself or the confidence to ride in traffic could be the difference between reaching for your car keys or reaching for you helmet as you walk out the door.”

“As we celebrate this win, it’s important to remember that if future generations are to inherit a livable planet we must continue to follow the courageous example of our current city leadership in reducing GHG emissions.  Gratefully, the Solarize Ventura program enabled broader participation, including my own, towards mitigating the impact of climate change on our youth.  Thanks to all involved!” stated Cindy Piester.

The Institute for Local Government established the Beacon Program to create a
framework to assist local governments in setting goals, documenting progress and
sharing best practices that create healthier, more efficient, vibrant communities.
To learn more about the City of Ventura’s achievements visit: www.ca-ilg.org/beaconaward-participant-profile/city-ventura.

City of Ventura and partners provide meal kits to community members

Blanca Lopez, Omar Amaya, Gricelda Navarro, and Jamin Navarro receiving meal kits.

The City of Ventura, Aera Energy, and the Downtown Lions Club partnered together to host its 19th annual Thanksgiving basket donation event. More than 100 low-income families received Thanksgiving meal kits that were prepared in to-go baskets, and included a turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, rolls, yams, and a pie.

“Due to the challenges presented this year by the COVID-19 pandemic, the City wasn’t sure it would be able to fulfill its annual commitment to local families,” said Nancy O’Connor, City Parks and Recreation Director. “Thanks to the generosity and support of Aera Energy and the Ventura Downtown Lions Club, the City was able to buy, pack, and distribute Thanksgiving meals to local families living near our Westpark Community Center.”

Thanks to $2,500 donations from Aera Energy and the Downtown Lions Club, the City was able to purchase ingredients for the Thanksgiving meal kits. The Downtown Lions Club provided volunteers to help pack the baskets, which were distributed to low-income residents at the Westpark Community Center on Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

“Ventura’s westside community is made up of predominately low-income residents,” said Anita Diaz, Parks and Recreation Youth Program Coordinator for the City of Ventura. “Right now, is an exceptionally difficult time for our families. They are struggling to keep their jobs, and their children are distance learning all in the middle of a pandemic. The Thanksgiving meal kits meant a lot to them.”

In addition to Aera’s donation sponsoring Thanksgiving meals, Aera also provided an another $2,500 to support Westpark holiday events including the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive, which provides holiday gifts for families who could not otherwise afford them.

“COVID-19 has impacted life for so many local families who are struggling every day just to put food on the table. Our donation alleviates the worry around the Thanksgiving meal and holiday gifts and allows our neighbors to focus on the things most important to them,” said Michele Newell, Aera Energy’s Public Affairs Representative. “The holidays are a time when many local families need help and Aera is happy to provide the means to support them. Our community is stronger when we come together and help those that need it most.”

For more information about the City of Ventura’s Parks and Recreation Department, please visit https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Parks-Recreation.