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Board of Supervisors approves executive position to promote diversity and inclusion

On Tuesday, July 21, the Board of Supervisors received a report from the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and approved the creation of a full-time executive position for a Diversity and Inclusion Officer. The position, which will operate out of the Human Resources Department for the County Executive Office, will be tasked with driving engagement, strategy, execution and accountability for the County’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as ensure equal employment opportunities. The position for the Diversity and Inclusion Officer was created at the recommendation of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and the County Executive Officer.

“The tragic killing of George Floyd has significantly impacted our nation, our local community, and our County family has made substantial efforts to create meaningful changes that will have a lasting impact,” said Mike Powers, County Executive Officer. “The creation of the position for the Diversity and Inclusion Officer is one of the ways we can do so. In addition to increased workforce engagement, this position will help continue to ensure that all employees have a sense of safety, belonging, justice and equity regardless of race, gender, age, sexuality or other identities.”

The Diversity and Inclusion Task Force report detailed efforts to address issues of race and equity.  In the report, the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force presented on the two first-of-its-kind employee town hall forums that were held on racism. Close to 900 employees participated via Zoom conference call. The town halls provided a safe forum where panelists and employees shared their life experiences with racism. Following the town halls, the Task Force pledged to continue these types of discussions to generate ideas and promote equity in the workplace and delivery of services. A video of the presentation that shares further initiatives and actions that are being taken can be viewed at   https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/VCNC/videos/D-and-I-Report.mp4

Established in 2017 at the recommendation of the County Executive Officer and approved by the Board of Supervisors, the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force promotes equity, diversity, inclusion, unity, and equality both in the County workforce and in the delivery of services to the community. The 22-member committee, which is comprised of representatives from 11 agencies across the County, provides recommendations to leadership, reviews policies, and launches programs and initiatives intended to promote diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the recommendation and establishment of the position for the Diversity and Inclusion Officer, the Task Force will consider feedback received from the community and make recommendations regarding the County Seal, its use, and possible re-design. The task force is also credited with the creation of the County Mentorship Program, which has completed three cohorts and is preparing for a fourth.

As well, the Task Force has been instrumental in the development of mandatory Cultural Competency and Inclusion training, which also incorporates courses on awareness of the Disabilities, Access and Functional Needs Community as they have unique needs in the event of emergencies that may occur in the County. The Task Force has also established a diversity and inclusion library for employees, a workforce development program, and a form and forum to solicit ideas from County employees.

Tower of Power and Los Lobos to co-headline special Labor Day Car-Show

All summer, CBF Productions has worked to bring top notch entertainment to the scenic Ventura County Fairgrounds, where audiences can watch comfortably from their parked cars. Since the inaugural show in June, the Concerts in Your Car calendar has ranged from live music to drive-in movies to the circus to comedy and back again, and Labor Day weekend will be no exception. This September, celebrate Labor Day with two classic forms of American entertainment: rock & roll and classic cars.

Tower of Power and Los Lobos are both long time staples of the California music scene, with the two groups hailing from East LA and Oakland, respectively. For over 50 years, Tower of Power has been creating their own kind of soul and funk music, while Los Lobos has been bringing their unique blend of American rock and roll & traditional Latin music styles to the stage since their formation in 1973. The two all-star groups will be performing two sets at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 6th; a 1:00 PM matinee, and a 8:00 PM evening show. Gates will open at 11:00 AM for the matinee, and 6:00 PM for the evening show.

Both Tower of Power/Los Lobos shows will also include a socially-distanced car show, with the first two rows reserved for participants and their classic cars – low-riders, antique roadsters, coupes, hot rods, muscle cars, and much more will all be on display for concertgoers to safely admire.

The events will offer room for 700 cars per show and are designed to comply with all official restrictions. The combination of an extra high, theatre-in-the-round and four oversized screens will ensure that every seat is the best seat in the house. Sound will be distributed via FM radio. Tickets are sold in advance and online only and are priced starting at $99 per car. Each ticket is valid for one car, and the number of passengers must not exceed the number of safety belts/seats in the vehicle. Car show participants get priority parking close to the stage, with packages starting at $249.

One of California’s largest traveling festival production companies CBF has been producing a variety of adult and family-friendly events for over 12 years.

For more information about CBF Productions or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.concertsinyourcar.com/.

$15 million grant awarded for Ventura County Medical Center Pediatric Unit

The Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) has been selected to receive a $15 million grant from the California Health Facilities Authority for the construction and operating equipment of a Pediatric Unit.

“We are grateful for this funding opportunity. It allows us to undertake a project that is directly aligned with work we are doing across the agency to build our pediatric system to help the most vulnerable in our region,” said Ventura County Medical Center and Santa Paula Hospital CEO Doctor John Fankhauser. “We believe all children should have access to the very best services available. Children are cared for at VCMC without regard to their family’s ability to pay by a facility that has been recognized for excellence in care, including being honored as the number one Family Medicine Residency Program in the nation.”

Recent growth in pediatric services includes the reopening of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the addition of pediatric plastic surgery and continued development of pediatric cancer care, pediatric surgery, pediatric orthopedics and the neonatal intensive care unit.  The County also has a partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities which will culminate in the construction of a Ronald McDonald Family Room and Quiet Room. These rooms will be special places for families facing very difficult times.

“This is an incredible opportunity.  It validates and strengthens the comprehensive pediatric program that has been developed in our County health care system, as well as the high quality of our talented and dedicated pediatric providers. The Pediatric Unit and expansive subspecialty services are vital, truly lifesaving.  Having local access to these services takes the burden from families so they do not have to travel far to get the care their children need,” said Ventura County Executive Officer Mike Powers.

The completion of the 20-bed pediatric unit is planned for March 2022. The entire project also includes 18 definitive observation unit beds and 22 medical and surgical beds as well as modifications to the helicopter pad required to accommodate larger Firehawk helicopters.

“We’re very proud of our high-quality pediatric services at VCMC which address a significant need in our County. This project will provide state-of-the-art facilities to allow us to grow our pediatric program in partnership with our superb physicians and staff,” said Ventura County Health Care Agency Director Bill Foley.

In November 2018, California voters approved Proposition 4, the Children’s Hospital Bond Act of 2018, enabling California to issue $1.5 billion in general obligation bonds to fund the Program. “The purpose of the Program is to improve the health and welfare of California’s critically ill children by providing a stable and ready source of funds for capital improvement projects,” said California Health Facilities Financing Authority Executive Director Frank Moore. “California’s network of regional children’s hospitals provide vital health care services to children in need over one million times a year. Many of the children that are seen at these hospitals have complex and life-threatening illnesses because these hospitals have the most specialized pediatric specialists capable of addressing these illnesses.”

California Health Facilities Financing Authority offered grants of up to $15 million through California’s Proposition 4 funding which allows for a total of $150 million to be provided to general hospitals for construction of pediatric programs within their hospitals.

All students learning remotely until January 2021

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) began school on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 in a distance learning model. All students will be a part of the WEAVE model that allows for a mix of learning tools and techniques to allow for more teacher interaction, greater support, and an enhanced off-campus education. All Ventura County Districts will begin with distance learning for the start of the Fall 2020 semester, however, Ventura Unified’ s Board of Education decided in July that they would remain on distance learning until January 2021 to provide stability to parents. The District has also moved to a 1:1 technology environment ensuring that every student will receive a District device.

“We have learned from past experiences that providing stability to our families for long term planning rather than switching between models each time a surge happens in our County was important to us,” stated Board President Sabrena Rodriguez. “The Board does reserve the right to make a change to this decision if there is a dramatic turn of events that would allow students to physically return to our campuses safely and according to state and local guidelines.”

The District has launched in-depth Fall 2020 Information webpages to better communicate with their families. Pages are available in English (https://www.venturausd.org/Fall2020.aspx) and Spanish (https://www.venturausd.org/Oto%C3%B1o2020.aspx. Staff have been hard at work at all grade levels preparing first day packets and supplies to ensure each student is as successful as possible in this Fall semester. All students will begin with Orientation dates from August 18-28. Each school will set its own schedule that will incorporate socially distanced pick up of devices, textbooks, school supplies and more. Each school has reached out to their students to notify them of the modified schedule for these two weeks. Graded learning will begin on August 31, 2020.

Live online teaching will follow a set schedule, and there will be additional time for small group sessions. For middle and high school, periods 1, 3, 5 and 7 will take place on Mondays and Thursdays and periods 0, 2, 4 and 6 will be on Tuesdays and Fridays. For elementary, students may choose from a morning or afternoon session with their teachers through online videoconferencing.

To support the emotional and social well-being of their students, VUSD students will receive lessons that focus on the five Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness and relationship skills. In addition, bully prevention, digital citizenship, mindfulness, coping skills and mental health resources will be addressed. Teachers, counselors, school administration, parents and community partners will all be involved in providing these lessons on Wednesdays through videoconferencing.

For additional information, reach out to the VUSD Communications Coordinator at 805-641-5000 or [email protected].

Vol. 13, No. 24 – Aug 26 – Sept 8, 2020 – 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.

Prowling and Theft Arrest

On August 12, at 8:25 am, several residents on Woodstock Lane observed a subject, later identified as 28-year-old vagrant Trace Mullen, enter the open side yard of a home in the 900 block of their street. They watched as Mullen entered and exited the rear yard several times. The last time Mullen left, he was in possession of a mountain bike. The residents called 911 and Mullen was detained a short distance away by Patrol Task Force Officers. Mullen was still in possession of the stolen bike. The homeowner was contacted and confirmed the bike belonged to them, and Mullen did not have permission to be in the yard. Mullen was arrested for prowling and theft.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website revealed Mullen has been arrested over thirty times since 2014. His most recent charges include lewd conduct, vehicle tampering, violation of a court order, possession of drug paraphernalia, prowling and burglary.

Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Hit and Run, Resisting/Delaying a Peace Officer, Parole Violation

On August 18, at approximately 3:45 pm, Ventura Police received a call of a stolen vehicle in the 900 Block of Weber Circle. The owner had left the vehicle unlocked while working in the area and returned to find it missing. At approximately 3:45 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center began receiving several 9-1-1 calls about an erratic driver, later identified as 24 year old vagrant Jonathan Coronado, driving the stolen vehicle. The calls started in the 500 Block of Ventura Avenue and reported Coronado moving east through the city. One caller reported being rear- ended by the vehicle at the intersection of Seaward Avenue and Ocean Avenue.

A patrol officer saw the vehicle traveling on Seaward Avenue near Harbor Blvd and initiated a traffic stop. Coronado yielded at Harbor Blvd & Beachmont St but did not comply with officers’ commands. He engaged in a standoff of about 30 minutes before he was successfully taken into custody. Coronado was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle, hit and run, resisting/delaying arrest, and a parole violation.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Coronado has previously been convicted of Trespassing and Resisting/Delaying a Peace Officer.

On August 18, at approximately 3:30 am, the victim was involved in an altercation with an acquaintance of his in the area of Montgomery Rd. and Telephone Rd. The suspect attacked the victim with a camping type axe causing lacerations to the victim’s legs. The suspect fled and the victim stayed in the area until he was located by a Ventura Patrol Officer who was driving by. The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life- threatening injuries. Ventura Police Detectives were able to identify the suspect as 23-year-old Ventura resident Elizer Castro.

On August 19, Ventura Police detectives served a search warrant at Castro’s residence where he was taken into custody. During a search of the residence, detectives located the weapon used in the crime along with additional evidence. Castro was later booked in the Ventura County jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

On August 18, at approximately 3:30 am, a Ventura Police Patrol officer located a male subject injured as a result of an assault near the intersection of Telephone and Montgomery. Officers tended to his injuries until Fire and AMR personnel arrived.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Due to the investigation, there is currently a delay in traffic at the intersection. The intersection is expected to be completely open within the next few hours.

This is an on-going investigation, anyone with information is asked to call Ventura Police Detectives at (805) 339-4467.

Perched – A Little Bird Zine

by Jill Forman

Midtown resident Summer Rogers Langille loves birds. As an educator and a parent, she uses her backyard birds to teach about nature.

She also loves “zines,” a small self-published work of texts and images. Perched is her bi-monthly compilation of art, poetry and projects aimed at kids. Now in its third year of publication, it is 5 ½ X 4 inches and eight pages, just right for small hands.

Langille enjoys the physical aspect of the zine; “…I love receiving mail at home and sharing something solid that I can hold in my hands with my kids.” To share this joy with others, she sells Perched through Esty and gives it to little free libraries in her Lemon Grove neighborhood.

A recent issue has a poem by Emily Dickenson, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers,” appropriate for current times. Also, two pages of photographs featuring local kids with their bird-themed projects, drawings, and resources for further exploration of bird facts.

Not one to just have one project, Langille homeschools (and did pre-COVID,) has a Rock of the Month Club on Esty, does the drawings for Perched, and oh yes, she recently had a baby.

She has a bird-themed Facebook page called Bird of the Month Education Group. On Esty there are bird-themed and nature education materials, Perched, even kids’ t-shirts with art from the zine. All are listed on etsy.com under TheKnotholeTree.

 

 

 

 

Summer reflections on staying safe

Let your family help keep the house clean from germs.

by Dorothea Vafiadis

The situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing rapidly. Here is the latest advice from public health experts about the best way to protect yourself and to reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Some of these tips will be familiar to you and some are new.

It’s still true that the best way to stay safe is to limit your interactions with other people as much as possible and take precautions to prevent getting COVID-19 when you do interact with others.

Here are 4 things to remember.

1. Remember the rest of your health.

Many older adults have one or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease or hypertension. For managing these conditions, consider seeing your doctor using a telehealth. We have some great resources to prepare you for that visit here.

Many health care providers are now encouraging some patients to schedule the routine visits they may have been putting off. Speak to your doctor about whether vaccinations and other preventive services are up to date to help prevent disease.

Do not delay emergency care, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or discomfort in your arms, back, or neck. These could be symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Acting fast can save your life.

2. Practice physical distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) still suggests you wear a cloth face covering or mask when you are around people who don’t live in your household.

It’s still best to limit your physical interactions with other people as much as possible. If you decide to go out or visit with family or friends, the safest approach is staying outdoors for optimal ventilation and keeping 6 feet apart. The closer you are to other people who may be infected, the greater your risk of getting sick.

Indoor spaces are more risky than outdoor spaces where it is harder to keep people apart and there’s less ventilation.

3. Use common-sense actions to stay safe.

Stock up on cleaning supplies. You should clean frequently-touched surfaces in your home such as light switches or doorknobs at least once per day.

Manage stress, get enough sleep, and wash your hands often (and for at least 20 seconds) with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Stock up on healthful foods, have 30 days of medication on hand, and try to stay physically and socially active. . Regular physical activity benefits your mind and body! Go for a walk or try chair exercises with NIH’s Go4Life here.

4. Ask for help if you need it.

If you are at high-risk of complications from COVID-19 or are unable to get items you need, consider contacting family or friends to lend a hand.

If you’re having trouble paying your bills, use our BenefitsCheckUp tool to see if you qualify for the hundreds of programs that help older adults pay for food, housing, utilities, medication, and more. Stay connected to family, friends and neighbors with phone calls, letters, e-mail, and through social media.

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during this crisis. We are collecting stories of people’s COVID-19 experiences on our website, and you’re invited to share yours, too. It’s one more way to tell others about how the pandemic has changed life for older adults.

Doctor visits and getting medicines

Talking to your doctor on the phone is a good choice.

Talk to your doctor online, by phone, or e-mail

Use telemedicine, if available, or communicate with your doctor or nurse by phone or e-mail.

Talk to your doctor about rescheduling procedures that are not urgently needed.

If you must visit in-person, protect yourself and others

If you think you have COVID-19, notify the doctor or healthcare provider before your visit and follow their instructions.

Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you have to go out in public.

Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Stay at least 6 feet away from others while inside and in lines.

When paying, use touchless payment methods if possible. If you cannot use touchless payment, sanitize your hands after paying with card, cash, or check. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home.

Limit in-person visits to the pharmacy

Plan to order and pick up all your prescriptions at the same time.

If possible, call prescription orders in ahead of time. Use drive-thru windows, curbside services (wait in your car until the prescription is ready), mail-order, or other delivery services. Do the same for pet medicine.

Check with your doctor and pharmacist to see if you can get a larger supply of your medicines so you do not have to visit the pharmacy as often.

Financial hardships created by the COVID-19

Financial planning is even more important today.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA), a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well, is warning that the financial hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic will be much worse for older adults living alone, and this could force nearly 3 million older Americans in single households into possible poverty and or greater health risks.

Those are the sobering conclusions of Potential Financial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Single-Person Households, a new issue brief from NCOA and the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston. The brief is one of a 3-part series that examines historical data from the 2008 recession and applies those findings to today’s economic and public health crisis.

“Recent history shows us what happens to an already vulnerable population of older adults living in single households,” said Dr. Susan Silberman, NCOA Senior Director, Research & Evaluation. “Their far more precarious financial situation is worsened by an economic downturn to a greater degree than older adults living with others. This is only part of the story. Older adults living alone will likely face devastating health impacts related to social isolation.”

The analysis also found that older single person households are predominantly comprised of widows and widowers, and therefore the number of vulnerable older adults living in single households is likely to increase as married couples lose their partners because of the pandemic.

Although the analysis focused on the potential financial risks to older adults during an impending recession, COVID-19 adds a health component that will likely have devastating consequences for this age demographic on top of any economic impacts.

“It is critically important to maintain a strong social safety net and ensure that people who need to access benefits are able to do so, and to undertake policies that focus on narrowing financial disparities even within the older adult demographic that will face higher COVID-19 related impacts,” Silberman said.

Potential Financial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Single-Person Households, is one of three white papers, the entire series can be found here.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950, our mission has not changed: Improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. NCOA empowers people with the best solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and we strengthen government programs that we all depend on as we age. Every year, millions of people use our signature programs BenefitsCheckUp®, My Medicare Matters®, and the Aging Mastery Program® to age well. By offering online tools and collaborating with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA is working to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.