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App provides live updates about any bus in Ventura County

Transit operators in Ventura County are joining together to launch the GOVCbus app. The app allows passengers to plan a trip, find their nearest stop and look up estimated arrival times and other real-time information from any handheld device or desktop browser. Camarillo Area Transit, Gold Coast Transit Distict (GCTD), Kanan Shuttle, Moorpark City Transit, Ojai Trolley, Simi Valley Transit, Thousand Oaks Transit, Valley Express and VCTC Intercity Transit are all participating in the new system.

For years VCTC has provided passengers the ability to look up information online or view arrival times at major bus stops. With the new system, VCTC is expanding this service to every bus stop in the County. In addition, the GOVCbus app will include a trip planner and personalized real-time itineraries for Ventura County’s riders.

“The new system expands the location where real-time information will be available, and through the GOVCbus app riders will be able to use one common tool to plan their trip and get up-to-the-minute information on any bus anywhere in Ventura County,” said Darren Kettle, VCTC’s Executive Director. “ The new app is an important step toward creating a better and more seamless customer experience for bus riders in our region and improving on-time performance and connections for every operator in the County.

Riders can use the GOVCbus app or visit GOVCbus.com to view an interactive map showing the location of any bus and its next scheduled arrival at any stop in the County, get information about fares, check for service alerts and status updates, and obtain general information about each system. Riders can also send a text with their specific bus stop numbers to receive estimated arrival times and notifications about the stop via text message.

“We look forward to being part of a countywide information platform via one app, GOVCbus, allowing our passengers more ease in accessing information about all transit systems in the County,” said Steve Brown, GCTD General Manager. “Improving the customer experience is a top priority for GCTD.”

Over 140 buses, across nine transit agencies are equipped with the system. This includes Thousand Oaks Transit, Simi Valley Transit, Kanan Shuttle, Ojai Trolley, Moorpark City Transit, Valley Express, Camarillo Area Transit, VCTC Intercity, and now GCTD.

Passengers can learn more at GOVCbus.com or by calling (800) 438-1112.

Student run non-profit, STEMbassadors, unites with community to make face shields

Maia Wulff and Alex Wulff working on face shields.

by Thea Wulff- Foothill Technology High School

Through STEMbassadors, middle and high school students from the Ventura Unified School District have been working closely with the community to manufacture and donate hundreds of 3D printed face shields to local hospitals. Under the guidance of Alex Wulff, a middle school teacher at DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts, this project has taken off, with capacity increasing steadily to over 100 units per day. ER doctors and nurses are thrilled by the shields and have already put them to use.

This is a grassroots effort supported by students, teachers, community members and several local businesses. The naval base and CSUCI have played key roles in supporting the massive 3D printing effort. Every day, supporters numbering in the hundreds make donations, 3D printed parts, and help to assemble shields for our hospital staff.

Local businesses have worked selflessly, contributing supplies, materials and expertise. Hundreds of donations from the community have been pouring in to www.stembassadors.net which has been set up to fund the COVID-19 fight. American Plastics, owned by Robert Washington has donated materials to make thousands of face shields. Fastsigns of Ventura has helped to procure additional materials, and Dave’s Signs has dedicated their CNC router to cutting polycarbonate lenses. The level of selflessness and support among community members has been an inspiration to everyone involved.

The STEMbassadors network of makers now extends from Santa Barbara in the North, and down to Los Angeles and inland to Ojai and Simi Valley.

“A week ago, I never would have dreamed we’d have kids making protective gear for hospital workers,” Wulff said. “Now here we are, an entire community has stepped up to help protect the heroes on the frontline of the COVID-19 fight.”

“We are proud of the work that Mr. Wulff and our students are doing to help our community. This project highlights our need for Career and Technical Education to solve immediate problems in our community. I am happy that our District is dedicated to the growth of this area as we move forward together,” stated Dr. Roger Rice, VUSD Superintendent.

STEMbassadors will continue to work with community members to maximize face shield donations to hospitals. They are open for donations on their website, stembassadors.net and are looking for more makers with 3D printers to join the project.

If people would like to contribute to STEMbassadors, they can visit our website at stembassadors.net. Here they can contact us, read more about our vision, and donate.

 

From Steve Bennett

Steve Bennett “The outpouring of generosity in our community has been inspiring.”

Dear fellow Ventura County residents

Today, we stand on the verge of a monumental challenge. Will we as a community effectively implement the Stay Well at Home order? Will we keep our local hospitals from becoming overloaded? Will our collective efforts be relentless enough to save the lives of many of our family members and/or neighbors?

Our medical care providers and essential service workers courageously stand on the front lines and deserve our utmost support. We need to honor their efforts by decreasing the risks they are taking every day. We do that by doing all we can to slow the spread of this virus.

Each of us needs to put the health of our community ahead of our own comfort and desires.

Some of us must do better at following the Stay Well at Home order, and all of us must avoid letting our guard down early. That could reverse the benefits of our sacrifices to date right when we are at a critical stage in this battle.

This is our time to shine and readily make our personal sacrifices, show extra kindness to each other, help where we safely can, and overall make our maximum individual contribution to this great community struggle.

County government has worked hard with federal, state, and other local governments as well as many non-profit organizations to respond to the crisis. County resources are being used to meet the challenge as we procure supplies and materials, assist the most vulnerable, and improve our medical capabilities. You can visit vcemergency.com for overall information and guidance.

Our public and private health care providers are heroically dealing directly with contagious COVID-19 patients. They are ramping up their care capabilities with speed and ingenuity. Nevertheless, their ability to absorb seriously ill patients is not unlimited. We must each do our part to slow the spread and avoid overwhelming our health care system. If that happens, we will face needless deaths in Ventura County.

The outpouring of generosity in our community has been inspiring and heartwarming. People are donating from their own supplies of protective equipment and making generous financial contributions. College students are organizing online tutoring and volunteers are delivering food to homebound seniors. There is help and kindness pouring forth in Ventura County.

Anne Frank and 7 others hid in a 450 square foot attic for 761 days. We can do this folks!

Thank you,

Steve Bennett Ventura County Supervisor

City of Ventura names new Communications Manager

“We are excited to welcome Heather Sumagaysay to the City of Ventura.”

Following a nationwide recruitment that garnered over 132 applicants, the City of Ventura is pleased to announce the hiring of Heather Sumagaysay as its new Communications Manager. The position reports directly to the City Manager and Deputy City Manager.

“We are excited to welcome Heather Sumagaysay to the City of Ventura,” commented Alex McIntyre, City Manager. “She brings a diverse range of professional experience to the job and will be instrumental in developing engaging communication programs. This next year, we want to better share information about City programs and services while connecting with our residents, local businesses, community organizations, and media partners.”

With more than 13 years of public sector experience, Sumagaysay previously worked for the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) as its lead Public Information and Marketing Officer since 2015. Here, she was responsible for creating and managing day-to-day public information programs, social media outreach, community engagement, media relations, and internal communication programs.

She also managed crisis communication and community outreach efforts in coordination with Ventura County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) during the 2017 Thomas Fire, 2018 Woolsey Fire, and 2019 Conception Boat Fire in Santa Cruz. Prior to coming to VCFD, Sumagaysay worked at the cities of Santa Clarita and Beverly Hills.

Sumagaysay earned a master’s degree in strategic communications from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. and has several affiliations with regional and national communications organizations. In 2018, she was recognized by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce as a “40 under Forty” award honoree.

“Heather is an energetic, well-qualified communications professional,” said Barry Fisher, Deputy City Manager. “She demonstrates a strong desire to bring people together and take the city’s communications, marketing, social media, and public outreach to the next level.”

As the City’s Communications Manager, Sumagaysay will be responsible for developing a communications strategy to build public awareness of City initiatives and enhancing public engagement efforts in City affairs. She will serve as the City’s day-to-day media spokesperson and work with other departments, like the City’s Emergency Operations Center, to assist with public information activities during emergencies.

Sumagaysay began her new role on March 30, and will work out of the City Manager’s Office in Ventura. She can be reached by email at [email protected] .

City of Ventura closes parks and beaches in response to COVID-19

In support of the “Stay Well at Home” order, issued by the Ventura County Public Health Officer, all parks and beaches in the City of Ventura will be closed until further notice in order to support the urgent need for physical distancing during the COVID-19 emergency period. This includes the Promenade, Pier, and Wastewater Treatment Plant wildlife ponds.

The County’s modified Stay Well at Home order asks community members to stay inside their homes, limiting all outside movement beyond what is necessary to take care of essential needs and ordering all non-essential businesses to close. Those orders also include restrictions against non-essential travel and gatherings.

“Closures like this are difficult to hear and hard to share as we navigate through significant changes brought on by COVID-19. Our beaches and parks are an integral part of our community and provide many resources for healthy activities,” said City Manager Alex McIntyre. “As a City, we need to take extra precautionary steps to help protect the health and safety of our community members, first responders, and public health workers. The efforts and sacrifices we make now will help save the lives of people we know and love in the future.”

In response to recent public health orders, the City of Ventura has taken a series of emergency actions in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, including proclaiming a “State of Emergency” on March 15, 2020. This proclamation included social distancing practices, cancellations of public events, closures of City facilities, and restrictions placed on bars, nightclubs, restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, and fitness centers.

Community members are reminded to follow the advice of County Public Health officials and stay home, wash your hands frequently, and practice social and physical distancing of 6-feet or more when conducting essential tasks.

For the latest updates on impacts to the City of Ventura, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/COVID19.

For public health information and updates happening in Ventura County, visit www.VCEmergency.com.

Community Memorial Health System seeks donations of COVID-19 medical supplies

As Community Memorial Health System prepares for the challenges treating a growing number of patients with Coronavirus (COVID-19), increasing demands on the health system may eventually lead to shortages of supplies and important personal protective equipment needed to protect patients, physicians, and staff. Based on current supply, projected usage, and market demand and supply availability, Community Memorial Hospital anticipates it may face supply shortages of protective masks, protective gowns, face shields, and medical goggles.

For those who would like to donate to Community Memorial Health System, CMHS is accepting donations of the following items only: face and/or eye shields (single use or non-disposable), N95 masks, N99 masks, P95 masks, Standard Procedure masks, isolation gowns, Standard Procedure gowns, coveralls, respirator hoods or hazmat hoods, and reusable P100/N95 respirators and cartridges/filters.

CMHS is not accepting cloth masks. Supplies in original, unopened packaging are particularly useful and appreciated.

The CMHS Donation Drop-Off Center opened on Wednesday, March 25, at the park in front of the new Community Memorial Hospital. Please look for the white tent adjacent to the grass area to bring your donations. Community Memorial Hospital is located at 147 N. Brent Street.

The Donation Drop-Off Center will be open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CMHS appreciates the support of the individuals and organizations who have reached out wanting to support CMHS with donations of medical supplies.

For more information and updates on Coronavirus at Community Memorial Health System, visit cmhshealth.org.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, the Centers for Family Health, and various outpatient centers serving communities located within Ventura County, California.

 

Vista del Mar Hospital is serving the community

Coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings to all hospital visitors and staff.

Vista del Mar Hospital is using technology to support its Outpatient Services (OPS) programming during the stay-at-home restrictions to combat the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Since Governor Newsom mandated California residents to stay home, followed by a similar order from the County of Ventura, Vista del Mar’s OPS has made the move to provide Telehealth Services.

Psychiatrists and nurses are able to meet with patients individually, with weekly in-person check-ins scheduled to adhere to social distancing protocols. Technology and creativity allow patients and therapists to stay connected. Care packages with individualized messages and art supplies for expressive therapy has been sent to each patient.

Vista del Mar Hospital uses Zoom, a technology that unifies secure video conferencing, web meetings and group collaboration. Vista’s program curriculum has been uploaded so that patients can see their therapist and the curriculum side by side. In addition,

Vista del Mar Hospital has partnered with the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Nursing Department to provide Coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings to all hospital visitors and staff.

“We are thrilled to have student nurses helping the hospital to ensure that all individuals coming to our campus are screened following the CDC-recommended screening process,” said Jenifer Nyhuis, Vista del Mar’s CEO. Student nurses are conducting COVID-19 screenings from 7 am to 7 pm of all incoming persons to the hospital. After each student nurse is screened themselves, they then screen incoming persons. This includes reading temperatures, completing a Coronavirus questionnaire, logging anyone with a temperature of 100.4 and over, and providing instructions.

According to Dr. Lynette Landry, PhD/RN and Chair of the Nursing Department, the partnership has been a great opportunity for the university’s nursing students to take an active role in decreasing the spread of the virus. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to help VDM and our community as we navigate this crisis. Students are learning the importance of civic engagement and the ethical/moral responsibilities of a nurse to provide comfort and care to the community particularly in a time of crisis.”

Vista del Mar Hospital and CSUCI worked together to create procedures and implement them. “The speed, professionalism, and competency of the CSUCI nursing leadership has been beyond expectations. I am looking forward to future collaboration in coming months and years,” added Nyhuis.

CSUCI’s Nursing Department will be providing COVID-19 screenings at Vista del Mar through May 2020.
normally be able to, like something special in their room or a pet. We have also found a creative way to continue our expressive therapy sessions, as it can prove beneficial for patients to freely express themselves. This not only reduces anxiety and stress, but it promotes problem solving skills and leads to positive feelings such as pride and accomplishment.”

CAPS Media launches #Ventura stories

Do you have a great Story to share? Something clever, funny or inspirational of your family, friends, kids, pets, neighbors or something else? CAPS Media has a place for Venturans to share – #VenturaStories. Every week CAPS Media will air and stream locally produced videos sent in by the public. CAPS Media is looking for positive, feel-good stories that are entertaining, inspiring, enlightening and informative. Yes, everyone can post videos on YouTube, Facebook and other platforms, but CAPS Media gives you the special treat of seeing your masterpiece on television on Channel 6 and streaming online at capsmedia.org.

Everyone has a Story to share. Be Creative – #VenturaStories can be entertaining, engaging or just great fun. Make it a family project with videos of kids, pets, cooking, hobbies, sports, art, music, games, movie/book/tv reviews, exercise and more. If you have a neighbor, health care worker, service person, store clerk or someone else you want to thank, #VenturaStories is a great way to do it. Introduce us to them and tell us the story.

Ventura Artists – demonstrate your talent for music, acting, painting, singing, storytelling, dancing and other art expressions. If you are a singer, songwriter or other performer – that’s great! – record your performance and submit it. (Sorry, no karaoke, unless you have cleared the song rights from the artist). When appropriate, please include a list of all featured performers.

#VenturaStories is also a place for nonprofits and others to post videos announcing upcoming events and projects and, a forum for everyone to share safety, health and shelter-in-place tips and messages during the current crisis. Stories are best when they are short (3-5 minutes or less) and positive. Everyone wants to see feel-good, inspiring stories and not listen to rants). (Commercials and advertising are not acceptable and will be declined by CAPS Media).

#VenturaStories can be recorded on a video camera, phone, webcam, laptop, tablet or other device. If using a mobile phone, keep the phone in the horizontal/landscape mode (the same way your TV screen is), for stability use a tripod or prop-up the phone on a table or other fixed surface. When shooting handheld try to keep the camera as steady as possible. Audio – it is best to use a microphone for better sound quality and try to limit background and other distracting noise from your recordings.

When you’re ready for your television premiere, submit your work of art to #VenturaStories online at capsmedia.org/venturastories where you will find simple instructions on how to upload your video as well as additional production tips and information. CAPS Media will determine which videos air and when they will air and stream, and CAPS Media reserves the right to not air or distribute any videos for any reason.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis the CAPS Media Center is closed to Members and the public until further notice. CAPS Member/Producers can submit programming via the online portal at capsmedia.org for broadcast and streaming on CAPS public access television Channel 6 and on CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1FM. All of us at CAPS Media hope everyone is Staying Safe and Healthy during this challenging time.

Ventura Breeze photo contest winners

Michael Hoffman

The Ventura Breeze photo contest has been completed. Thanks to all who submitted their wonderful photographs. The six Breeze staff members who selected the winners had an extremely hard time with their selections because of the high quality of the submissions

In the color category:

First place went to Michael Hoffman. Two of his photos were tied for first so we selected both of them for first.

Michael Hoffman

Second place went to Karen Ruff

Karen Ruff

Third place went to Dr. Mark Babbitt.

Dr. Mark Babbitt

For black and white only first place was selected: Aubrey Jenson.

Aubrey Jenson

How seniors can protect their health and finances during the pandemic

Social distancing and staying in place have become important.

by Chris Orestis, President of LifeCare Xchange

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, health officials have been clear and consistent in their message to seniors: While anyone can fall victim to COVID-19, those who are 65 and older are in an especially high-risk group.

That’s why older Americans need to be especially careful and – in the case of the very elderly – family members may need to step in to make sure they are taking the right precautions, says Chris Orestis.

He offers a few tips on things seniors and their families can do:

Prioritize healthy practices. Follow health guidelines. Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and sanitize surfaces. “Social distancing and staying in place have become important new additions to our lifestyle because avoiding contact with infected people is the surest way to prevent contracting the virus,” Orestis says. “Grocery stores and retailers have set up senior-only shopping hours, and seniors should take advantage of those. In addition, food delivery services can bring take-out meals or groceries to your home.”

Trust nursing homes. “Despite the tragic deaths that occurred at Life Care Center’s nursing home in Kirkland, Wash., the nursing home industry has been working around the clock in every community to protect their residents,” Orestis says.

Know what financial resources are available. “We’ve experienced a stock market drop, but It is important at times like this to not ‘panic sell’ and lock in your losses,” Orestis says. He points out there are still safety nets and even financial opportunities that can help seniors. For example, the passage of the CARES Act will pump $2 trillion into the economy. Social Security income, Medicare, and Medicaid payments remain unchanged. Income from annuities remains guaranteed.

For owners of permanent life insurance policies, Orestis says, there are a couple of options to get liquidity from this asset. If the owner wants to keep the policy in force, they can take out a policy loan for upwards of 90% of the cash surrender value. If the policy owner wants to stop paying premiums, they could use a life settlement to sell the policy under tax-favorable conditions to receive a percentage of their death benefit as a lump-sum today.

Vet your news sources. The coronavirus is getting round-the-clock news coverage. But mixed into the information coming from reliable sources is a flood of misinformation. “Fact-check information by reading statistics from the websites of reliable medical resources and verified news organizations,” Orestis says.

Chris Orestis, known as the “Retirement Genius,” is President of LifeCare Xchange and a nationally recognized healthcare expert and senior advocate.