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VPD honors their own

Sergeant Matt Cain was selected as the Ventura Police Department Supervisor of the Year for diligence in his work and dedication to serving our department and community. Matt came to VPD in 2000 as a Lateral from LAPD, where he served for five years. Matt was promoted to Corporal in 2006 and to Sergeant in 2012. He has worked a variety of assignments including Patrol, Motors, and Street Crimes Unit; he is currently the Major Crimes Sergeant. Matt and his wife Jamie are happily married and have raised three boys; Dylan (19), Lucas (11), and Logan (5).

Support Employee of the Year Records Specialist Paulette Torres was born in Garden Grove and raised in Orange County. She graduated from Fullerton High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from CSU Fullerton. She joined the VPD family in October 2018 and was nominated as Crime Fighter of the Month in July of 2019.

Paulette was selected as Support Employee of the Year for her devotion and hard work; additionally, she was a core member of the Versaterm implementation where she assisted in system configuration and coordinated training for Records. Paulette is married to Motor Officer Kyle Halverson and in her spare time, Paulette enjoys baking, photography, and reading.

30 feet wide tornado originated near the Santa Clara River

When Venturan’s heard “tornado warning” on their phones they assumed it was meant for another town, but it was for Ventura and occurred mostly in the Ventura Harbor area. The tornado was about 30 feet wide. A National Weather Service investigator confirmed that we had a brief tornado that originated near the Santa Clara River.

Perhaps we will have snow next that hasn’t fallen in Ventura since Jan., 1949.

Photos by Deena Gledhill

Ventura College Agriculture Program unveils new avocado orchard

The avocado orchard will be incorporated into the college’s agriculture program.

Ventura College unveiled its new avocado orchard with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 10. About 90 students, staff, government dignitaries and college supporters were on hand for the ceremony.

The size of the orchard is a little over an acre and holds an estimated 100, 1-year-old Haas avocado trees. The first crop is expected in 1 1/2 to 2 years.

The avocado orchard will be incorporated into the college’s agriculture program. The program returned to Ventura College in the fall of 2017. Under the leadership of faculty and program coordinator, Dr. Dorothy Farias, the two-year program currently serves 20 agriculture students. The goal is to increase class offerings and boost enrollment.

The orchard was made possible by funding and donations from the local agriculture industry including Mission Produce, Quality Ag, Inc., Brokaw Nursery, Halter-Encinas Enterprises, and Coast Water Solutions. Orchard funding was also received from donors through the Ventura College Foundation.

Student interns will help maintain the avocado orchard in partnership with Mission Produce agriculture workers. Students will have a hands-on experience learning how a commercial avocado orchard is maintained, harvested, prepared for market and then sold. Avocados will be the property of Mission Produce. The avocados will be picked by Mission staff and will go through the company’s processes to get them ready for sale. The Ventura College agriculture program will receive a portion of the avocado sales proceeds.

“Agriculture is one of the top employers in Ventura County so it’s Ventura College’s goal to introduce additional programs at the school so young people will get excited about agriculture and are prepared for well-paying careers in the industry,” says Farias. “The orchard and the real-world education it will bring to our students is invaluable.”

Those attending the grand opening included Dr. Kim Hoffmans, president, Ventura College,

Anne Paul King, executive director, Ventura College Foundation, Matt LaVere, Ventura mayor and Ventura College Foundation board member, Cheryl Heitmann, Ventura City Council member, Stephanie Caldwell, president and CEO, Ventura Chamber of Commerce and John Marquez, executive director, Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce.

“The farming community has been very supportive of our efforts,” says Hoffmans. “Some of our students took part in summer harvesting with Reiter Affiliated Companies, Driscoll’s and Hollandia Produce to supplement their learning. We’re in the process of creating additional internships with a number of local growers.”

For more information about the Ventura College Agriculture Program, go to https://www.venturacollege.edu.

Jenifer Nyhuis receives distinguished service award

“I feel extremely humbled and honored. “

Jenifer Nyhuis, CEO of Vista del Mar Hospital in Ventura, has received the 2019 Šimanek Distinguished Service Award from the California Hospital Association Center for Behavioral Health. The award, named after its first recipient attorney Joe Šimanek, recognizes outstanding leadership and achievements in the behavioral health setting.

Nyhuis was just six months into her tenure as CEO in December 2017 when the Thomas Fire destroyed Vista del Mar’s Administration and Patient Care buildings.

“Jenifer exercised her sharpened leadership instincts and made the critical decision to evacuate the hospital, securing the safety of her staff and patients,” said George W. Greene, Esq., President and CEO of the Hospital Association of Southern California (HASC) “Following the devastation caused by the fire, she has been a powerhouse in working with city officials on civil infrastructure, statewide leaders for planning approvals, and the surrounding community to re-open the hospital. It was sheer determination that the hospital was operational in just 10 months.”

Seventy patients and 25 staff members were evacuated with no injuries, within just a few hours of the fire overtaking the campus.

“I feel extremely humbled and honored, “ said Nyhuis. “I am truly appreciative of the solid team and my incredible family that has surrounded me throughout this process. I could never have imagined going through something this significant, but this life event has shown me my inner strength and perseverance through the most challenging times.”

Vista del Mar Hospital, which holds The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation, offers inpatient and outpatient programs for both adolescents and adults. The hospital specializes in stabilization and dual diagnosis for patients with mental illness and chemical dependency. In addition, Vista del Mar offers comprehensive outpatient services, including the Adult Partial Hospitalization Program, Adolescent/Adult Intensive Outpatient Program and the Adolescent Vista Day Program (partial hospitalization) to treat adolescence while maintaining academic responsibilities. The hospital also serves the military community with evidence-based therapies for active-duty military, veterans and their families. Vista del Mar Hospital is located off of Ventura Ave.

The Ventura Veterans Home History Part 1 of 2

The home provides everything from a library, a dining room a computer room and Bocce ball.

by Carol Leish

The Ventura Veteran’s Home celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary in Ventura. Former Governor Pete Wilson (1991-1999), was looking into building three veteran’s homes within California. Lancaster, West Los Angeles, and Ventura were all in the plan for building homes for the veterans. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (2003-2011) was also important in the process of these three homes being built.

According to, Julian Bond, Administrator of the veteran’s home, who was appointed by, Governor Newson, “All military services are represented here: Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, and the Coast Guard. Former and current residents here have served in: WWII; the Korean War, the Vietnam War; Operation Just Cause (in Central America); and, Dessert Storm.” He also said that, ‘We admit residence who are 55 years old and older. We don’t have residents yet; but, will be getting residents soon, from Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), as they get older.”

Bond said, ‘We receive funding from Federal VA & the State of California. Residents pay a portion of it based on their income. We are pleased that we can provide the value of care to our veterans.”

“The Ventura Veterans Home is a long-term Residential Care Facility for the elderly which is caring for veterans,” according to, Bond. “We offer quality care and support services that enhance the quality of life. Our highly trained and dedicated staff strive to meet the unique needs of veterans by providing compassionate care built on the foundation of integrity, honor, and respect, with a smile.”

Bond continued to say, “Spanning across 10 acres of the richest, with the most picturesque scenery, with exceptional weather, the Ventura home is a gem like no other one. The beauty of Ventura, with its beaches, accommodating weather, offer peace and tranquility for those who bore the battle.”

Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin (CA State Assembly), who represents the 44^th Assembly District, which encompasses portions of Ventura County and the city of Westlake Village, said on December 5^th 2019: ‘In my role as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, I have seen how a strong support system and quality care can make a positive difference in the lives of our veterans. I’m happy to have joined the residents and staff of the Veterans Home of California-Ventura, to mark the home’s first decade with a Founder’s Day Celebration. I applaud the efforts of all who passionately work, care, and create to make it the amazing place it is for our community’s veterans. Congratulations on this milestone anniversary and thank you for your service.”

Ventura City Council member Jim Friedman stated “I am honored that Ventura’s only Veteran’s home is located in the district that I represent (District 5).” It’s a beautiful facility providing a wonderful array of amenities for the veterans that live there. I am so thankful for the service that these men and women have provided to our country.”

10900 Telephone Rd., Ventura 93004 805-659-7500

Part 2 will feature 3 residents of the home

Police Chief Ken Corney announces retirement

For more than three decades, Chief Corney has served our community with honor and distinction.

After more than 33 years of service with the City of Ventura, Police Chief Ken Corney has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2019. In reflecting on his career, Chief Corney said that “it has been a tremendous honor to work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Ventura Police Department, and to serve our community.”

“For more than three decades, Chief Corney has served our community with honor and distinction. He is a model of integrity and professionalism and it has been an honor to work with him,” stated City Manager Alex McIntyre. “He epitomizes the values of teamwork, leadership and public service. He has dedicated his career to improving the quality of life in our community and responding to the significant public safety issues faced by cities throughout our state. The City of Ventura is a safer community thanks to the work of Chief Corney. He has led the Ventura Police Department with heart and humility transforming the service of the agency.”

Chief Ken Corney joined the Ventura Police Department in 1986. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1995, Commander in January 2000, Assistant Chief in December 2003, and appointed as Police Chief in December 2009.

Mayor Matt told the Breeze “Chief Corney’s intelligence and ability to think outside the box earned him national recognition. And as someone who was raised in this community, he cared deeply about Ventura and his number one priority was always the safety of Ventura residents. He was an incredible Police Chief and he will be sorely missed. But the strength of the department he leaves behind is a true testament to his leadership and professionalism.”

City Manager McIntyre has recommended that City Council selects Chief Corney to serve as the Interim Police Chief while a professional recruitment is conducted to select the next Ventura Police Chief. “The Ventura Police Department has great leadership,” said City Manager McIntyre. “An open recruitment to the process is important for transparency and community input. This process doesn’t preclude an internal selection. The recruitment will help determine the best individual to lead the agency.”

The City will retain a professional recruitment firm to conduct a search in order to find the best candidate to fill the Police Chief position.

Retired Ventura Police Chief and ex-city council member Mike Tracy stated.
“For the last 33 years Police Chief Ken Corney has committed himself 110% in service to the City of Ventura. It was my great fortune to work with Ken for almost 20 of those years, and I can truly say he is one of the very best. His legacy is evident in the people he has developed, encouraged, and mentored. Because of his leadership, the Ventura Police Department is prepared to face every future challenge. My hope for Ken in his retirement is that he will follow in my footsteps and run for City Council—NOT! Congratulations, Chief Corney, on your many years of exemplary service to our community. All the Best to you and your family in the years ahead”

Ken Corney moved to Ventura from League City, Texas in 1970 when his father, a Grumman Aerospace engineer, was transferred from the Lunar Module project to the F14 Tomcat jet fighter project. Ken attended elementary school, middle school and high school in Ventura, and Ventura College. After his sophomore year at Ventura College, Ken accepted an athletic scholarship to California University Long Beach where he competed in track and field and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism – Public Relations.

Ken joined the Ventura Police Department in 1986. As an officer he served in the Patrol Task Force, SWAT hostage negotiator and field training officer. He was later promoted to Corporal where he served in patrol and later was as a gang investigator in addition to a collateral assignment as an entry team member of SWAT. Ken was promoted to Sergeant in 1995 and after a tour as a Patrol Sergeant was assigned to the Special Enforcement Team – Gang Enforcement Unit, SWAT Team Leader as well as President of the Ventura Police Officers Association.

Ken was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000 and served as a patrol Watch Commander and later the department’s first Special Operations division Commander where he was responsible for Special Enforcement Team, SWAT Operations and Grant program management. In 2003 Ken was promoted to Assistant Chief and appointed to be the Chief of Police in 2009 by City Manager Rick Cole after the retirement of Chief Pat Miller.

In a previous Ventura Breeze, he was asked what he likes most about Ventura.

“Ventura is truly a post card community – from the ocean to the mountains. We are near enough many of the great things Central and Southern California has to offer, but far enough away to appreciate the uniqueness of our community. When I first arrived in East Ventura in 1970, the City’s population was around 50,000 and the east end was just beginning to develop. The town had the same rural feeling that still exists today. I think the feeling is the same because of the people that call Ventura home. I am blessed to have been provided the opportunity to work and raise my family in Ventura.”

Ventura Pier generously supported by the community

”2019 was a great year for our beloved Ventura Pier.”

Pier into the Future, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the historic Ventura Pier is happy to share they recently presented the City of Ventura with a check for $20,000 to fund the replacement of the interpretive panels on the Pier. This generous gift was made possible by the community who donated funds in exchange for having their name engraved on the granite panels at the entrance to the historic Ventura Pier.

“With the wonderful support from the community and the leadership on the board of directors, 2019 was a great year for our beloved Ventura Pier”, said Pier Into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar-Hernandez. The organization was founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, in partnership with the City of Ventura, to establish an endowment fund to maintain and enhance the historic Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The organization has contributed over $811,000 to the City of Ventura over the last 26 years to enhance the Pier.

At the core of its fundraising efforts is the opportunity to have your name or the name of a loved one engraved in granite at the Pier. The engravings make wonderful gifts at the holiday times as a way to honor or memorize a friend or loved one. In addition, the organization produces two signature community events: Sunset Dinner on the Pier in May and Pier Under the Stars in October.

Pier Under the Stars launched a new program this year- Pier Pals. In exchange for a donation of $100 Pier Pals receive a custom Pier sticker and their name on the Pier website.

Visit www.pierintothefuture.org or call 805.804.7735 for more information about pier engravings or Pier Pals.

Food Share’s 8th annual CAN-tree drive

On Dec. 13 and 14 Food Share’s 8th annual CAN-tree drive took place in Figueroa Plaza in Downtown. Groups donated cans and community groups built trees from the cans that were then donated to local food banks. Each CAN-tree required approximately 600-800 cans.

The very tall trees are 15’0” tall, 28 layers and contain 10,000 cans. 220,000 pounds of food are collected at the event to be shared.

Since 1978, Food Share has been feeding the hungry in Ventura County. Food Share provides food for over 75,000 monthly.

Learn more at https://foodshare.com/.

Project Bicycle Love

Started as a grassroots project two years ago the need was so large that Project Bicycle Love incorporated this year to serve more children and has opened a local store. In the past two years they have given away almost 200 brand new bikes and helmets to kids in the Ventura County foster care system.

Project Bicycle Love works with the County of Ventura as well as local group homes, foster agencies, and foster families to get the names of kids/teens who could benefit from a new bike.

More information about the project can be found at www.bicyclelove.org. Pictured in front of the store are the owners, Eric and Janet Baucom.
Project Bicycle Love

4864 Market Street, Suite B
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 795-2001
[email protected]
www.bicyclelove.org

Photos by Michael Gordon

Happy Holidays from CAPS Media

Standing Caps staff Jamie Cawelti, Jorge Godinez, Elizabeth Rodeno, Patrick Davidson, Evan Carpenter, Gary Roll and Alex Uvari. Seated Cliff Rodrigues, Donald McConnell, Manny Reynoso and Phil Taggart.

Best wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season and Festive New Year from your CAPS crew. 2019 has been a terrific year at CAPS and we look forward to more great work in 2020.

On Monday, December 9, CAPS Media met with the Ventura City Council to discuss a new contract for 2020 and the future. We thank the Council Members for the thoroughness of their deliberation in reviewing our request. The resolution was to give CAPS a one-month extension, until the end of January, 2020.

Everyone at CAPS greatly appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of support by Friends of CAPS who sent letters, emails and made calls to council members and city staff expressing your support for CAPS and the services we provide to the community. Your support provided the council with a much better appreciation for CAPS’ value and was instrumental in helping us continue.

However, we are asking that the letter writing, emailing and calling continue – keep up the campaign and share our story with others. Also we are adding a companion video and audio component to our efforts.

We offer Friends of CAPS an opportunity to speak directly to City Council Members and staff – on television, radio and through social media, expressing their support of CAPS.

Community supporters can record a message on their smart phone or computer and email it to CAPS at [email protected]. We will air the messages on channel 6, CAPS Radio KPPQ 104.1fm and post them on social media. For those who prefer to record their message at CAPS, we are scheduling production time in the CAPS studio for our friends to come and record a short message. To schedule a time in the studio send an email to [email protected] and we will contact you to schedule a convenient time.

Last week the CAPS crew had the opportunity to record the last in a series of meetings held by the Senior Strategic Ad-Hoc Committee. The Senior Strategic Plan – Community Vision meeting was held at Avenue Adult Senior Center. With a standing room only crowd, the community shared their ideas and concerns about how to enhance senior recreation services to the consultant hired to explore the programing and gather information to assess the needs of the community. Topics included what types of recreation are available, does the city need another senior center and how to promote and provide information on programs available to the community. With this information collected, a draft of the Strategic plan will be presented to city council in January.

All of us at CAPS look forward to continue to collaborate with our members to create engaging and informative programs for Ventura. Again, best wishes this holiday season from your friends at CAPS Media.

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