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Hogan works to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater services to the City

Senior Assistant City Attorney Miles Hogan came to the City in 2016.

As we flow through the systems and people of Ventura Water who work to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater services to the City, we will focus on specialized staff who support that mission. Because water is essential for all life on Earth, this resource has been legislated to be utilized sustainably and equitably. Another important consideration is the impact water and wastewater activities have on human and environmental health. There are many laws and regulations governing the use of water resources, from the Clean Water Act—the primary federal law designed to ensure the integrity of our nation’s waters—to California’s many water-related rights, laws, and regulations. For Ventura Water there are also local mandates, including the Consent Decree that addresses wastewater discharge into the Santa Clara River Estuary. To understand and adhere to the multitude of laws and regulations requires legal expertise.

Miles Hogan came to the City in 2016 and currently serves as a Senior Assistant City Attorney. He holds an undergraduate degree in marine biology from UCLA and a law degree from UC Davis with certifications in environmental law and public interest law. Miles’ education combined with his experience at a private law firm representing public agencies, primed him to be Ventura Water’s legal counselor.

He also advises the City’s Water Commission. In addition, Miles supervises the City Attorney’s Office Transactional team of attorneys, who advise all city departments on their contracts and agreements, draft ordinances and resolutions, and give general legal advice. His efforts are supported by the Office’s executive assistant, who assists Ventura Water by processing legal services agreements and invoices, scheduling negotiation meetings, processing important documents, and other related work.

Miles explains that the City’s water and wastewater issues are unique due to the diversity of its resources and services provided. Regulations change depending on the type of source—whether surface water from Lake Casitas and the Ventura River, or subsurface water from local groundwater basins. As we prepare to accept our allocation from the State Water Interconnection Project, other legal considerations will come into play. And as we shift to reusing our water resources with the VenturaWaterPure Program, there are specific legal considerations for implementation of this beneficial technology. The City conforms to laws protecting endangered and threatened species as we draw water from the river and discharge treated wastewater into the estuary. Ventura Water provides potable water service to customers in the geographically separated Saticoy Club community, and wastewater service to customers along the Rincon, which periodically presents unique legal issues. And our Mobile Reuse Program has its legal constraints and requirements.

When asked what he enjoys most about his position, Miles says that there is always something new to address which means his job is always interesting. He also greatly enjoys serving the public and working with the wonderful staff at the City (his words). Asked about job challenges, he says the diversity of Ventura Water’s portfolio is a mixed blessing because, though it gives Ventura more resilience to climate change impacts or emergencies, defending and protecting our varied water resources requires constant work by a team of people including him, Ventura Water staff, and outside firms that support the City. Protecting the City’s water resources on behalf of its customers is a very fulling career which Miles appreciates every day.

Motivation in Motion

Leslie and her students at the Regency Palms Senior Living getting a head-to-toe workout.

by Leslie Sokol

Physical activity is a great way to boost your health and mood. As you age, staying active and healthy can help you maintain the ability to do the activities you have always enjoyed most. However, it can be difficult at times to find the energy or desire to follow through on your fitness goals. In order to make sure you stay on track, it’s important to understand what motivation is and how you can use it to your advantage.

What is Motivation?

Motivation is a process that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. In short, motivation causes you to act in a way that gets you closer to your goals, needs, desires, wants or drives. Motivation creates action — the more you plan and the more you achieve, the more motivated you feel to continue driving that action forward. It also reflects something unique about each one of us and allows us to gain valued outcomes like improved performance, enhanced well-being, personal growth, and a sense of purpose. Motivation is a pathway to changing your way of thinking, feeling and behaving.

There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation comes from within you – you choose to do an activity for its inherent satisfaction. When you are intrinsically motivated, the reward is the enjoyment of the task and the satisfaction of seeing it through. You might feel inspired because what you are doing aligns with your personal core values. Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors. It describes behavior driven by external rewards, such as money or social recognition. These two types of motivation aren’t mutually exclusive. Motivation is typically a blend of internal and external factors that contribute to your desire to stay committed or interested in a position, goal or subject.

There are eight types of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation:

1) Attitude

2) Achievement

3) Incentive

4) Power

5) Fear

6) Expectancy

7) Affiliation

8) Competence

Several factors can contribute to your motivation levels and they can affect your productivity, dedication and commitment to work and success.

Motivation and Exercise

One area that almost all of us struggle with is staying motivated to exercise on a regular basis.

We know that consistency is the key to achieving the results we want but we find ourselves making excuses to skip workouts. It’s crucial to be able to motivate yourself on days when you’re not feeling excited about working out.

Once you do get motivated to exercise just know that you have to work at it consistently and stay focused on your goals. Be patient with yourself, results do not happen overnight! Remember to pat yourself on the back and give yourself lots of credit for staying motivated and consistent with your exercise plan. You can achieve anything you set your mind to, stay motivated, have fun, and keep moving!

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089 or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolDance.com

Staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.”

by National Institute on Aging

Many people want the same things as they get older: to stay in their own homes, to maintain independence for as long as possible, and to turn to family and friends for help when needed. Staying in your own home as you get older is called “aging in place.” But many older adults and their families have concerns about safety, getting around, or other daily activities. Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. This article offers suggestions to help you find the help you need to continue to live independently.

The best time to think about how to age in place is before you need a lot of care. Planning ahead allows you to make important decisions while you are still able.

The first step is to think about the kinds of help you need now and might want in the future. You can learn about home-based care and other services in your community and find out what they cost. Planning ahead also gives you time to set up your home to meet your needs as you age.

Another step is to consider any illnesses, such as diabetes or heart disease, that you or your spouse might have. Find out about how the illness could make it hard for someone to get around or take care of themselves in the future. Your health care provider can help answer your questions.

Talk with your family, friends, and other caregivers about what support is needed for you to stay in your home. Be realistic and plan to revisit the decision as your needs change over time.

Support for aging at home

Home-based care includes health, personal, and other support services to help you stay at home and live as independently as possible. In-home services may be short-term — for someone who is recovering from an operation, for example — or long-term, for people who need ongoing help.

In many cases, home-based support is provided at home by informal caregivers, such as family members, friends, and neighbors. It can also be supplemented by formal caregivers and community services.

Help you can receive at home includes:

Personal care: Help with everyday activities, also called “activities of daily living,” including bathing, dressing, grooming, using the toilet, eating, and moving around — for example, getting out of bed and into a chair

Household chores: Housecleaning, yard work, grocery shopping, laundry, and similar chores around the house

Meals: Shopping for food and preparing nutritious meals

Money management: Tasks such as paying bills and filling out health insurance forms

Health care: Help with many aspects of health care, including giving medications, caring for wounds, helping with medical equipment, and providing physical therapy

Transportation: Assistance getting around, such as rides to the doctor’s office or grocery store

Safety: Home safety features and help in case of a fall or other emergency

Join the Creative Team at CAPS

Happy New Year from CAPS. We are looking forward to another entertaining, educational, and productive year serving the Ventura community. We encourage everyone in Ventura to join us and take advantage of the limitless creative opportunities and resources available at the CAPS Media Center.

To see and experience what CAPS has to offer we invite Venturans to drop by the CAPS Media Center for member orientation and demonstration sessions during the first week of every month. All of the meetings are held at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center at 65 Day Road.

General Orientation sessions on the first Monday of the month and directed by Donald McConnell, operations manager, Studio/Soundstage Tours are on the first Tuesday directed by Phil Taggart, producer/trainer, Editing and Videography Orientations are on the first Wednesday, directed by Gary Roll or Alex Uvari, and CAPS Radio Orientations are on the second Thursday directed by Elizabeth Rodeno, Radio/Program director.

The informative sessions give guests the opportunity to meet the knowledgeable CAPS staff members, learn what CAPS has to offer and understand the requirements and resources of a CAPS membership. Following orientation sessions individuals are invited to become CAPS Members.

Anyone who lives, works, or attends school within the City of Ventura is invited to become CAPS Members. Nonprofit organizations located in Ventura County are also eligible to be members. Annual membership fees are $40 per year for individuals and $100 per year for nonprofit organizations and may designate up to four persons to be active members at CAPS.

CAPS Members receive free training in all aspects of media production including camera and video production, studio and radio production, postproduction editing, story development, scripting, and storytelling. All CAPS programming, including Member Productions, must be commercial free.

CAPS Radio Members are distinct from CAPS Media memberships. Radio membership requires a separate membership fee of $50 per year. Radio Members receive training to produce programming in multiple formats including music, talk, reviews, event coverage and more. CAPS Radio broadcasts in Ventura on 104.1fm, online at capsmedia.org and on myTunerRadio.

CAPS Members are encouraged to schedule one-on-one training sessions with skilled CAPS staff members in all aspects of media production. The timing of the training is set up directly by the Member with the CAPS Staff trainer.

CAPS, Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura, is an independent non-profit organization, not a division of the City of Ventura. The CAPS Mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media.

The CAPS staff manages the CAPS Media Center and programs cable television channels 6 (Public) and 15 (Education and Government), and CAPS Radio KPPQ. CAPS is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community members and representatives from the City, County, VUSD and Ventura College.

The CAPS Media Center is Open Tuesday – Thursday, 12p– 8pm. CAPS encourages everyone to drop by and check us out or join one of the orientation sessions during the first week of each month.

The CAPS Media Center and staff provide unlimited resources and expertise for everyone in Ventura. Drop by, see what CAPS has to offer you, and consider joining the CAPS Creative Community.

Huge waves crashed in Ventura

From the Ventura Fire Department

“On December 28, at 10:50am, fire units were dispatched to a reported ocean rescue with multiple victims in the water. Firefighters arrived and located two surfers in distress with State Lifeguards initiating a rescue.”

“While on scene a large wave approached the brick wall at the end of Seaward Avenue, overtopping the wall and injuring multiple people on scene.”

“Firefighters quickly conducted an assessment and found nine victims needing treatment and transportation to the emergency room. Due to the number of injured individuals, a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) was declared. While responding to the MCI, a state lifeguard went missing with a victim in the water, and a “mayday” was declared to rescue the swimmer and victim.”

“As firefighters were handling the rescue, they also received a report of smoke from a commercial building on Seaward. Other units on scene worked to address that incident simultaneously. that was also handled with units on scene. “

“The Ventura Fire Department urges the public to head warnings from public safety officials, obey posted signage, and stay out of coastal areas if possible.”

The incident happened as locals were being warned about a massive swell pounding the Southern California coastline.

The rogue waves submerged bystanders at Pierpont Beach on Seaward Ave. That area has been hit the hardest with what the National Weather Service called “tremendous wave energy.”

Beachgoers were seen frantically running for their lives. The raging waters destroyed the windows of nearby beachfront buildings and hotels on its destructive path.

Nine people were rescued by San Pedro St. and Seaward Ave . with no life-threatening injuries reported. The injured were taken to hospitals in Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Pylons were knocked loose from under the pier. The pier has been closed for nearly a year from damage sustained in storms but had been to set to reopen as early as March, The city will now have to survey damage done by the high surf and reassess the timetable.

Waves crashed in Ventura at heights between 9 and 15 feet with sets up to 18 feet, said Carol Smith, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. ‘There’s pretty big surf coming through the (Santa Barbara) channel,’ she said. “The swells are churning up because of a storm system over the Pacific.”

Lifeguards had been on rescues much of the day and that work continued Thursday afternoon, she said. The agency had made a decision to close some of its beachside campgrounds ahead of the storm surge.

Despite the warnings, visitors kept hanging out at the beach and entering the ocean, authorities said. When emergency personnel weren’t dealing with people on land, they were rescuing surfers and swimmers who had unsuccessfully tried to challenge the dangerous waves.

Huge waves crashed in Ventura

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A new partnership will help curb bullying and threats of violence

Gaggle creates a safer school environment.

The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) announced an impactful collaboration with the school safety technology company Gaggle. This partnership aims to launch a SpeakUp for Safety tipline, enabling students to report threats of violence, instances of bullying, peers in crisis, and other imminent concerns affecting students’ well-being and security in a simple and confidential manner.

Gaggle’s team of safety professionals will diligently monitor the SpeakUp for Safety tipline 24/7 during the regular school year and summer school sessions. Non-life-threatening tips will be swiftly directed to designated school or district staff members. In more severe situations, district-appointed contacts will be promptly notified to take necessary action. In cases of immediate danger to a student when Gaggle cannot reach a district-appointed contact, law enforcement will be alerted for immediate intervention.

“Our district chose to implement Gaggle SpeakUp as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students. By partnering with Gaggle, we aim to enhance and cultivate a culture where students feel empowered to speak up and feel heard, supported, and protected within our school community,” stated Maria Elizarraras, Director of Student Support Services.

For further information about VUSD’s Gaggle implementation, please contact Marieanne Quiroz, Public Information Officer at VUSD, via email at [email protected].

Since 1999, Gaggle has been the leader in helping K-12 districts manage student safety on school-provided technology. Using an effective combination of artificial intelligence and trained safety experts, the solution proactively assists districts 24/7/365 in the prevention of student suicide, bullying, inappropriate behaviors, school violence, and other harmful situations. Most importantly, Gaggle continues to help hundreds of districts across the country avoid tragedies and save lives, while also protecting their liability. For more information, visit www.gaggle.net and follow Gaggle on Twitter at @Gaggle_K12.

The District is made up of an early childhood education program, 26 elementary, middle, and high schools, with more than 16,000 school-age students, an adult education center, 2,000 staff, and a wealth of parents and community members who all strive to help our children find their passion—academically and personally.

For more information, visit www.venturausd.org or call 805-641-5000.

“The British are coming! The British are coming!”

That was the warning the brave and legendary Paul Revere announced as he galloped through the streets of Concord over three hundred years ago warning the populace about the threat of a British invasion.

Now the Brits have had their sweet revenge. Sixty years ago an unlikely quartet from England—Liverpool to be precise—invaded America—and conquered the nation in what turned out to be a bloodless revolution.

We are talking, of course, about 1964, the historic year that John Paul George and Ringo showed up in America—and without spilling a drop of blood were triumphant as they re-wrote rock and roll history. And in doing so, thousands of young women—from sea to shining sea– fell at their feet as the Beatles offered to hold their hand!

Ventura “historian” and author Ivor Davis had an exclusive front row seat as this Invasion exploded. Embedded with the raiders, he will reveal behind the scenes details of this astonishing coup at the Museum of Ventura County, on Thursday Jan 25 at 6 pm.

Davis will introduce his new 60th anniversary “Beatles and Me On Tour” book—and promises to reveal all– despite the consequences. The true story behind the story.

How the USA surrendered to these four lads from Britain, without a single shot being fired!
For full details go to the Museum of Ventura County website

Flak jackets will not be required at the Museum.

For more museum events go to https://venturamuseum.org.

CAREGIVERS Volunteers

Sonia S., Sharon L., Debbie and Pat M meeting for lunch.

My name is Debbie Lasley, the new Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for CAREGIVERS Volunteers Assisting the Elderly. After 15 years in management with the volunteer department at St. John’s Hospital in Camarillo, I took a career leap last September and joined the volunteer caregiving movement here in Ventura County. I joined Caregivers in September 2023.

My new role here is a dream come true and I’m making every effort to reach out share all the new and exciting ways to volunteer. Maintaining relationships are at the heart and soul of my commitment to coaching, training, interviewing and scheduling new and returning volunteers. I look forward to creating a fun and exciting environment working with people who are as committed as I am to serve our aging population. You may feel like I do that I get as much or more than I give from these experiences.

The benefits of volunteering help us age better ourselves. Giving to others can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and bring meaning and purpose to your life. It can also help protect your mental and physical health, reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.

With our Careworks Online system, volunteering is only a click away. Requests from seniors are added on a daily basis. You choose the date and time you are available to lend a hand with Transportation, Shop & Drop, Household Chores, Honey Do’s (small tasks), Organizing etc. (All the services we provide are non medical). It’s easier than ever, and I am happy to assist with an in person training to guide you through the process.

CAREGIVERS is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and it’s up to us to determine what the next 40 years looks like. We’re off to a good start going into 2024 and it should come as no surprise that the needs of these vulnerable populations we serve will require more commitment, more support. Please join us in inviting your friends and family to campion this important mission. We’ll be joining a national campaign, inviting donors to support us and encouraging new volunteers to give 40 hours over 40 weeks. Neighbors helping Neighbors is a simple idea that can change someone’s life, maybe even yours!

Please give me call at (805) 658-8530 or email [email protected].

City of Ventura’s Finance Department earns excellence in financial reporting award

“Financial transparency is the cornerstone of our work.”

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Ventura Finance Department for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year 2022.

“Financial transparency is the cornerstone of our work, and we’re thrilled to receive recognition from the GFOA for our commitment,” said Chief Financial Officer Greg Morley. “This award reflects the dedication of our year-round team, ensuring efficient operations to serve our residents.”

An impartial panel judged the report to meet the program’s high standards, demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure” to effectively communicate the city’s financial story and engage readers.

The Certificate of Achievement, the pinnacle of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, signifies a significant achievement by the city and its management.

Led by Accounting Manager Jason Williams, Treasury Manager Jennifer Rowe, and Senior General Ledger Accountant James Lewis, the project received special acknowledgment for the contributions of General Ledger Accountants Jodi Pinyo, Brenda Taylor, and Erwin Kosasih, and Senior Accountant Mary Hilke.