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A very busy 2023 for Caps Media

The entire CAPS Media Crew offer our thanks to everyone in Ventura and Ventura County for their tremendous support throughout 2023. All year long CAPS Media crews provided production services for the entire community and created informative, educational, and engaging productions with Ventura City staff and agencies throughout the county.

For the City, CAPS operations manager Donald McConnell and his sidekick Manny Reynoso, recorded and broadcast 48 individual meetings at city hall, totaling more than 170 hours of live programming, all broadcast on CAPS channel 15 and streamed online. The rebroadcasts of the city meetings exceeded 300 hours of information for the community.

CAPS video crews, led by master videographer/editors Gary Roll and Alex Uvari, working in concert with the City Public Information Officers, produced dozens of informative productions for multiple city departments.

At the CAPS Media Center, the talented and dedicated CAPS/KPPQ DJs, directed by radio manager Elizabeth Rodeno, produced more than 150 hours of community talk shows and 300 hours of original music shows, informing and entertaining Venturans and audiences worldwide at 104.1 FM and on myTuner Radio.

Throughout the year, students in the CAPS/ECTV media career program, mentored by Phil Taggart, wrote, produce, directed, hosted, and edited dozens of award-winning programs on wide ranging topics. The ECTV students were also vital crew members in CAPS’ recording and live broadcasting of graduation ceremonies for Ventura College and all VUSD high schools and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

CAPS Media presentations for government and nonprofit agencies expanded to include Ventura County Criminal Justice Center, Ventura College Foundation, Ventura Regional Firesafe Council, the Housing Trust Fund of Ventura County and more.

High on the list of very special projects in 2023 were CAPS’ collaborations with the outstanding staff at the Museum of Ventura County, creating a variety of media productions for Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. Media productions included episodes for “Voices of Ventura County,” “Feast or Flop” and “Ventura County: The Place We Call Home.”

In October CAPS held an Open House at the CAPS Media Center inviting the public to meet the CAPS crew, tour the facility, and engage in informative demonstrations on all aspects of media production.

For everyone interested in learning more about CAPS Media and CAPS Radio, separate orientations are held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month beginning on January 10 for CAPS Media and on the 2nd Thursday of the month beginning on January 11 for CAPS Radio KPPQ. The member orientations are held at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. The center is open to the public every week, Tuesday-Thursday noon to 8pm.

Early in 2024 CAPS Members will be able to schedule one-on-one media training with the knowledgeable CAPS staff using an updated CAPS website launching in February.

As the year draws to a close, the entire CAPS Media staff want to express our appreciation to the members of the dedicated CAPS Media Board of Directors: Cliff Rodrigues, Board Chair, Darryl Dunn, Vice Chair and Treasurer, Kathleen Good, Secretary and Pam Baumgardner, Michael Velthoen, Cathy Peterson, Bill Schneider, Heather Sumagaysay and Michael MacDonald representing the City, and Marieanne Quiroz representing the VUSD.

Thank you all for another wonderful year of serving the Ventura community. Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2024.

A Message from Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura CEO, Patti Birmingham:

Our teens gave back to their community by volunteering.

The holiday season brings thoughts of loved ones and those who mean the most to us.
At the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, this includes all the incredible community supporters that help make dreams for our kids come true!  For those of you who have shared your time, talents, and treasure with us in 2023 we thank you, on behalf of our kids and staff. I can tell each of you, with full purpose of heart, that YOUR support has contributed to a life-long impact in the lives of our community’s youth. Ventura County is a great place to work and live.

About Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura:

We provide very affordable, out of school time programs in East and West Ventura, Saticoy, and Oak View. Our goal is to meet youth “where they stand” in their academic, social, and emotional development. Each child is unique and our staff who mentor and encourage our kids welcome all who come through our doors, regardless of circumstances. We are also meeting the needs of our families – providing free Club membership and transportation (from school to the Club) for middle school and high school members, with need-based Club membership scholarships for elementary youth as well.

Our programs are centered around building academic success, emphasizing social and emotional development; and partnering with other groups and organizations to provide a wide range of interesting, engaging offerings to our kids – such as STEM, arts, physical fitness, specialty clubs, and leadership & community service opportunities. Our programs are designed to establish character, confidence, leadership and build the steps toward a life of health and wellness. Our days are filled with fun in a welcoming setting where “kids can be kids”.

Holiday Season Fun:

Aera Energy and Realty One Group Summit provided gifts and some clothes to some of our Club members throughout Ventura, Oak View and Saticoy. Members were able to receive shoes, clothes, and other items. They were so grateful that most were wearing their new clothes the next day.

The Oak View teens volunteered to hand out Turkeys to families for Thanksgiving and baked cookies for their schoolteachers for Christmas. They were also very excited to participate in a Secret Santa exchange and White Elephant game.

Our Westview teens gave back to their community by volunteering at the West End Holiday event with Arise Ventura, Rotary Club of Ventura, Coats for Kids, SoCalGas, Interact, Children’s Hunger Fund, CHP and Spark of Love, where over 500 youth and their families received coats, toys and food. At the Westview Clubhouse, our kids made snow globe souvenirs for their loved ones and baked some homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Our Saticoy teens co-hosted the annual “Share-iff’s Toy Drive”, an annual event with Ventura Sheriff’s Department, which was a huge success. The event provided toys for community youth and our Club kids. There were horses, Santa, snow cones, and lots of Holiday fun!

Learn More – Building a Great Future for Our Community:

For those who are interested in learning more about our four Boys & Girls Clubhouses serving kids 6-18 years of age with very affordable, out of school time programs in Ventura, Saticoy, and Oak view, please reach out to us for more information. Join us as families utilizing our services, or as caring community members able to support, either financially or as volunteers – or all the above! We would love to hear from you!

For more information:

Website: www.bgclubventura.org

Phone: 805-641-5585 – [email protected]

Happy Holidays to you and yours! May your coming year be filled with great joy and fulfillment!

Firefighters respond to traffic collision with vehicle 100’ over the side and 5 patients

On Dec.22, fire units were dispatched to a traffic collision with extrication on Poli. Firefighters arrived within 5 minutes of dispatch to find a vehicle 100’ over the side with 5 patients. Two engines and ladder truck worked together to safely rescue all 5 patients and safely get them back up on to the pavement. The local hospital was immediately notified to ensure we did not overwhelm any trauma centers. All patients were transported rapidly with fire personnel assisting assessment and treatment en route to ER.

Soroptimist 17th Annual STOP Human Trafficking

Soroptimist International will sponsor the 17th Annual STOP Human Trafficking Community Walk and Speaker Panel on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa Street, in downtown Ventura.

The event starts with an awareness walk down Main Street and follows with a speaker panel — Dr. Anthony Walls, co-founder of Healthcare for All; Alia Azariah, Survivor/Advocate from Safe House Project; Detective Kellyn King, Simi Valley PD, Major Crimes Department; and Sandy Esparza, Survivor/Advocate from Zoe International.

Social service agencies will be on site with additional information. The Event is from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00p.m. and free to the public.

The four Ventura County Soroptimist International clubs—SI Oxnard, SI Ventura, SI Camarillo, and SI Channel Islands continue a “Dream Big” community awareness campaign with digital signage on the 101 Freeway for January: National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. The goal is to raise a new and/or renewed awareness about the heinous crime of sex and labor trafficking that happens throughout Ventura County.

For more information go to www.stoptraffickingventuracounty.org

Vol. 17, No. 07 – Dec 27, 2023 – Jan 9, 2024 – Police Reports

Attempt murder and assault with a deadly weapon

On Dec.16, at about 6:00 am, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received several 911 calls from the area of 1300 Saratoga Ave about an unknown altercation. While speaking with Dispatchers, callers said they heard gunfire. Patrol officers arrived on scene within two minutes of the call. Officers were able to locate the victim and begin life-saving measures. Additional officers found the suspect and took him into custody without further incident. Ventura Police Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives are continuing the investigation. The victim is currently in stable condition. The suspect was identified as Stephen Wilkie 64-year-old Ventura resident and was arrested for Attempt Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Deceased female victim

On December 17, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call reference a female subject disturbing in the 200 block of Ute Ln. Upon arrival, patrol officers contacted the suspect Megan Frisbie 38-years-old. Frisbie lived nearby and made statements that led officers to believe a crime occurred inside of her residence. Officers entered Frisbie’s residence and discovered a deceased female victim. Frisbie was transported to the police station for questioning. Police detectives began investigating and later arrested Frisbie for 187 PC – Murder. Frisbie was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Frisbie has been charged with murder in the death of her mother. She has also been charged with felony elder or dependent adult abuse in connection with the death of Ann Bauman, 74 on Dec.11.. She remains in custody with bail set at $1 million.

Stabbing Arrest

On December 24, at 5am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of subjects fighting on California St. just south of Main St. Upon arrival, officers located a male adult who had just been the victim of a stabbing. Ventura Fire and AMR treated the victim’s injuries on scene then transported him to a local hospital.

During their investigation officers learned that a group of subjects were involved in a fight, which ended when the suspect stabbed the victim with a knife. The suspect, identified as Jeremy Delgado (37 Years old / Ventura Resident) was still nearby and was arrested without incident.

Major Crime Detectives responded to assist with the investigation. Delgado was later booked at Ventura County Jail for 245(a)(1) PC- Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The victim is expected to recover from his injuries.

Some remarkable people rest at Ventura’s Ivy Lawn

Ballplayer Charlie Hall is buried at Ivy Law

by Richard Senate

A visit to the Ivy Lawn Cemetery is a a journey back to the very roots of our history because many unique and special people rest here. As the fall Season is here cemeteries and graveyards are highlighted in advertisings and media at this time of year so a look at who rests at our 1917 era cemetery. The list is long and includes some amazing people. I will start with the most famous of the lot, once the richest man in Ventura County and a true mover and shaker from the world of politics.

US Senator Thomas R. Bard (1841-1915) The senator built Port Hueneme and sponsored a young George Patton for West Point.

Congressman General William Vandever (1811- 1845) Union General who served under General Sherman in the Civil War and was part of the capture of Atlanta.

Congressman Marion Cannon (1834-1920) Reformer, served in the 53rd Congress as a member of the now defunct Populist Party.

State Assemblyman Charles R. “Chuck” Imbrect, (1949-2000) Two term State Assemblyman and lawyer attended Ventura High School (a classmate of mine). He ran for State Senator but lost.

Actress Ethel Clayton (1882-1966) She began her film career in 1909 with the movie Justified. A very beautiful starlet she aged well and made the transition into talkies playing wealthy, snobbish matrons in such films as Alan Ladd’s The Blue Dahlia

Actress Bessie Eyton (1890-1965) She became a star on the New York stage before making the transition into silent films.

Actor John “Johnny” Leal (1905 -1980) A little person, he was blessed by a great singing voice that helped him find jobs on the circus and vaudeville stage .

Voice Actor Knox Manning (1905-1996) Voice Actor for many radio shows such as “Congo Bill”, “The Desi Arnez Show,” “The Phantom,” “Batman” and “The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”.

Ballplayer Charlie Hall (1887-1943) Born in Ventura he started playing local baseball making it into the big leagues as a pitcher at the age of 21. When he retired from baseball he joined the Ventura Police Department.

Ballplayer Fred Snodgrass (1887-1979) A noted outfielder he played for the New York Giants

Football player Eric Turner (1968-2000) Defensive linebacker he played for the Cleveland Browns and The Oakland Raiders.

Alexander Sarantos Tremolis (1914-1991) Car designer worked for Cord Automotive, Duesenberg, Ford as well as took part in the design of the innovative Tucker Automobile.

The Mass grave of the victims of the Saint Francis dam failure and flood on March 13, 1928. Over 500 people lost their lives that terrible night. Many of the bodies, battered beyond recognition, were recovered at the Santa Clara delta, they were buried at Ivy Lawn. Only a few were identified.

The Rotary Club of Ventura fourth annual holiday event

Approximately 500 children attended with their families.

The Rotary Club of Ventura co-hosted its fourth annual Holiday Event for Ventura Westside Families on Saturday, December 16, 2023.  Approximately 500 children attended with their families and received free coats, toys, earrings for mom, a food box, a hot lunch, and a photo opportunity with Santa and his Elf.  The event was held at Arise Ventura, 831 N. Olive Street, Ventura.

Hosting the event were Arise Ventura, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, CHP, Children’s Hunger Fund, Coats for Kids, The Gideons International, Interact, Rotary Club of Ventura, Spark of Love (fire departments), and a generous donation of coats from SoCalGas.

Mr. Neal Lassila, President of the Rotary Club of Ventura, said, “Our Rotary Club is proud to partner with SoCalGas and all the charitable teams and organizations who make this event happen.  The Westside Holiday Event has become our way of helping our neighbors who need our collective support to experience the spirit of the holiday season.   We help to provide coats, earrings for Mom, toys, food and of course a visit with our very own Rotary Santa!  We look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”

Ms. Maria Ventura, Senior Public Affairs Manager of SoCalGas, said, “SoCalGas is proud to support the Rotary Club of Ventura’s ‘Coats for Kids’ program which distributed hundreds of coats to children at this year’s holiday event.  The work Rotary does to serve our neighbors in need is truly inspiring and we are proud to support their efforts.  SoCalGas is committed to supporting local organizations that are working to bring holiday cheer.”

The Rotary Club of Ventura celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.  Its members include business leaders, nonprofit leaders and civic professionals who meet regularly and perform charity and community service in Ventura and throughout the world.  It is part of Rotary International, which has more than 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in 168 countries.  People join the club for fellowship, friendship and to give back to our local community and the beyond.  The Rotary Club is actively seeking new members. To learn more, visit [moorparkmorningrotary.com] venturarotary.org [venturarotary.org] .

Work complexity linked to better cognitive aging

Behavioral & Social Research

Higher occupational work complexity is associated with better cognition later in life, according to two recent NIA-funded studies published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Previous research has indicated that people with complex jobs have better cognitive function as they age and a lower risk of dementia. Both of the two new studies built on these findings by exploring multiple forms of occupational complexity and cognitive outcomes. Occupational complexity with “data, people, and things” was classified using the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, which catalogs the type of work activities involved in different occupations. Examples of jobs with high complexity in each of these areas include a data analyst, a social worker, and a watch repairman, respectively. Education, self-reported as the highest level of education completed, was statistically accounted for as it could indicate prior cognitive abilities before entering the workforce.

In the first study, researchers from Indiana University and collaborating institutions analyzed data from 355 older adults enrolled in the Social Networks in Alzheimer’s Disease study. The scientists examined participants’ neuropsychological test results, neuroimaging data, employment history, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia diagnoses. Most participants, age 70 on average, were retired and no longer working in their longest-held job. The researchers found complex work with people was associated with better memory, a decreased risk of MCI or dementia, and greater brain reserve — the gap between brain atrophy and poor cognitive function. After accounting for education, complexity with data or things was not associated with any cognitive outcome. These findings suggest that exposure to cognitive enrichment at work, especially via social interaction, may improve cognitive outcomes and increase cognitive resilience to neuropathology. However, a limitation of the study is that the participants were not a diverse sample.

In the other study, researchers from Kaiser Permanente Northern California; University of California, San Francisco; and collaborative institutions also looked at occupational complexity and cognition, specifically in a racially and ethnically diverse sample. Researchers interviewed 1,536 participants, average age of 76 years, in the Kaiser Healthy Aging and Diverse Life Experiences study, which consists of approximately equal numbers of Asian, Black, Latino, and White older adults. Three interview cycles were completed over an average of about two and a half years to measure initial cognition and change over time.

In line with the first study, higher occupational complexity with people was associated with better performance on cognitive measures. However, contrary to that study, higher occupational complexity with data was also found to be associated with better cognitive outcomes and a slower annual rate of cognitive decline. Differences in the methodologies between the two studies may contribute to this inconsistency, but further research is needed. Of note, a greater proportion of Black and Latino participants were categorized in jobs with lowest complexity for working with data and people.

These two studies add to an increasing body of research demonstrating that intellectually stimulating activities during midlife, such as complex work environments, may be associated with better cognitive outcomes among older adults. It’s important to note that the Dictionary of Occupational Titles assigns scores according to job titles and does not capture individual variability within the same title. Further research to better understand the pathways through which different types of occupational complexity affect cognition in later life could help to create work environments that promote cognitive health and health equity.

This research was supported in part by NIA grants.

Vol. 17, No. 07 – Dec 27, 2023 – Jan 9, 2024 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Wednes 12/6

 9:29am, dispatched to an Ocean Rescue at the Ventura Pier for swimmer in distress. Officers responded in the Fireboat and Rescue watercraft. The distressed swimmer was assisted to shore without injuries or issues.

Thursday 12/7

 12:05pm, dispatched to Schooner/Harbor for a technical rescue, person stuck 30ft up in a bucket utility truck. Officers responded and assisted VFD/VPD with the rescue of the tree trimmer. No injuries were sustained by the victim.

Friday 12/8

 9:26am, dispatched to an unconscious person at Olivas/Harbor. Officers responded with VFD/AMR and assisted with the patient treatment.

12:40pm, observed a 25ft motor vessel in violation of speed ordinance, officers were able to make contact and issue warnings for the violation.

7:50pm, while on patrol in Rescue B19, officers removed several fishermen hoop netting in prohibited areas around the Breakwall. Warnings issued.

Saturday 12/9

 10:58am, officers aboard the Fireboat assisting Standup paddlers who were attempting to attend the cancelled “Santa Paddle” in the harbor. Unfortunately, due to the Gale conditions the event was cancelled.

4:55pm, received report of injured seabird near Portside. Officers found the bird with a hook/fishing line but were unable to catch as it was able to fly away.

Sunday 12/10

 4:15pm, observed a small vessel excessively speeding through the harbor. Officers launched a vessel to pursue and were able to catch the vessel near the launch ramp. The skipper had also illegally placed and left hoop nets. Very stern written warnings issued and education of ordinances relayed to skipper.

Monday 12/11

 11:54am, officers removed a large Hazard to Navigation, a tree near the entrance. The hazard was towed downcoast near the Santa Clara River.

 

 

Tuesday 12/12

 6:05pm, received report of a transient locked in the restrooms in the village. Officers responded, convinced individual to move along after a prolonged period

Wednes 12/13

 10:45am, while on patrol in Fireboat, officers removed a hazard-to-navigation, a large tree adrift in the main channel. It was towed to the launch ramp.

5:05pm, observed illegally placed hoop nets near the breakwall. Officers contacted the fishermen, issued warnings, and moved nets to legal area.

Thursday 12/14

 7:43pm, dispatched to a medical at Ventura Marina Community club house. Officers responded with AMR/VFD and assessed a patient for nausea.

8:29pm, dispatched to a medical at a harbor hotel. Officers responded with AMR/Fire to assist with assessment of unconscious person.

Friday 12/15

 .10:41am, dispatched to an Ocean Rescue, wind surfer in distress in the east winds off Marina Park. Officers responded in the Fireboat, searching for the victim. The reporting party mistakenly thought buoys were a person in distress.

 
Saturday 12/16 6:15pm, received report of parking lot flooding at 1691 Spinnaker dr. A vehicle collided with pipes and cause the flood. Water for the area was secured.

Sunday 12/17

 9:37am, dispatched to an overdose on a vessel in the commercial slips. Officers responded with AMR/VFD found a person unresponsive, unable to resuscitate.

2:00pm, officers in Fireboat escorting the “Santa Paddle” from the South Harbor to Pierpont basin. Participants dressed up in various Christmas costumes, even a sailboat from last night’s parade, still decorated, joined the event.

Ventura Police urge responsible holiday celebrations and safe driving

This holiday season, the Ventura Police Department encourages the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs that can impair the ability to drive safely.

Through New Year’s Day, the Ventura Police Department will deploy additional officers on patrol to actively identify and apprehend drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. This heightened enforcement effort aligns with the national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put everyone on the road at risk.

“Prioritizing traffic safety during the holiday season is a collective responsibility that cannot be overstated,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “It’s about safeguarding lives and preventing DUI-related collisions on our roads. We all play a vital role in keeping our roads safe; please take your role seriously.”

Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow usage instructions and take note of any warnings related to driving or operating heavy machinery, which includes operating a vehicle. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is not. Marijuana can be impairing, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, which can also result in a DUI.

If you see someone driving impaired, always call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.